From Hooch to Reef, why the '90s alcopop is still all that and a bag of chips
THE '90s are back, and we are calling it - the alcopop is Never Ever going away!
Some things - The Macarena, Rimmel's Heather Shimmer lippy and boob tubes, to name a few - can stay in the past, but if like me you spent your teenage years necking Hooch with your mates to a soundtrack of TLC while trying on push-up bras and contemplating your first tattoo, you'll be desperate for another swig of the good times.
Luckily for us all, all the old faves are "Cleopatra Comin' Atcha", thanks to a huge '90s revival across the board - from pedal pushers to Noel and Liam - and we can't get enough.
Whether it's a themed hen do, a big birthday or you're seeing some of the best bands from yesteryear on stage this summer, it could be time to swap your G&T tinnies for alcopops.
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Will you be swapping your G&T for Hooch this summer?
Credit: Supplied
Hooch, Breezer, Reef and VKs ruled the roost with their sweet flavours and lurid colours, so how do they measure up today?
Here's why the alcopop is still all that and a bag of chips...
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Breezers are taking over the shelves again
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Breezer - BUY NOW
Sporting an updated look and three new flavours - Zesty Orange, Zing Lime and Crisp Watermelon - the iconic bottle has relaunched in bars and stores this month, and it definitely Smells Like Teen Spirit.
With an RRP of £2 and a 3.4%ABV, it won't break the bank, and as Claire Presland, global director of Breezer said: "Whether you're reliving nights gone by, or discovering Breezer for the first time, this summer is the perfect time to try its three new flavours and discover which one is your fruity favourite."
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Relive your party days with a bottle of Smirnoff Ice
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Smirnoff Ice - BUY NOW
A personal fave of mine, this lemon-lime vodka mix was always a great refresher, whether swigged straight from the bottle '90s-style or "poured into a tall glass over cubed ice and garnished with a lemon wedge", as recommended by the folks at Smirnoff.
They say that "it's the ideal gift for any vodka connoisseurs" - I say it's great for UK garage connoisseurs who reckon "With a little bit of this, we can make it through the night..."
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Now available in an eco-friendly carton, Reef is future-proofing
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Reef - BUY NOW
Heading to a festival? The brand-new release of Reef this month comes in resealable cartons - a first in the UK alcoholic ready to drink market.
Lighter than the original glass bottles and fully recyclable, it's a timely update on the drink, which returned to shelves last year in bottle form to give fans old and new a taste of that iconic orange and passion fruit.
It's sure to be a hit with Gen Z, thanks to its lower ABV and light, fruity flavour, making it ideal for picnics and gatherings rather than caning it '90s-style.
Place Your Hand On, Place Your Hands On... a bottle of Reef.
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Party like its 1995 with this mega pack of alcopops
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VK - BUY NOW
Cherry has already proven a hit in interiors and beauty for 2025, and now the OG alcopop is available in a sparkling Black Cherry flavour, too.
The 3.4% vodka mix is stocked in Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Home Bargains and B&M, and even comes in a mega mixed party pack with a range of flavours, including Strawberry & Lime, Orange & Passionfruit, Apple & Mango and, of course, Blue (don't forget what that does to your teeth, people!).
We are loving the slick dark cherry bottles - it's giving Wednesday Addams with a twist of B*Witched.
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The new cherry flavour is right on trend for Hooch's 30th anniversary year
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Hooch - BUY NOW
This summer is Hooch's 30th anniversary (yes, we feel old too!), and to celebrate there's a re-release of the 1995 can, featuring the iconic lemon design, plus a new Cherry flavour.
Not only that, but in some bars and pubs across the UK, true fans of the drink can find it on draught, for the first time ever, plus in a 24-pack for £38.
Hooch was, for many 40-somethings, their first brush with booze, and it's always been the brand that's stood for "unapologetic irreverence" - perfect if you're still celebrating the Oasis tour, Some Might Say...
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