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Branding · Published March 31, 2023

Leigh Ann Ambrosi
Managing Partner & EVP, Consumer Lifestyle

Tapping into cocktail season

cocktail season drinks with fresh garnishes and ice
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With summer on the horizon, now is a great time for beverage brands to capitalize on the rising temperatures of the summer cocktail season to drive sales. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands alike can engage with customers through promotional campaigns and advertisements.

Flavors

Food and beverage brands can tap into the upcoming cocktail season by focusing on refreshing, summer-y flavors. Consumers are looking for thirst-quenching seasonal drinks in the hot months, such as flavored sparkling waters, mojitos, and sangrias and alcoholic brands can introduce their twists on these classic summer cocktails. Non-alcoholic brands can offer drinks infused with fruit flavors like watermelon, mango, or citrus, or non alcoholic versions of these same fun cocktails. 

Influencer marketing campaigns

Beverage brands can boost their marketing during the warmer months by collaborating with influencers creating more engaging campaigns on social media. Influencers can share  how to use the beverages they’re partnering with in summer cocktail recipes, making it more aspirational for their followers. Brands may also use lifestyle-focused content such as outdoor barbecues or beach trips to promote the products. Hashtags like #SummerSips and #CocktailHour will spread visibility and could help generate user-generated content.

Promotions

Non-alcoholic brands can create limited-time offers and promotions to capitalize on seasonal trends. Doing so encourages consumers to try the products, increasing sales. For instance, a brand may offer a limited edition flavor in summer months. Alcoholic brands may offer discounted prices on kits for refreshing summer cocktails. This creates buzz around the brand and draws in new customers. Of course, you can't forget the summer holidays as a promotional move.

Branding

This summer, beverage brands can tap into the cocktail season by creating new and eye-catching packaging. Non-alcoholic brands might explore tropical-themed designs, sparking the feeling of being on vacation. Alcohol brands can provide branded glassware or shakers, helping consumers craft seasonal cocktails at home.

Partnerships

Beverage firms can also join forces with restaurants and bars to promote their product and engage customers with unique experiences. Non-alcoholic brands can create refreshing mocktails that pair well with summer menu items. Meanwhile, alcoholic brands can create signature summer cocktails that feature the products in a unique way.

Sustainability

Beverage brands can capitalize on the summer cocktail season by emphasizing sustainability and environmental responsibility. Consumers care about the ecological impact of the products they buy. Brands can show their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness by promoting the use of eco-friendly packaging or reduced water usage in production. Brands can also highlight locally sourced ingredients or commitment to cutting carbon emissions.

Leigh Ann Ambrosi

Written by

Leigh Ann Ambrosi

"> Leigh Ann Ambrosi leads the Consumer Lifestyle division at 5W. With over 25 years of experience, she is a seasoned expert in brand development, publicity, and media relations. Whether shaping strategy, restructuring workflow, handling multiple clients or managing budgets big or small, she effects change with a constant eye towards producing results. Prior to joining the 5W team, Leigh Ann was Executive Vice President, and Chief Administrative Officer at Magrino Public Relations for over nine years. While at Magrino, she oversaw the Consumer and Food, Wine, & Spirits divisions, and managed the operations of the agency. She was responsible for signing new clients, strengthening existing client relationships and programs, and providing oversight for brands including Martha Stewart, Hunter Douglas, SCOUT, The Ranch, Vaughan, Flybird Cocktails, and Horse Soldier Bourbon, among others. Her passion for her work is paramount, which positions her as a strong mentor to junior staff, inspiring them to a higher level of performance. One of her many accomplishments previous to her agency work include a career in book publishing publicity and marketing, where she created multi-platform marketing campaigns that encompassed advertising, events, social media, buzz marketing stunts, publicity, brand building, and strategic partnerships. During her tenure in publishing, she helped to build the brands for authors including Mario Batali, Deepak Chopra, Jillian Michaels, Tyler Florence, Haylie Pomroy and more. Leigh Ann holds a degree in Mass Communications, with a minor in Journalism, from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She lives with her two kids in Maplewood, NJ

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