Latest news with #BacardiBreezers
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Iconic fruity 1990s alcopop Reef is back on shop shelves after 20 years
Iconic alcopop Reef is making a return to shop shelves after 20 years. Reef is a fruity orange and passionfruit vodka drink that was extremely popular in the late 1990s. Discount chain B&M started selling bottles of Reef last year, priced at £8.50 for a pack of ten. But now, it has confirmed that Reef is being repackaged for sale this summer, with a 330ml resealable carton. A 15-pack of the cartons costs £27, working out at around 55p per drink. Reef has an alcohol by volume (ABV) measure of 3.4%. We've asked Global Brands, the parent company behind Reef, which stores will stock the new packaging, and we'll update this story when we get a response. Matthew Bulcroft, Marketing Director for Global Brands, said: 'Since we relaunched Reef back into the UK market last year, the brand has delivered exceptional sales performance, and with customer demand at an all-time high, this new format range is set to reinforce Reef's position as a dynamic force in the RTD category. 'Launching the UK's first alcoholic RTD in a Tetra Pack is a major milestone and a testament to our commitment to innovation. We're incredibly proud to lead the way with this format and we can't wait to see how consumers respond.' It comes after Bacardi Breezers returned for the summer, price at £2 a bottle and with flavours including Zesty Orange, Zingy Lime and Crispy Watermelon. Elsewhere, Double Diamond returned to Tesco stores earlier this year, priced at £5.75 for a pack of four 440ml bottles, or £5 with a Clubcard. Known for its bright red and yellow logo with two large Ds, Double Diamond was first brewed in 1876 as an India Pale Ale and was extremely popular in the 90s, with more than 50 million pints being sold in a single year at its peak. You may also remember it from its famous slogan: "A Double Diamond works wonders." But sadly as its popularity waned, Double Diamond was discontinued in the 2000s. The version of Double Diamond in Tesco has an ABV of 3.8% and is made with a new recipe featuring Citra, Columbus and Mosaic hops. Double Diamond is currently available at 12 pubs across the UK with plans to expand it to more locations. In a social media post published on the Allsopp & Sons Instagram page last year, announcing the return of Double Diamond, one person said: "Had some today absolutely delicious !!" Another said: "I still remember the jingle!" A third person, quoting another Double Diamond jingle, said: "Double Diamond works wonders, works wonders, so drink one today."
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Beloved 1990s alcopop makes its return to shop shelves after 20 years – and it's perfect for summer BBQs & festivals
AN iconic 2000's alcopop will make its return to shop shelves after 20 years. Reef, a fruity vodka drink loved by ravers, made it's come back last year, with bottles sold at B&M stores. 1 The drink is coming back in a new carton format But this summer the nostalgic booze group is repackaging the product to give partygoers a whole new way to enjoy the drink. The 3.4% ABV drink will be sold in a resealable carton. The group said the new carton format was "designed with socialisation in mind". Matthew Bulcroft, marketing director at Global Brands, added: "The resealable carton gives consumers more flexibility, less waste, and a better drinking experience overall. "Whether you're partying hard or chilling out, Reef's here for it." Shoppers will be able to pick up the nostalgic tipple from this month. A 15-pack of cartons will set you back £27, working out at around 55p per drink. You can also order boxes of the boozer at Most read in Money A 10-pack of the original bottled booze is still available to shop at B&M for £8.50. Its return comes as Why Guinness tastes better in Ireland Reef's lower alcohol percentage is also likely to appeal to the group, who are notorious for drinking less than older generations. Matthew added: 'Reef's return last year tapped perfectly into the nostalgia trend – and our new carton is the next exciting step. "It's about giving fans what they love, in a smarter, cooler way that fits modern life." Nostalgic drinks make a comeback And Reef is not the only nostalgic drink making a come back. Bacardi Breezers are back just in time for summer, and will be sold at £2 a bottle. Customers can enjoy two