Anheuser-Busch is introducing a new non-carbonated vodka tea called Skimmers, set to be available in nearly 20 states and Washington, D.C. This innovative beverage is made with Anheuser-Busch’s Cutwater vodka, real tea, and natural flavors, offering a refreshing taste experience. Skimmers will come in four flavors: Original Tea, Half & Half, Peach Tea, and Lemonade.
The decision to launch Skimmers comes as the vodka tea sector saw a significant surge of 332% in 2024, according to data provided by Circana. This growth indicates a rising demand for spirits-based ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages that can be enjoyed on various occasions.
Consumers are increasingly turning to alternatives like hard tea as they move away from traditional beer and other alcoholic beverages. The hard tea market, valued at $2 billion in 2021, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 24.7% through 2030, according to Grand View Research. This trend has prompted Anheuser-Busch and other alcohol makers to expand their portfolios with hard tea offerings.
For years, the tea segment has been dominated by Boston Beer’s Twisted Tea, which first debuted in 2001. However, newer entrants like vodka-infused Surfside tea and Boston Beer’s Sun Cruiser have gained popularity as consumers seek real spirits in their beverages instead of malt alcohol.
In addition to Skimmers, other notable hard tea products in the market include Coca-Cola and Molson Coors’ Peace Hard Tea and Monster Energy’s Nasty Beast. Skimmers boasts a 4.5% alcohol by volume, 100 calories, and two grams of sugar per 12 fluid ounces, positioning it as a competitive player in the growing hard tea category.
While Skimmers may face tough competition from established brands, Anheuser-Busch’s expansion into the hard tea market aligns with its strategy to diversify beyond beer. With a portfolio that includes popular brands like Bud Light and Michelob Ultra, as well as newer offerings like Nütrl Vodka Seltzer and the upcoming energy drink Phorm, Anheuser-Busch is well-positioned to meet evolving consumer preferences and capture a share of the growing market for innovative alcoholic beverages.
