Latest news with #alcopop
The Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
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. 6 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... 6 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." 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..." 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. 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. 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... All the 90s trends that are making a comeback WE might be in 2024, but fashion fans are looking to the past when it comes to new styles. So what trends from the 90s are making a comeback these days? Claw clips These hair accessories were a huge trend back in the 90s, but are now most popular among those trying out the "clean girl" aesthetic. Designers such as Prada have released their own versions, while there are thousands of colours and styles to choose from on the high street. Platform flip flops Again a popular choice among fashionistas in the 90s, these heels have made a comeback with designers such as Balenciaga trying their luck with their own styles. Cargo pants Once worn by the stars of All Saints, cargo pants became a popular trend for teens in the 90s. But they've now had a fashion overhaul, with stars such as Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber all putting their own spin on the trend. Jeans and a nice top It was the phrase that defined fashion for a decade, and now famous faces such as Sofia Richie are sporting the reinvented trend - pairing their own denims with a more sophisticated top. But are you willing to dig your jeans and nice tops out of the wardrobe for a second time?
The Sun
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Iconic 2000's 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 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 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 2000's. 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, 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. 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. Fanta removed sweetener from its sugar-free alternative earlier this year. Suntory tweaked the flavour of its flagship Lucozade Original and Orange energy drinks. While the amount of sugar in every bottle remains unchanged, the supplier swapped out the sweetener aspartame for sucralose.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Iconic 90s alcopop that has 'best taste of all time' back in UK after 10 years
Fans of a good night out back in the 90s and noughties will remember the refreshing taste of a Bacardi Breezer – and now they're back in the UK. For the first time since being discontinued in 2015, the iconic alcopop drink has returned to pubs and shops across the country. And there's one flavour that fans of the drink can't wait to sip again... The new drink will feature three flavours: Zesty Orange, Zingy Lime and Crisp Watermelon. 'We know there is a lot of love for Breezer in the UK and we are confident a new generation of consumers will fall in love with the new Breezer,' said Steve Young, business unit director for Bacardi in the UK and Ireland. Bacardi expects the new Breezer to appeal to two distinct groups, according to Talking Retail. 'Gen Z' consumers who like 'fruit flavours and convenience' and those who remember the original Bacardi Breezer, which was first launched in 1990. The classic alcopops will be landing in B&M this month (July), Aldi from August and Sainsbury's from September. Bacardi has said they'll be available in convenience stores from July, with some local Nisa stores among others already having stock on their shelves. Breezer has an ABV of 3.4% and is available in 275ml glass bottles costing £2. Excited shoppers were quick to take to social media to share their memories and excitement ahead of the drink returning to shelves and pubs. One person said on X: 'This was my drink of choice in my 20's!' While another added: 'Oh my god. They're coming back. We've had some good nights drinking these.' Recommended reading: Cadbury's discontinued Dream chocolate bar back at The Range Most expensive pints revealed as average price soars to £5.08 'Amazing' Cadbury chocolate bar is 'closest you'll get' to discontinued treat Yet there's one flavour that it appears punters can't wait to try again. 'Watermelon one was lush,' one person said. 'Yes I loved these - watermelon was the best taste of all time,' another added. While a third said: 'Watermelon Bacardi Breezer coming back? Bring it to meeeee!'
The Sun
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Iconic alcohol brand to bring back original cans to shops after 30 years
AN ICONIC 90s booze is bringing back its original cans after more than three decades. Shoppers will be able to buy cans of Hooch in its original packaging this summer. The zesty lemon alcopop is relaunching its 1995 can to celebrate its 30th birthday. The limited-edition can will be available through all retailers including supermarkets that currently stock the 440ml lemon Hooch can. It can also be bought at Good Time In, at £38 for a 24-pack. The limited cans are styled just like the originals – complete with the bold lemon mascot and loud, nostalgic design that had teens everywhere ditching bitter pints for something sweeter. Newer-style 440ml Hooch cans are already available in the major supermarkets, with prices starting at £1.68 at Asda. Hooch first landed in 1995 as the fun, fizzy antidote to the 'boring beer' scene, and quickly earned cult status with its cheeky attitude and unforgettable taste. The limited-edition can comes after Hooch made its way into pubs and arenas on taps for the first time. Jacob Barrett, Hooch brand manager, said: 'This isn't just about looking back – it's a celebration of three decades of bold flavour, fun and total rebellion against boring drinks.' 