flavours, including Zesty Orange, Zingy Lime and Crispy Watermelon. Elsewhere, , Boddingtons Cask Ale is hitting taps again. First brewed in 1778, the famous ale disappeared from handpumps in 2012 but is now set to return to pubs across the North West. Manchester's oldest brewer JW Lees is to brew the cask ale close to its original home under licence from Budweiser Brewing Group. Read more on the Irish Sun Punters who have waited 13 years for a sip of the creamy ale will be able to order a pint of it in selected pubs across the Double Diamond beer also made its return to pubs last year, and it was recently revealed that it has returned to the high street, with cans of the pale ale on sale in Tesco. Why are products axed or recipes changed? ANALYSIS by chief consumer reporter James Flanders. Food and drinks makers have been known to tweak their recipes or axe items altogether. They often say that this is down to the changing tastes of customers. There are several reasons why this could be done. For example, government regulation, like the "sugar tax," forces firms to change their recipes. Some manufacturers might choose to tweak ingredients to cut costs. They may opt for a cheaper alternative, especially when costs are rising to keep prices stable. For example, Tango Cherry disappeared from shelves in 2018. It has recently returned after six years away but as a sugar-free version. Suntory tweaked the flavour of its While the amount of sugar in every bottle remains unchanged, the supplier swapped out the sweetener aspartame for sucralose.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Iconic 2000's alcopop makes its return to shop shelves after 20 years – and it's perfect for summer BBQs & festivals
Plus, we reveal more iconic drinks making a come back BACK AGAIN Iconic 2000's alcopop makes its return to shop shelves after 20 years – and it's perfect for summer BBQs & festivals AN iconic 2000s alcopop will make its return to shop shelves after 20 years. Reef, a fruity vodka drink loved by ravers, made it's come back last year, with bottles sold at B&M stores. Advertisement 1 The drink is coming back in a new carton format But this summer the nostalgic booze group is repackaging the product to give partygoers a whole new way to enjoy the drink. The 3.4% ABV drink will be sold in a resealable carton. The group said the new carton format was "designed with socialisation in mind". Matthew Bulcroft, marketing director at Global Brands, added: "The resealable carton gives consumers more flexibility, less waste, and a better drinking experience overall. Advertisement "Whether you're partying hard or chilling out, Reef's here for it." Shoppers will be able to pick up the nostalgic tipple from this month. A 15-pack of cartons will set you back £27, working out at around 55p per drink. You can also order boxes of the boozer at Advertisement A 10-pack of the original bottled booze is still available to shop at B&M for £8.50. Its return comes as Gen Z are looking to revive fashion and trends once popular in the 2000s. Why Guinness tastes better in Ireland Reef's lower alcohol percentage is also likely to appeal to the group, who are notorious for drinking less than older generations. Matthew added: 'Reef's return last year tapped perfectly into the nostalgia trend – and our new carton is the next exciting step. Advertisement "It's about giving fans what they love, in a smarter, cooler way that fits modern life." Nostalgic drinks make a comeback And Reef is not the only nostalgic drink making a come back. Bacardi Breezers are back just in time for summer, and will be sold at £2 a bottle. Customers can enjoy two flavours, including Zesty Orange, Zingy Lime and Crispy Watermelon. Advertisement Elsewhere, the legendary "Cream of Manchester", Boddingtons Cask Ale is hitting taps again. First brewed in 1778, the famous ale disappeared from handpumps in 2012 but is now set to return to pubs across the North West. Manchester's oldest brewer JW Lees is to brew the cask ale close to its original home under licence from Budweiser Brewing Group. Punters who have waited 13 years for a sip of the creamy ale will be able to order a pint of it in selected pubs across the North West from September, before it becomes more widely available. Advertisement Double Diamond beer also made its return to pubs last year, and it was recently revealed that it has returned to the high street, with cans of the pale ale on sale in Tesco.
