Thomas Lowndes creates RTD cocktail range

The food and licensing unit of Edrington-Beam Suntory UK has launched a new bottled cocktail range, called 1826.

The 1826 range of ready-to-drink (RTD) products has been launched by Glasgow-based firm Thomas Lowndes, the UK’s leading supplier of branded culinary alcohol. The company has been part of Edrington-Beam Suntory UK since 2015.

The name of the RTD range comes from the year Thomas Lowndes founded his namesake business.

The 1826 range comprises of four bottled cocktails: Old Fashioned, Cognac Espresso Martini, Smoky French Martini, and Mint Julep. Each RTD contains five servings and is made using a Beam Suntory spirit as its base.

Moira Jacques, general manager of Thomas Lowndes, said: “This exciting new range by 1826, associated with premium whiskies, Cognacs and Bourbons gives us the perfect opportunity to showcase how easily bar-quality cocktails can be created in the home. We want to show customers that you can create premium, top-quality drinks in the comfort of your own home.”

The Old Fashioned (28% ABV) is made using Maker’s Mark Bourbon and is recommended served over ice with an orange peel twist. For Cognac lovers, the twist on the Espresso Martini (20% ABV) is made using Courvoisier and requires shaking before being poured into a glass.

Meanwhile, the Smoky French Martini (20% ABV) puts a spin on the classic serve and is made using Laphroaig whisky instead of vodka. It is recommended shaken and served in a chilled Martini glass, garnished with a raspberry.

The Mint Julep (28% ABV) is made with Maker’s Mark and is recommended served over crushed ice.

The 1826 range is available to buy online from Master of Malt, Drink Supermarket, The Whisky Shop and The Whisky World for an RRP of £25 (US$34) per 500ml bottle.

In September 2020, Beam Suntory acquired pre-mixed cocktail company On The Rocks for an undisclosed sum.