Refreshing sales
As summer heats up, consumers are reaching for refreshing alcoholic beverages to cool down and enjoy the sunny season., writes Donna Ahern
Print23 May 2025
From backyard barbecues to beachside get-togethers, the demand for crisp, flavourful drinks is higher at this time of year.
Retailers should be ready to meet this surge by stocking a mix of classic favourites and exciting new additions hitting the market. Summer staples like whiskey, liquors, canned cocktails, rosé wines, and light lagers continue to dominate, offering easy, portable options that suit any occasion.
Meanwhile, brands are rolling out innovative products infused with tropical fruits, botanical notes, and creative flavour pairings to entice adventurous palates. Whether it’s a sparkling spritz, a citrus-infused vodka, or a refreshing twist on a margarita, consumers are eager to discover their new go-to summer drink.
Lower-ABV and wellness-focused options are also gaining traction, appealing to those seeking balance without sacrificing taste. To stay ahead, retailers must embrace variety and keep an eye on emerging trends in the alcohol space. With the right mix of products on the shelves, there’s plenty of opportunity to capture the excitement of summer sipping and keep customers coming back for more. Get ready for the hottest alcoholic drink trends of the season!
Amy Huberman’s latest Spanish Sauvignon Blanc and Rosé Cava
As the days stretch longer and the evenings turn warmer, there’s nothing quite like a crisp, refreshing glass of wine to celebrate the season. Enter Amy Huberman’s latest creation — a beautifully bright and vibrant Spanish Sauvignon Blanc and Rose Cava that both perfectly captures the spirit of summer.
Known for her warmth, wit, and effortless style, Amy has poured that same energy into crafting a wine that feels like sunshine in a glass. Light, lively, and bursting with character, her new releases are the ultimate companion for lazy afternoons, garden parties, and sunset catch-ups with friends.
The Sauvignon Blanc is delicately balanced, with notes of juicy citrus, ripe peach, and a hint of wildflowers, each sip dances on the palate, offering a refreshing lift without ever feeling heavy. It’s the kind of wine that invites a second glass — and maybe even a third — as the conversation flows and the evening lingers.
Whether served chilled on its own or paired with fresh seafood, vibrant salads, or a simple picnic spread, Amy Huberman’s summer wine is destined to become your go-to bottle this season. Stylish yet approachable, elegant yet playful — just like Amy herself — it’s a taste of summer you’ll want to Savor again and again.
This summer, raise a glass to great company, unforgettable memories, and a wine that knows exactly how to make every moment shine.
Cheers to summer, Amy-style.
Happy birthday Punk IPA!
Brewdog Punk IPA
Cheers to 18 years!! The iconic Punk IPA, the beer that kick-started the BrewDog revolution, turns 18. Finally legal!
This scene-stealing flagship is an India Pale Ale that has become a byword for craft beer rebellion, synonymous with the insurgency against mass-produced, lowest common denominator beer. Punk IPA charges the barricades to fly its colours from the ramparts – full-on, full-flavour; at full-throttle.
Layered with new world hops to create an explosion of tropical fruit and an all-out riot of grapefruit, pineapple and lychee before a spiky bitter finish, this is the perfect drink to quench your thirst.
This 5.6% trans-atlantic fusion IPA is light golden in colour with tropical fruits and light caramel on the nose. The palate soon becomes assertive and resinous with the New Zealand hops balanced by the biscuit malt. The finish is aggressive and dry with the hops emerging over the warming alcohol.
This fresh, full flavour natural beer is our tribute to the classic IPAs of yester-year. The post-modern twist is the addition of amazing fruity hops giving an explosion of tropical fruit flavours and a sharp bitter finish.
On the newness front, Brewdog has launched its newest, most sessional IPA – Wingman.
When you’re looking for a complex, interesting and infinitely drinkable Session IPA, Wingman has your back. Citrus. Biscuity. Fruity. A maverick of a Session IPA, Wingman is a smooth ride of mellow tropical fruits, piney notes and sharp citrus aroma.
Refreshing, infinitely drinkable and with a steady boozing altitude of 4.3%, you’ll want to keep Wingman by your side all night long. Prepare ground control. Refreshment incoming.
Welcome Wingman to the stage, a session IPA that’s sure to be your new go-to.
Available in retailers nationwide, you can’t miss this unique packaging!
