CHICAGO – The Molson Coors Beverage Co. has expanded its partnership with the Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, with the introduction of Simply Spiked, an alcoholic version of Coca-Cola’s Simply brand. The first product in the line is expected to be introduced this summer.

Simply Spiked is the second alcoholic brand developed by the two companies. Topo Chico Hard Seltzer made its debut in the United States in 2020 and achieved national distribution this month. The companies also already have expanded the brand with the introduction of Topo Chico Ranch Water Hard Seltzer.

Jamie Wideman, vice president of innovation for Molson Coors, said the Coca-Cola Co. has a history of developing iconic brands.

“And with our track record of disrupting existing beverage alcohol categories with new brands with winning points of difference, we’re putting our strengths together in a way that’s collaborative and set up for success,” she said.

Simply Spiked products will be sold in 12-oz cans and the line eventually will feature four flavors, including lemonade, strawberry lemonade, watermelon lemonade and blueberry lemonade. Each will have 5% alcohol by volume.

Dan White, chief of new revenue streams for the Coca-Cola North American operating unit, said the two companies have combined their complementary skills to forge a “thriving relationship.”

“The proof is in the success of Topo Chico Hard Seltzer’s national expansion and the introduction of Topo Chico Ranch Water Hard Seltzer,” he said. “With this momentum, we are excited to expand our relationship with products inspired by another one of our most valuable brands: Simply.”

Within Coca-Cola’s US product portfolio, Simply is the company’s second largest brand in terms of net revenue after Coca-Cola. A key insight that led to the development of the beverage was that consumers routinely use the juices to make cocktails.

Ms. Wideman noted Simply Spiked will be positioned outside the hard seltzer space.

“This is a completely different proposition,” she said.