The Sun
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I tested ‘new' 90s alcopops from Hooch to Reef – £1.68 winner is real blast from past & a bargain to boot
GOOD news if you're gripped with Oasis comeback fever and pining for Nineties nostalgia. Alcopops from the era are set for a revival with the fruity drinks back in the spotlight, thanks to our thirst for all things from the fun-filled decade. Boozy lemonade sip Hooch is about to celebrate its 30th anniversary with a relaunch of its original 1995 can. And with rum-laced Bacardi Breezers recently reintroduced, there's never been a better time to revisit these retro tipples. But which ones are still worth glugging, and which might be better left in the past? Here, drinks expert Helena Nicklin tries a selection and gives us her verdict. Reef, 10 x 275ml, £8.50, B&M THE recent return of Solero-flavoured sipper Reef helped fuel nostalgia for naughty-but-nice Nineties drinks – and one sip of this will take you straight back to 1997. Flat and fruity, and made with a whack of real juice, this tropical-tastic tipple has a touch of the passion fruit martini about it and it's very inviting. Super-sweet and tangy, it scores high on the summer refreshment scale, especially if it's served ice-cold straight from the fridge or cool box. A great one for sunny days in the garden when you want a vibrant drink to match the mood. Fury as cost of 12-pack of beer set to soar by £1 thanks to sinister new tax brought in by Labour It's a great price when you buy the pack of ten, too. Rating: 4/5 Aldi Blue, 700ml, £1.99, Aldi KING of the dupes Aldi has unsurprisingly copied the best-selling, bright blue bevvy that is WKD – and here's the thing: in my opinion they've done it better than the original makers. This toned-down vodka-based tipple tastes a little lighter than the original glugger but I'd say in this instance it's all the better for it. The end drink is now not as claggy and made with less tooth- stripping sweetener. Its generic fruity taste is still just as fake and non-specific, but if you like that blue fruit style and flavour you'll love this. And it will save you a fair bit of money too, as it's way cheaper than the more famous alternative. Rating: 3/5 Breezer Watermelon, 275ml, £3.29, Costcutter THE rum drink you might remember from its former incarnation as a Bacardi Breezer is back with a bang and a new name for 2025. Now just known as ' Breezers ', these colourful tipples have had a flavour overhaul too – and in my opinion the change has been for the better. The new fruity flavours in the comeback line-up are orange, lime and a watermelon wonder, which is deeply refreshing and, remarkably, not too sweet despite what the ravishing red colour suggests. Still in the original shaped bottle, it feels vaguely natural- tasting too, with a subtle boozy bite. A guilty pleasure well worth a glug all these years later. Rating: 5/5 VK Apple & Mango, 10 x 275ml, £9, Morrisons WITH these boozy bottles working out at less than a pound a go when bought in bulk at Morrisons, the colourful, caffeine-fuelled alcopop- style ready-to-drink cocktails are almost suspiciously cheap. Packing a punch in the flavour department though, this fruity apple and mango glugger is a decent enough drop. And I have to admit that, if you find your energy levels flagging, one of these will certainly wake you up and leave you buzzing. A drink with a proper kick, and not just from the vodka it contains. Be careful not to have too many of an evening or you'll be awake all night . . . Rating: 3/5 WKD Blue, 700ml, £3.50, Sainsbury's THIS tingling tipple with its garish blue hue might take you straight back to your misspent youth but, remarkably, it is still so popular that it even has its own dupes in discount supermarkets, so clearly lots of people still enjoy drinking it. Made with vodka, fruity flavouring plus an added caffeine kick, it's invigorating in a generic way but also without really tasting of anything in particular. Drinking this is a sugary hangover waiting to happen – and it leaves your teeth feeling furry too, so your dentist probably won't like it. Sup it if there's nothing else, but I think there are much better bottled premixed boozes out there. Rating: 1/5 Smirnoff Ice, 700ml, £3.12, Asda THIS Nineties classic is still going strong and, moving on from its nightclubbing days, it now looks smarter than ever with its retro-chic and vintage packaging makeover, which actually looks very cool. As well as coming in a bottle you won't be embarrassed to be seen glugging from