Brewdog is proudly distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam
Disaronno celebrates 500 years of the world’s favourite Italian liqueur
Disaronno
In 2025, Disaronno celebrates 500 years of the world’s favourite Italian liqueur. Disaronno Originale has been delighting palates for centuries, and 2025 marks a significant milestone in its history.
From legend to icon: A 500-year legacy
Originating in Saronno, Italy, Disaronno’s secret recipe dates back to 1525, when artist Bernardino Luini, a student of Leonardo da Vinci, was commissioned to paint a fresco in Saronno. Inspired by a local innkeeper, his muse, she gifted him a fragrant amber liqueur – the origin of Disaronno. Passed down through generations, Domenico Reina established the brand in the early 1900s
The iconic square cap bottle, handcrafted in Murano, Venice, is celebrated as a masterpiece of Italian craftsmanship and a global symbol of Italian style and was once displayed at the Louvre in Paris.
Disaronno embodies the essence of the Italian Dolce Vita, illustrating elegance, taste, tradition, and unmistakable Italian style. It enhances the pleasure of sharing moments together, reflecting a uniquely Italian way of living.
The rich taste and elegance of Disaronno Originale make it a versatile liqueur that can be enjoyed on the rocks or to create a delicious variety of craft cocktails such as a refined Disaronno Sour or a refreshing Disaronno Spritz. A modern addition to the heritage of the brand, Disaronno Velvet delivers an all-white, silky-smooth texture and persistent floral and fruity fragrance that is perfect over ice for a unique and fresh taste or can be mixed to enhance your favourite cocktail with its refreshingly smooth taste.
Get creative this summer and celebrate five centuries of Disaronno with cocktails that inspire the Endless Dolce Vita:
Disaronno Spritz
A refreshing, low-alcohol drink with a distinct character. The original taste and unmistakable aroma of Disaronno® is combined with fizzy soda bubbles, a dash of sugar syrup and fresh lemon juice for a refreshing and thirst-quenching cocktail.
Ingredients
45 ml Disaronno
150 ml Soda Water or Sparkling Water
Fresh lemon juice
A dash of sugar syrup (optional)
Method
Pour Disaronno over ice, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a dash of sugar syrup, and top up with soda water. Stir and garnish with lemon zest, enjoy!
Disaronno is proudly distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.
Kylie Minogue Wines, crafted with passion and integrity, perfect for every occasion
Kylie Minogue holding a bottle of Kylie White Prosecco
Launched in 2020 on Kylie’s birthday, 28 May, the Rosé quickly became one of the most successful launches in its category ever. Kylie Minogue Wines has evolved into a worldwide phenomenon with a glass of Kylie Minogue Prosecco Rosé sold every six seconds.
Kylie Minogue Wines has sold nine million bottles since launch (that’s over 43 million glasses of Kylie Minogue Wine poured) and is available to purchase in 32 countries
Kylie Minogue now has five rosés in her wine portfolio – Sparkling Prosecco Spumante, Sparkling Prosecco Frizzante, Cotes des Provence, Signature Rosé and 0% Alcohol Sparkling Rosé.
This Signature range comprises two wines from France including the delicate pale-dry rosé made from Carignan, Grenache & Cinsualt grapes, a light and zesty Sauvignon Blanc from Côtes de Thau.
Kylie also has a delicious Prosecco Frizzante produced in the heart of Veneto on the picturesque hills of Gambellara. This wine is fresh and fragrant with a marked aromatic character rich in floral scents of acacia and wisteria flowers.
Which was followed by the launch of Kylie 0% Alcohol Sparkling Blanc. This is an elegant non-alcoholic Sparkling with delicate notes of jasmine and a refined finish, offering a sophisticated and refreshing experience for any occasion.
Produced with premium European grapes and hand-picked green tea from the Liu-Da Mountains of Yunnan. The innovative fermentation method reduces sugars by up to 30%, generates no alcohol yet delivers all the subtle flavours and characteristics of a traditionally fermented wine.’
According to Kylie, “Wine is such a historic part of our gatherings and celebrations, romantic evenings and after-work winddowns. I talk about this a lot with all my wines and is part of why I wanted to start this venture – the ‘experience’ of wine. The importance of the moment, whether it is for yourself or sharing it with others, can still be cherished with a non-alcoholic wine. Our 0% tastes like the wine you may be accustomed to but without the calories you would expect. The colour is gorgeous, the bubbles shimmer away in a champagne glass and it’s delicious. It still feels utterly celebratory.”
