Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/271567
Miami Cocktail Co. is looking to change consumer's perceptions of ready-to-serve cocktails. "People think of them as inferior, syrupy concoctions that simply don't even taste like a cocktail. They're full of sugar. Full of chemicals and far from authentic. Consumers simply have little confidence in this category," says company founder and CEO Ross Graham. "We see this as our greatest opportunity." Graham and his team have taken an artisanal approach to crafting their expansive line of cocktails. The repertoire includes Old Time Sweet Tea, Original Margarita, Piña Colada, Classic Mojito, Pink Lemonade and Passion Fruit Caipirinha. The cocktails are bottled at 12.5% alcohol by volume (25 proof)—close to the strength of cocktails made at a bar. They contain no additives, HFCS, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors, and are both gluten- and sodium-free. Equally important, the drinks get their kick from premiums spirits and their touch of sweetness from Splenda. "We aim to re-define the category, to be the brand that is top of consumers' minds," states Graham. "We will do so by simply providing cocktails that are both authentic and deliver on taste. We will provide consum- ers with the confidence that when they open up a bottle of Miami Cocktail they get a perfectly crafted cocktail experience all in the convenience of their own home." Miami Cocktail Co. is in the process of expanding its product portfolio with a classy collection of organic Small Batch cocktails. At present the company has devised a Small Batch Sangria, Mimosa, Margarita and Mojito—all skillfully made with premium spirits, juices and modifiers. Equally important, these new Small Batch cocktails taste like those made by your favorite bartender. Each is a spot-on version of its namesake cocktail and a laud- able representation of style. Guaranteed this quartet is more than capable of changing how consumers view pre-mixed cocktails. According to Graham, the Small Batch cocktails are all natural and 100% organic. "Our cocktails are made using only the finest ingredients according to time- honored recipes. We don't use additives, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors, and they are all gluten- and sodium-free. Our use of organic extracts, small batch quality distilling, and even our use of reverse osmosis– filtered water speaks soundly to our artisanal approach." Miami Cocktail Co. will also be releasing a full line of sugar-free cocktails. Great taste, high quality and the convenience of ready-to-serve make these cocktails an appealing market proposition. www.miamicocktail.com Miami Cocktail Co. march 2014 / the tasting panel / 109