Business
Business

Coca-Cola preps for alcohol version of Fresca in the U.S.

ORIGINAL CAPTION: November 28, 2014 Atlanta - Picture shows Coca-Cola Company Headquarters in Atlanta on Friday, November 28, 2014. Coca-Cola reported $233 million in tax breaks in 2011-2013 - almost 15% of its federal tax bill - related to giving its management stock options and restricted stock. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Credit: Hyosub Shin / Hyosub.Shin@ajc.com

Credit: Hyosub Shin / Hyosub.Shin@ajc.com

Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Co. has struck a deal for the launch of an alcoholic version of Fresca in the U.S. Fresca Mixed ready-to-drink cocktails are slated to hit the market later this year. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM
By Matt Kempner
Jan 6, 2022

Coca-Cola is again dabbling in the U.S. market for alcoholic beverages, this time with an agreement to allow a cocktail version of Fresca with extra zing.

The Atlanta-based beverage giant announced Thursday that it has authorized Constellation Brands, an alcoholic beverage company, to use the Fresca name and manufacture, market and sell Fresca Mixed, a new line of ready-to-drink cocktails with spirits. The drinks are expected to launch later this year.

In 2020, Coke announced a similar relationship with Molson Coors for a hard seltzer version of Topo Chico for U.S. markets.

Coke has yet to directly enter the U.S. alcohol market on its own, as it has done in Japan, where in 2018 it launched an alcoholic drink called Lemon-Dou. The U.S. alcohol industry is heavily regulated, including a slew of state-level laws and rules.

About the Author

Matt Kempner is an award-winning journalist who seeks out intriguing twists about people and subjects beyond what the AJC might typically cover. A former columnist and editor, his past assignments have included business investigations, energy, the economy, entrepreneurs, big business, consumer spending, politics, government and the environment.

Follow Matt Kempner on facebookFollow Matt Kempner on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Georgia lost 3,200 jobs in September after posting job gains in August. Still, employment remains positive over the year, with the state adding 24,300 jobs. (Hyosub Shin/AJC 2023)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

Georgia lost jobs in September, says 1st report since federal shutdown

Georgia’s job market cooled some in September, but the unemployment rate remained steady, according to new data released Thursday by the state Department of Labor.

Kemp trip to Asia to include Korea stop, adds Hyundai meeting after ICE raid

Gov. Brian Kemp is set to make his third trip to Korea since taking office, but this economic development mission will have a distinctly different tenor than previous visits.

Coca-Cola names new CEO Henrique Braun to succeed James Quincey

Coca-Cola Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Henrique Braun will become chief executive on March 31.

The Latest

A new kind of hybrid, called e-Power, is coming to the U.S. from Nissan. Courtesy of Nissan

Credit: Courtesy of Nissan

OPINION

Nissan’s e-Power: An EV driving experience, fueled by gas

OPINION

December car sales are good but not magic

In the market for a luxury vehicle? You might reconsider Lincoln.

Featured

A MARTA operator is seen inside the control room of one of the new MARTA trains during the unveiling of these trains on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

MARTA chief says new train cars give smooth, quiet ride

Interim CEO Jonathan Hunt told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s editorial board he is focused on project delivery, which he said is key to winning back public trust.

God’s Acre: Former Native American boarding school reveals complex history

A Native American boarding school established by Moravian missionaries in North Georgia in the early 19th century reveals a complicated and compelling history.

Why Midtown’s holiday lights display is a little less vibrant this year

Midtown Bright, the annual winter lights display, was cut back this year.