Award winning Busker Irish Whiskey
The Busker Irish Whiskey
The Busker Irish Whiskey has made great strides since its launch to market in 2020, and has become the eighth bestselling Irish Whiskey worldwide.
The Royal Oak Distillery is a world class distillery producing hand crafted Irish whiskey, proudly located on an 18th century estate in Ireland’s Ancient East region of County Carlow. The Royal Oak Distillery is the house of The Busker Irish Whiskey where we distil all three styles of Irish whiskey – pot still, malt and grain – under one roof. Carefully crafting an independent path to an authentic and high-quality Irish whiskey, The Busker balances tradition with innovative and modern techniques. At Royal Oak Distillery we use different casks during the maturation process of our The Busker whiskeys including bourbon casks, sherry casks, and marsala casks. A major point of differentiation for The Busker Irish Whiskey takes place during the aging process where the blend, Triple Cask Triple Smooth, and Single Grain expressions mature in rare and selected Cantine Florio (1833) Sicilian Marsala wine casks.
The Busker has recently taken home 4 gold awards from the Irish Whiskey Awards 2024. The Busker Single Pot Still and the Busker Single Malt both won gold for Irish Single Cask, 11 years and Younger. The Busker Triple Cask won gold for the best Blended Irish Whiskey under €50. And a future addition to the range, the Busker Small Batch Single Malt won gold for the best Irish Single Malt, 11 years & younger, under €60.
The Busker Single Pot Still recently also won gold at the Blas na hEireann Awards in late 2024. The Busker, produced at Royal Oak Distillery also took home the gold for Best Producer in County Carlow.
On a global level, The Busker comes out as #1 best-selling Irish Whiskey in Japan, with the Highball being the driver behind the impressive growth since its launch in 2020.
The Busker Single Pot Still is a distinctive expression to Ireland, created to bring you on a journey of exceptional character. Distilled in single pot stills and aged in both bourbon and sherry casks. On the nose, you experience rich complex notes of honey, oak, fudge, clove oil, and sometimes perfumed fresh flowers too. Taste buds kick off with some beautiful deep and intense rich spiciness with peppery notes and hints of vanilla and toffee fudge. Concluding with a long warm spicy finish.
The outstanding Single Malt matured in two different woods to bring you a complexity that is waiting to be experienced. Notes of fruit meet floral elderflower as the taste opens with intense richness, landing to a sweet chocolate note.
The Busker Triple Cask Triple Smooth, discovers a new you with a combination of 3 of the best whiskey styles that Ireland has to offer. Begin your journey with some rich tropical fruits and sweet vanilla notes as the taste buds begin to experience that beautiful malt, capping it all off with a superbly balanced mouth sweetness that begs for more.
The Busker Irish Whiskey is available nationwide and is proudly distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.
Villa Maria – Ireland’s No 1 New Zealand Wine Brand
Live in the Delicious
Known for their Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc, and more recently the delicious Villa Maria Blush Sauvignon – 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Merlot – adding a splash of colour and bringing out red fruit aromas of raspberries on the nose and palate. Blush also just got a beautiful label refresh, so ahead of the Irish summer it’s the perfect time to enjoy this deliciously refreshing NZ Wine.
It feels like everyone is drinking pink these days, says Villa Maria Head of Marketing and Communications Sarah Szegota. “Instagram feeds and social occasions are dominated by the fun-factor pale rosés and pink spirits offer, and data highlights this rapid growth in rosé. Yet despite all the noise, growth and ‘Grams’, the Rosé category remains dwarfed by Sauvignon Blanc. Villa Maria Sauvignon Blush gives you the best of both.”
“We’ve taken the cool, fresh, leap-from the glass energy of our world-renowned Sauvignon Blanc and added a splash of merlot to make a wine with a delicate pink hue, bursting with fresh flavours of passionfruit and cranberry.”
Villa Maria was founded in 1961 from humble beginnings; Villa Maria is a story of pioneering spirit and a desire to champion the best of New Zealand wine.
From the cool climate region of Marlborough, famous for crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, to the sun-soaked Hawkes Bay producing world-class reds, our wine is a unique expression of our extraordinary land, our passion for excellence and our bold spirit.
The portfolio of highly awarded wines is the most stylistically and regionally diverse in New Zealand, setting us apart and consistently delivering a rewarding wine experience.
As the leading winemakers in Marlborough with an unwavering focus on quality and sustainability, Villa Maria wines are distinctive, vibrant, and most importantly, delicious.
