Carrollton, Texas-based BuzzBallz/Southern Champion LLC has added a new cocktail to its ready-to-drink line: BuzzBallz Cocktails Chili Mango. The cocktail tastes like mango with a hint of jalapeño to give it spice without being too hot.
This flavor differs from BuzzBallz’ traditional flavors as it combines a sweet and spicy taste into one sip, according to Blair Casey, National VP of sales. BuzzBallz Cocktails’ core flavors include Tequila ‘Rita, a margarita that combines the flavor of lime with agave; Choc Tease, a cocktail crafted with real cream and natural chocolate; and Horchata, a twist to the Mexican drink.
“I believe [Chili Mango] gives the BuzzBallz portfolio a different style of cocktail, and consumers today are always looking for something new and exciting…Chili Mango fits that niche,” Casey said.
The cocktail pairs well with citrus, as well as savory and smoky, foods. It is a match made for grilled vegetables, sweet relishes and savory tacos, to name a few.
Food and cocktail culture on Instagram has sparked a large interest in unique flavor profiles among Millennials and older Gen-Z consumers. Casey knows that these consumers, especially, like spicy, fruit-forward drinks, which makes Chili Mango perfect for BuzzBallz’s portfolio.
Founder and CEO Merrilee Kick shared the inspiration behind the chili mango flavor and how it came about.
“We love mango, and we love spice in Texas,” Kick says. “We developed that flavor a year ago, and it is just now entering the market.”
The flavor is currently being tested in California and Texas markets, and expectations are high for national distribution. Casey hopes to get some good market tests in chains like QuikTrip, HEB and Buc-ee’s.
“It takes about a year to one and a half years to seed around the USA,” Kick said. “I think once customers try it, they’ll keep coming back.”
For more information, visit buzzballz.com.
