The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Mission Craft Cocktails is expanding its ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail portfolio with the launch of Pickle-Rita, a dill-infused tequila margarita aimed at consumers seeking more unconventional flavour combinations.

The new product joins the brand’s existing margarita range, which includes Classic Margarita, Jalapeño Pineapple Margarita, Strawberry Margarita, Watermelon Margarita and Tamarind Margarita.

Launched to coincide with National Tequila Day on 24 July, Pickle-Rita combines premium tequila with dill for a savoury take on the traditional margarita.

The tequila is supplied by Productos Finos de Agave, a third-generation, family-run independent distillery and Mission Craft Cocktails’ new tequila partner.

According to Mission, the product originated as an April Fools’ Day concept after the brand teased a spiked pickle cocktail to its audience.

 Mission Craft Cocktails founders Amit Singh and Marcin Malyszko, said: “What started as an April Fools' joke quickly became one of the most requested cocktails we've ever dreamed of. When we teased a spiked pickle cocktail last April, we expected a few laughs. Instead, people flooded our inboxes asking where they could actually buy it. We couldn't leave the pickle lovers hanging, so we got to work creating the Pickle-Rita.”

Pickle has increasingly moved beyond its traditional role as a condiment and accompaniment, appearing across snacks, sauces and other food and beverage applications. Mission’s launch brings the flavour into the growing RTD cocktail segment, pairing its savoury profile with tequila and the familiar margarita format.

Mission Craft Cocktails’ Pickle-Rita is set to launch at Total Wine & More, Costco and Ralphs in the US this autumn, as well as through the brand’s website.