as a grown-up, the flavour seems to me to be much sweeter than it used to be back in the day. 9 Sipping this tastes of tart, cloudy lemonade with only the very faintest hint of a vodka kick, so if you don't like it too strong that might appeal. Not a lurid colour and served very cold over ice with a slice, it's remarkably drinkable. Rating: 3/5 Hooch Lemon, 440ml, £1.68, Asda SPIKED lemonade Hooch was the original alcopop, as anyone who was around in the Nineties will know. And to celebrate its birthday it has now been relaunched in a cool-looking limited edition can, like the one that originally hit shelves in 1995. That's bound to be nostalgic enough for anyone who remembers it from the first time around, and its zesty lemon flavour and pale-ish colour remain pretty authentic too. For drinkers of any age, the vodka hit feels more subtle and balanced than it used to. One to opt for if you like Limoncello but want your drink long, and much drier! A real blast from the past. Lovely with ice and a slice – and a bargain to boot. Rating: 5/5 Malibu and Cola, 250ml, £2.25, Sainsbury's NOTHING gives you those beach-holiday vibes quite like the coconut booze Malibu. And this premixed rum cocktail, with those nostalgic flavours that will take lots of us right back to our carefree younger days, has been done really well. Flavour-wise, it has a beautiful balance, with that creamy coconut rum just shining through the cola enough. Obviously the mixer here is not 'the real thing' and it is very sweet – though it always was, even back in the day. Serve this over ice with a twist of lime to tone down the sugar. A delicious on-the-go cocktail you can rely on. Fabulous and fun.
Scottish Sun
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I tested ‘new' 90s alcopops from Hooch to Reef – £1.68 winner is real blast from past & a bargain to boot
Scroll down to find out which ones are still worth glugging, and which might be better left in the past 90S REEF-IVAL I tested 'new' 90s alcopops from Hooch to Reef – £1.68 winner is real blast from past & a bargain to boot Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GOOD news if you're gripped with Oasis comeback fever and pining for Nineties nostalgia. Alcopops from the era are set for a revival with the fruity drinks back in the spotlight, thanks to our thirst for all things from the fun-filled decade. 9 Helena Nicklin tries a selection of alcopops and gives us her verdict Credit: Oliver Dixon Boozy lemonade sip Hooch is about to celebrate its 30th anniversary with a relaunch of its original 1995 can. And with rum-laced Bacardi Breezers recently reintroduced, there's never been a better time to revisit these retro tipples. But which ones are still worth glugging, and which might be better left in the past? Here, drinks expert Helena Nicklin tries a selection and gives us her verdict. Reef, 10 x 275ml, £8.50, B&M THE recent return of Solero-flavoured sipper Reef helped fuel nostalgia for naughty-but-nice Nineties drinks – and one sip of this will take you straight back to 1997. Flat and fruity, and made with a whack of real juice, this tropical-tastic tipple has a touch of the passion fruit martini about it and it's very inviting. 9 Reef is a great choice for sunny days in the garden when you want a vibrant drink to match the mood Credit: Supplied Super-sweet and tangy, it scores high on the summer refreshment scale, especially if it's served ice-cold straight from the fridge or cool box. A great one for sunny days in the garden when you want a vibrant drink to match the mood. Fury as cost of 12-pack of beer set to soar by £1 thanks to sinister new tax brought in by Labour It's a great price when you buy the pack of ten, too. Rating: 4/5 Aldi Blue, 700ml, £1.99, Aldi KING of the dupes Aldi has unsurprisingly copied the best-selling, bright blue bevvy that is WKD – and here's the thing: in my opinion they've done it better than the original makers. This toned-down vodka-based tipple tastes a little lighter than the original glugger but I'd say in this instance it's all the better for it. 9 Aldi Blue is way cheaper than the more famous alternative Credit: Supplied The end drink is now not as claggy and made with less tooth- stripping sweetener. Its generic fruity taste is still just as fake and non-specific, but if you like that blue fruit style and flavour you'll love this. And it will save you a fair bit of money too, as it's way cheaper than the more famous alternative. Rating: 3/5 Breezer Watermelon, 275ml, £3.29, Costcutter THE rum drink you might remember from its former incarnation as a Bacardi Breezer is back with a bang and a new name for 2025. Now just known as 'Breezers', these colourful tipples have had a flavour overhaul too – and in my opinion the change has been for the better. 