Today, Villa Maria is globally recognised and adored for bold, expressive and exceptional New Zealand wines.
Proudly distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam
Fercullen Irish Whiskey – Redefining summer sipping
Fercullen Irish Whiskey
For years, whiskey has been boxed in as a fireside sipper, but Fercullen Irish Whiskey is helping rewrite that narrative—one glass at a time. As the summer season stirs a craving for refreshing, complex drinks, whiskey is stepping confidently into the spotlight. And there’s no better ambassador for this spirited revolution than Fercullen 15-year-old, recently crowned World’s Best Grain at the prestigious World Whiskies Awards.
Crafted by the skilled team at Powerscourt Distillery, Fercullen 15 is a masterclass in smooth, layered elegance. Its rich vanilla, soft spice, and honeyed grain character shine equally well served neat, on the rocks, or as the base of a summer cocktail. In fact, its creamy finish and refined balance make it a standout in highballs, whiskey sours, or even a bold take on a whiskey spritz.
Summer drinking is all about versatility and experience—and Fercullen delivers on both fronts. Whether enjoyed in a tall glass on a summer’s day, paired with grilled seafood at a garden party, or stirred slowly into a late-evening old fashioned, it proves that great whiskey isn’t limited by season.
The rising interest in lighter whiskey expressions and creative serves is no coincidence. Consumers are looking for heritage and quality, but also for flexibility. Fercullen Irish Whiskey offers just that: a heritage rooted in the Wicklow mountains, a commitment to quality, and a forward-thinking approach to how whiskey can be enjoyed.
This summer, Fercullen invites you to look beyond the traditional and explore whiskey in a whole new light.
Fercullen 15 and the entire Fercullen range of whiskeys are available through Barry and Fitzwilliam or directly from Powerscourt Distillery.
Like Revenge, best served cold
Fierce Mild Non-Alc
Charged with juicy lemon zest and passion fruit hop aromas, and a refreshing, crisp finish, Fierce Mild has burst onto the rapidly growing Irish Low-and-No alcohol scene – a session ale for a summer session that never has to end. A beer defined by addition, not subtraction, Fierce Mild Brew Things Differently. Unlike most other non-alcoholic beers, they use a specialised yeast that limits fermentation naturally. No need to strip out alcohol – or flavour – after brewing. Irish-produced from start-to-finish and made with the highest quality ingredients from Origin Green certified suppliers and locally grown grains from sustainable farming practices, Fierce Mild is brewed to keep 100% of its character from the outset. The result? An unapologetically great-tasting non-alcoholic extra pale ale that defies convention, delivers everything you’d expect from a great beer and is anything but ordinary.
Like revenge, best served cold. Pouring nationwide in 330ml bottles and on draft. Available wholesale through Classic Drinks Ireland, delivering six-days/week.
Turn up the heat (and the Pink) this summer with i-Stil38 Pink Vodka
When the sun’s out, the cocktails should be too — and nothing says summer like the bold, refreshing splash of i-Stil38 Pink Vodka.
i-Stil38 Pink Vodka isn’t just another pretty face. Distilled with care and crafted for versatility, it brings a clean, subtly sweet finish that’s made for mixing. Whether you’re hosting garden parties or just catching the last rays of the day with friends, it’s the perfect base for drinks that taste as good as they look.
Think easy, breezy cocktails like:
Pink Spritz: i-Stil38 Pink Vodka, soda water, a squeeze of fresh lime, and a handful of ice — summer simplicity at its finest.
Berry Breeze: Muddle fresh berries, add a dash of lemon juice, a shot of Pink Vodka, top with tonic, and garnish with mint for a drink that’s as refreshing as it is Insta-worthy.
Pink Lemonade Punch: A crowd-pleaser with i-Stil38 Pink, cloudy lemonade, and a touch of elderflower — made for long afternoons and even longer laughter.
Delicious straight over ice or the star ingredient in your most creative mixes, i-Stil38 Pink Vodka lets you sip, shake, and stir your way through every sun-soaked moment.
This summer, go bold. Go pink. Go i-Stil38.
Peroni Nastro Azzurro
Peroni Nastro Azzurro
“Peroni Nastro Azzurro has always preserved the characteristic features of a “Made in Italy” product, which can be found in its balanced aroma and the quality of its ingredients. With a dry, refreshing taste, never too sweet on the palate thanks to the presence of Nostrano, a prestigious variety of Italian corn grown exclusively for Peroni Nastro Azzurro. The slightly bitter notes of the subtly aromatic hops are harmoniously balanced by a fragrance of flowers and spices. The high degree of attenuation makes it light and fragrant for a sense of freshness from the very first sip.”
