MillerCoors Hopes to Profit From Hard Soda Trend With Hard Orange Soda and Hard Ginger Ale

by Ryan Hudak on Aug 24, 2015 in Beer
MillerCoors Hopes to Profit From Hard Soda Trend With Hard Orange Soda and Hard Ginger Ale

Lately, there has been a lot of buzz around Not Your Father’s Root Beer—the “hard” root beer from Small Town Brewery. Now that this alcoholic root beer is popular, the macros have done what they always do—not only jump in the trend, but jump with so much force that they completely miss the mark. And this results in Henry’s Hard Orange Soda, care of the geniuses at MillerCoors.
 
We just got through defending the company in their defense against a frivolous lawsuit, and then they go and do this. And they’re going to do much more! Their line is starting with hard ginger ale and hard orange soda—two things that everyone has been dying to get their hands on—and will be moving on from there. “Everything we see leads us to believe this is not a flash in the pan,” said Bryan Ferschinger, MillerCoors’ director of innovation.

I’m not sure what he’s seeing, but it can’t be coming from the taste buds of rational people. But, as the fact that Bud’s Fruit-A-Rita line is still going strong, there are plenty of irrational people who love cloying sweetness in their pseudo alcoholic beverages, so the sodas may actually be quite a hit. Whether they stick around or are just a gimmick that flies high before it burns its wings remains to be seen—and there are plenty of these kinds of drinks showing that they get old fast. Mike’s Hard Lemonade, anyone? Or maybe you’d prefer a Zima?

Once again, though, the macrobrewery misses the most obvious solution to their market share problems, and it’s not going to come from a “director of innovation,” because the answer to their questions is not innovation. It’s simply making a beer that isn’t shitty. So, MillerCoors, make a beer that doesn’t suck and see how that improves your sales. I bet it does a lot better than a 4.2% ABV Orange Crush.
 
Photo via Flickr user basheertome 

Tags: Beer
Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

It's officially summertime in the city, and we can't think of a better way to cool off from DC's heat and humidity than with a cold, boozy cocktail in...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen Jul 31, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

Whether you're a wino or a wine novice, DC is home to a number of wine bars perfect for casual sipping or for expanding your palate. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 29, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Patio weather has arrived! Grab your friends, stake a spot at the bar and take advantage of these outdoor spots for drinking and dining. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 14, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close