9 Breezer Watermelon is a guilty pleasure well worth a glug all these years later Credit: Supplied The new fruity flavours in the comeback line-up are orange, lime and a watermelon wonder, which is deeply refreshing and, remarkably, not too sweet despite what the ravishing red colour suggests. Still in the original shaped bottle, it feels vaguely natural- tasting too, with a subtle boozy bite. A guilty pleasure well worth a glug all these years later. Rating: 5/5 VK Apple & Mango, 10 x 275ml, £9, Morrisons WITH these boozy bottles working out at less than a pound a go when bought in bulk at Morrisons, the colourful, caffeine-fuelled alcopop- style ready-to-drink cocktails are almost suspiciously cheap. Packing a punch in the flavour department though, this fruity apple and mango glugger is a decent enough drop. 9 VK Apple & Mango is a drink with a proper kick, and not just from the vodka it contains Credit: Supplied And I have to admit that, if you find your energy levels flagging, one of these will certainly wake you up and leave you buzzing. A drink with a proper kick, and not just from the vodka it contains. Be careful not to have too many of an evening or you'll be awake all night . . . Rating: 3/5 WKD Blue, 700ml, £3.50, Sainsbury's THIS tingling tipple with its garish blue hue might take you straight back to your misspent youth but, remarkably, it is still so popular that it even has its own dupes in discount supermarkets, so clearly lots of people still enjoy drinking it. Made with vodka, fruity flavouring plus an added caffeine kick, it's invigorating in a generic way but also without really tasting of anything in particular. 9 WKD Blue will give you a sugary hangover and leave your teeth feeling furry Credit: Supplied Drinking this is a sugary hangover waiting to happen – and it leaves your teeth feeling furry too, so your dentist probably won't like it. Sup it if there's nothing else, but I think there are much better bottled premixed boozes out there. Rating: 1/5 Smirnoff Ice, 700ml, £3.12, Asda THIS Nineties classic is still going strong and, moving on from its nightclubbing days, it now looks smarter than ever with its retro-chic and vintage packaging makeover, which actually looks very cool. As well as coming in a bottle you won't be embarrassed to be seen glugging from as a grown-up, the flavour seems to me to be much sweeter than it used to be back in the day. 9 Smirnoff Ice is remarkably drinkable when served very cold over ice with a slice Sipping this tastes of tart, cloudy lemonade with only the very faintest hint of a vodka kick, so if you don't like it too strong that might appeal. Not a lurid colour and served very cold over ice with a slice, it's remarkably drinkable. Rating: 3/5 Hooch Lemon, 440ml, £1.68, Asda SPIKED lemonade Hooch was the original alcopop, as anyone who was around in the Nineties will know. And to celebrate its birthday it has now been relaunched in a cool-looking limited edition can, like the one that originally hit shelves in 1995. 9 Hooch was the original alcopop, as anyone who was around in the Nineties will know Credit: Supplied That's bound to be nostalgic enough for anyone who remembers it from the first time around, and its zesty lemon flavour and pale-ish colour remain pretty authentic too. For drinkers of any age, the vodka hit feels more subtle and balanced than it used to. One to opt for if you like Limoncello but want your drink long, and much drier! A real blast from the past. Lovely with ice and a slice – and a bargain to boot. Rating: 5/5 Malibu and Cola, 250ml, £2.25, Sainsbury's NOTHING gives you those beach-holiday vibes quite like the coconut booze Malibu. And this premixed rum cocktail, with those nostalgic flavours that will take lots of us right back to our carefree younger days, has been done really well. 9 Malibu and Cola is a delicious on-the-go cocktail you can rely on Credit: Supplied Flavour-wise, it has a beautiful balance, with that creamy coconut rum just shining through the cola enough. Obviously the mixer here is not 'the real thing' and it is very sweet – though it always was, even back in the day. Serve this over ice with a twist of lime to tone down the sugar. A delicious on-the-go cocktail you can rely on. Fabulous and fun. Rating: 4/5 Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
