PepsiCo introduces ‘bar-quality’ mixers

by Kate Malczewski

Beverage giant PepsiCo is diving further into the mixer category with a new range of non-alcoholic drinks developed for use in cocktails.

The premium mixers, called Unmuddled, will hit shelves in September. The range comes in three flavour variants, which are made with juice and contain no artificial sweeteners. Lemon Mint is described as 'cool, zesty, refreshing and light', with an herbal note. Its recommended pairing is with Tequila, gin or whiskey. Fiery Pineapple marries its namesake fruit with a spicy kick, and is suggested for mixing with vodka, rum, Tequila or mezcal. Rounding out the trio is Spiced Mandarin, which is said to mix 'seamlessly' with any spirit, though Tequila, gin or whiskey are highlighted as key serves. The forthcoming launch of Unmuddled in September will grow PepsiCo's stake in the mixer category, which it first entered earlier this year with the release of its canned Neon Zebra range. Speaking at the time of Neon Zebra's launch, Emily Silver, PepsiCo North America's vice-president of innovation and capabilities, said: "With at-home cocktail consumption on the rise, we saw an opportunity to build and disrupt this fast-growing category with a product that meets consumers' needs for convenience – to cut out time and mess without compromising on quality and taste." Single-flavour four-packs of each Unmuddled variant will be available at Fresh Thyme and on Amazon.com for RRP US$6.19. PepsiCo is not the only soft drink giant to tap into mixed drinks. In May 2019, The Coca-Cola Company teamed up with four leading bartenders to create a new range of mixers for premium dark spirits.