Crystal Light Vodka Refreshers are rolling out to 10 states this month.
A collaboration between Kraft Heinz and Harpoon maker Barrel One Collective, the 3.8% ABV vodka-based seltzer has 77 calories per 12 oz. serving, making it “the lowest-calorie ready-to-drink [RTD] cocktail on the market,” according to a press release. The new product also boasts 0 carbs and 0 sugar.
Initial markets include Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin, according to a Barrel One spokesperson. A wider roll out is planned for 2026.
Crystal Light Vodka Refreshers will be available in Wild Strawberry and Lemonade, each sold in 12 oz. can 4-packs with a suggested retail price of $9.99. More flavors and a variety pack are slated for next year.
The inspiration for Crystal Light Vodka Refreshers came from data showing nearly 20% of Crystal Light drinkers use the low-calorie drink mix to make cocktails, according to the release.
“With tens of millions of social media videos showcasing creative ways to mix Crystal Light into cocktails, creating a delicious lower-calorie vodka refresher was a natural step for us,” Kraft Heinz director of beverage mixes Jeremy Kross said in the release. “We’re bringing fans a ready-to-drink version in a new format – now with a light, refreshing twist – offering the same signature flavors they know and love.”
The collaboration between Kraft Heinz and Barrel One – which was formed late last year as the roll-up of Mass. Bay Brewing (Harpoon, UFO, Clown Shoes, Long Trail, Otter Creek, the Shed, Catamount, Right Coast Spirits, Dunkin’ Spiked) and FinestKind (Smuttynose, Wachusett, Five Boroughs, Island District Cocktails) – marks Kraft Heinz’s first foray into beverage-alcohol. Conversations about the product started nearly a year ago between Mass. Bay and Kraft Heinz, one of the largest food and beverage makers in the world.
Crystal Light Vodka Refreshers are less carbonated than other hard seltzers, making the product “totally different than anything else,” Barrel One VP of marketing Rob Day told Brewbound.
“It is nitro-dosed, which creates a really low level, smooth carbonation and less fill up from bubbles,” he said.
Crystal Light’s demographic base leans toward millennial and Gen X women, and Crystal Light Vodka Refreshers is expected to “follow suit,” Day said.
“We strongly believe this will do great with the millennial crowd and even think it has some appeal with the Gen Z crowd, especially with the zero sugar, zero carb, low bubbles, low calorie, low-alc attributes that actually taste great,” he added.