Santa Rita
120 Reserva Especial
Santa Rita
Santa Rita 120 Coastal Sauvignon Blanc
This vibrant Sauvignon Blanc, sourced from the cool-climate coastal vineyards of Leyda and Casablanca, displays a bright, zesty character. On the nose, it offers aromas of citrus blossom and lime zest, underscored by subtle tropical notes. The palate is crisp and refreshing, driven by lively acidity and flavours of grapefruit, green apple, and a hint of salinity that reflects its maritime influence. Clean and precise, this is a fresh, expressive wine that captures the essence of Chile’s coastal terroir.
Santa Rita 120 Deep Red
Santa Rita 120 Deep Red is a bold and expressive blend of 65% Cabernet Franc, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Carménère. Deep, dark ruby-red in colour, it offers blueberry, plum, and cassis fruit aromas, along with spices from the barrel ageing. The palate shows black fruits, spice, and a touch of herbal character. This is a well-structured and characterful red blend that balances intensity with elegance.
Santa Rita 120 0%/ Zero Sauvignon Blanc
Santa Rita 120 Zero% Sauvignon Blanc is a refreshing alcohol-free alternative that stays true to the varietal’s character. Pale straw in colour, it offers lively aromas of citrus, green apple, and fresh herbs. On the palate, it is crisp and zesty, with notes of grapefruit and lime balanced by a clean, dry finish. Light-bodied and expressive, this 0.4% alcohol Sauvignon Blanc delivers freshness and flavour, making it a perfect choice for mindful enjoyment on any occasion.
Tequila Rose
Tequila Rose Strawberry Cream
Tequila Rose is the original strawberry cream liqueur. Combining tequila with strawberry cream was a bold innovation. Exotic. Unexpected. Delicious. Over twenty years later, Tequila Rose remains the world’s best-selling strawberry cream liqueur and was the inspiration that paved the way for the unique cream liqueurs that have followed. Tequila Rose is a silky-smooth pairing of rich strawberry cream and the thrilling bite of tequila. It hits the perfect note every time, whether you prefer sweet or seductive. Fearless or fun. Lush or light-hearted. It’s a timeless and alluring classic. With its elegant design and playful details, Tequila Rose is the “little black dress” of cream liqueurs. Bold black glass keeps the light out to ensure the freshness and the flavour, while shimmery silver roses and bright pink strawberries make this bottle shine on the shelf. A good clue for when your bottle of Tequila Rose is chilled to perfection is when the roses on the label change from silver to bright pink, ensuring the perfect pour every time! Enjoy Tequila Rose as an ice-cold shot, sip over ice, or if you are feeling adventurous, in a fun cocktail. Check out our website https://tequilarose.com/ for some delicious recipes perfect for sharing this summer. You can purchase a bottle in Supervalu, Tesco, Dunnes Stores and off licences around the country. This is one not to be missed, as it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser on any occasion.
West Coast Cooler Launches Sunburst: A new Peach & Mango flavour with only 88 calories
West Coast Cooler Original, Sunburst and Rose
West Coast Cooler is proud to introduce Sunburst, a new peach and mango-flavoured wine cooler that delivers a refreshing taste of sunshine with just 88 calories per can. The perfect addition to any drinks menu, Sunburst blends vibrant tropical fruit flavours into a light, crisp, and flavourful drink—ideal for consumers seeking a lower-calorie, refreshing alternative.
As the days get longer and the promise of summer approaches, Sunburst offers a bright and invigorating option that delivers on both taste and quality. Designed to be enjoyed with friends, Sunburst embodies the spirit of good company and relaxation – a drink that brings sunshine to any occasion.
Speaking about the launch, Paula Reynolds, marketing manager, West Coast Cooler, said: “Sunburst is an exciting new addition to the West Coast Cooler family. This new flavour blends juicy peach and tropical mango for a refreshingly vibrant tropical taste. We’re proud to introduce something new for our fans to enjoy. We can’t wait for everyone to experience the sparkle of Sunburst.”
Sunburst is now available for distribution across select venues and retail outlets, ready to capture the essence of summer and meet the growing consumer demand for lighter, flavourful drink options. The new flavour comes in a convenient 250ml can – just like Original and Rosé.
Read more: Quench the demand
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