Cervecería La Tropical is looking to make waves in the RTD spirits market with the launch of what they are touting as the world’s first distilled beer cocktail.
La Tropical Mixología, released this year by the Miami brewery, is hoping to ignite a new category within the expansive RTD space while showcasing the brand’s approach to beverages that blend tradition with modern mixology.
“The ‘World’s 1st Distilled Beer Cocktail’ is our unique selling proposition, followed by great taste and fun flavors,” said Manny Portuondo, CEO of Cervecería La Tropical.
Working on development for the past two years, Mixología has a patent-pending process that involves triple distilling beer in a pot distillation process.
“Mixing the distilled beer spirit with other spirits such as rum, vodka, tequila, gin, etc., at the right proportion plus adding natural flavors to create a mixed cocktail was the key,” Portuondo said. “The product is very scalable as once all raw materials are in place, it can be mixed in one day and packaged the next.”
To bring this to life, La Tropical obtained a distillery license and invested in a deaerated water system, mixer, dosing system, pumps, and other specialized equipment. The brewery makes a fully fermented high-gravity beer that is highly hopped before the distillation process begins.
“When it is triple distilled, it still retains a floral nose and malty backbone,” Portuondo said. “This is what makes our Mixologia cocktail unique. It drinks like a cocktail but still retains some beer notes.”
Navigating regulatory challenges was one of the biggest hurdles.
“It was a regulatory nightmare at first, as it’s illegal to mix beer and spirits in a can,” Portuondo said. “Our Mixología innovation was finalized when we figured out that we could legally mix a distilled beer spirit with other spirits in a can. Once the beer is distilled, it’s no longer a beer. It’s now a beer spirit and legal to mix with other spirits.”
The product is taxed as a spirit, and its 5.9% ABV ensures broad retail availability in Florida.
Pasióntini, a Passion Fruit Vodka Martini Cocktail, and Havanito, a Blanco Rum Mojito Cocktail, are the first two brands to be released to the South Florida market and are being sold in four-pack boxes with 12-ounce slim cans.
Portuondo added that colorful and impactful packaging is there to send a message of the fun spirit of the La Tropical brand.
The South Florida roll-out is supported with extensive sampling programs, event sponsorships such as pool and beach parties, and digital media with the message of why choose between beer and spirits when you can drink both together in a premium mixologist-quality cocktail?
South Florida serves as the initial test market, but the company has its sights set on a national expansion.
“Key metrics that will determine the pace of the rollout include rate of sale, penetration, consumer purchase intent, and brand likeability,” Portuondo said.
Publix and other major retailers in the region have already authorized the product, positioning it for significant market penetration.
Targeting the RTD consumer base, Mixología is designed for those aged 21-35 who appreciate premium, easy-to-drink cocktails with bold flavors.
“La Tropical Mixología packaging is colorful and fun, consistent with the La Tropical brand positioning of sun, fun, and rhythm,” Portuondo said. “For this group of consumers, it’s all about lifestyle and new experiences.”
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With three patents filed, La Tropical is solidifying a first-mover advantage in the emerging ‘Distilled Beer Cocktail’ category.
“This category did not exist until now,” Portuondo said. “We have filed at least three patents: the technology and process to create a distilled beer spirit, the final beer spirit itself, and the mixing of our unique flavors.”
On-premise sales will be instrumental in building consumer adoption.
“Both on- and off-premise will play big roles,” Portuondo said. “Our rollout plan includes significant sampling activations in key on-premise accounts, stadiums, and events such as pool and beach parties.
“Having both on- and off-premise work simultaneously is important.”
Looking ahead, La Tropical envisions Mixología as the start of a broader movement in beer-distilled cocktails.
“We think it could be a revolution,” Portuondo said. “We have two more flavors lined up for summer 2025 as well as an 8-pack variety pack.
“Also, now La Tropical operates as a distillery, which opens other spirit innovations down the line. In addition, we are also looking to fill a non-alcoholic gap in beer and water.”
Launched on January 29, Mixología is available at Cervecería La Tropical’s taproom in Wynwood and select South Florida retail locations. Distributed by Gold Coast Beverage, the four-packs are sold with a suggested retail price of $10.99-$11.49.
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