'It's our way of saying cheers to those who've been with us since the beginning, and hello to a new generation of Hooch fans.' More booze news The boozy comeback comes as other 90s favourites make a splash with Bacardi Breezers also making a return. The drinks will come in the flavours Zesty Orange, Zingy Lime and Crispy Watermelon. Fury as cost of 12-pack of beer set to soar by £1 thanks to sinister new tax brought in by Labour They'll be priced at just £2 a bottle. Meanwhile, popular soft drink brand Ka launching its first alcoholic line. They will come in the flavours Black Grape, Fruit Punch, Pineapple and Karnival Twist. Each of the drinks will have Ka's popular flavours mixed with Caribbean white rum. The 330ml cans will be sold for £2.79. It seems brands have been racing to bring out new alcoholic canned drinks for the summer. Shoppers went wild for the latest collection of tinnies from M&S, which include favourites such as mojitos, pina coladas and cosmos. There's also a mint and elderflower Hugo Spritz and a Limoncello Spritz. Meanwhile, Lidl was selling pre-mixed cocktail cans for the bargain price of 89p. It included flavours like the Bitterol Spritz, Strawberry Daiquiri, Mojito and Pina Colada. Rival Aldi brought out a similar range starting at 99p. Their tinnies include Hard Seltzers and Spicy Margaritas. How to save money buying alcohol Alcohol can be pricey if you're planning a party or hosting an event but there are ways to cut costs. It's always important to drink responsibly, here, Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements share some tips on getting booze for the best price. Stocking up can mean big savings on drinks, especially if you want to buy wine or fizz. The big supermarkets regularly offer discounts of 25% when you buy six or more bottles of wine. The promotions typically run in the lead up to occasions such as Bank Holidays, Christmas and Easter. If you know you are going to need booze later in the year, it can be worth acting when you see offers. Before buying your preferred drink make sure you shop around to find the best price – you can use a comparison site such as or Don't forget that loyalty cards can unlock better savings so make sure you factor that in too. If you like your plonk, wine clubs can also be a good way to save money and try new varieties. You'll usually have to pay a membership fee in return for cheaper price so work out if you will be buying enough to make the one off cost worthwhile.
The Sun
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Full list of UK pubs you can buy iconic alcoholic drink on tap for first time
AN ICONIC alcoholic drink can be bought on tap for the first time - and we're revealing where you can get hold of it. Nostalgic alcopop brand Hooch let drinkers know last month it would be launching on tap in pubs and arenas across the UK. It's usually sold in cans or bottles at supermarkets, bars and pubs. But now the zesty original Lemon Hooch is on draught too. The Sun can exclusively reveal the full list of locations you can get it so far. Here they are... Singing Canary - Newcastle Style Bar - Ormskirk The Three Cranes - Rotherham Taphouse & Kitchen - Cleethorpes The Carpenters - Newport The Pen & Wig - Newport Flat Iron - Chorley The Hatchet - Bristol The Bell - Bristol Victoria & Albert - Horwich Bonobo Bar & Canteen - Chester Hooch has said there will be more locations where it's available soon. The fruity alcopop is a mix of vodka and real fruit juice, and comes in at 3.4% ABV. It's being sold for between £5.50 and £5.95 but this varies across pubs and venues. Jacob Barrett, brand manager for Hooch, said at the time: "Launching Hooch on draught is a landmark moment for the brand as we celebrate 30 iconic years. "This isn't just a new format, it's a bold new era for Hooch, designed for longer, more sociable summer serves and promises to bring something refreshingly different to the T-bar." Paris bars serving bogus modified pint glasses that contain a QUARTER less beer than they claim The drink is a 90s cult classic, loved alongside the likes of Smirnoff Ice, WKD, Bacardi Breezer and VK. Alcopops appear to be staging a comeback this year, as brands hope to capture the attention of both Gen Z and those who remember the iconic drinks. Last month, it was revealed that Bacardi Breezers are returning to supermarket shelves years after being discontinued in the UK. Meanwhile, Caribbean-inspired soft drink brand Ka has launched a range of mixed alcoholic drinks for the first time. The drinks launches come as Brits prepare for days of sweltering weather. The UK is expecting to experience its first heatwave of the year later this week. Some areas could see highs of 32C on Saturday. While the warm weather can be perfect for having drinks in the sun, you should remember to keep hydrated and drink responsibly. How to save money buying alcohol Alcohol can be pricey if you're planning a party or hosting an event but there are ways to cut costs. It's always important to drink responsibly, here, Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements share some tips on getting booze for the best price. Stocking up can mean big savings on drinks, especially if you want to buy wine or fizz. The big supermarkets regularly offer discounts of 25% when you buy six or more bottles of wine. The promotions typically run in the lead up to occasions such as Bank Holidays, Christmas and Easter. If you know you are going to need booze later in the year, it can be worth acting when you see offers. Before buying your preferred drink make sure you shop around to find the best price – you can use a comparison site such as or Don't forget that loyalty cards can unlock better savings so make sure you factor that in too. If you like your plonk, wine clubs can also be a good way to save money and try new varieties. You'll usually have to pay a membership fee in return for cheaper price so work out if you will be buying enough to make the one off cost worthwhile.
