Trends

As sweltering summer temperatures continue to break records, a new trend is growing in the alcohol industry: boozy popsicles. Similar to the canned cocktail craze that has every brand churning out their own ready-to-drink mixtures, alcoholic popsicles are a convenient and complete way for consumers to enjoy their favorite spirits. This summer in particular has seen huge demand for readymade drinks without the help of a bartender, and consumers are looking for ways to beat the heat at home now that summer travel plans are mostly on hold. Boozy popsicles have been around for a few years now, but this is really their moment to shine.

For example, the street vendor franchise Booze Pops has seen great success with their grown-up take on ice cream trucks. These portable treats have brought the bar experience directly to consumers’ homes. In an interview with Sun News this past spring, customer Joann Belarge told reporters after buying from the Myrtle Beach truck that “seeing the word booze on a vehicle after weeks of isolation due to the coronavirus was enough for her to abruptly hang up on her mother, grab her wallet and run out of the house.”

It isn’t just boozy popsicles that are finding new success this year, as alcoholic ice cream and sorbet have also connected with consumers. Truly Hard Seltzer™ launched their own line of frozen desserts earlier this summer, and last year Haagen-Dazs® released a “Spirits” line of ice creams, including Stout Chocolate Pretzel Crunch and Bourbon Praline Pecan.

New York just fully legalized alcoholic ice cream in early August. While it was already legal to infuse ice cream with wine, beer, and hard cider, liquor was off the table until now. According to Governor Cuomo, “this legislation will further grow a burgeoning industry and boost small businesses while helping to put them on a path of sustained growth that empowers both producers and consumers.”

Alcoholic frozen treats are one of the most fun and exciting trends this summer. With consumers sweating it out at home, these types of products are a great way for brands to offer a special and novel experience. They are also functional, helping buyers keep cool during one of the hottest seasons on record. Just like brands have been rushing to release canned cocktails and hard seltzers, frozen desserts and other alternative products could be the next major new category at the liquor store.