Whether you're a spirits enthusiast hunting for the next limited-edition bourbon or a casual drinker curious about the latest canned cocktails, 2026 has something for everyone.
This article serves as your go-to resource for what's new in liquor, with regular updates as brands drop fresh announcements throughout the year. Check back often to see what's just hit the market."
What's New in Liquor: 2026's Latest Spirit Releases, Canned Cocktails & Industry Trends
The 2026 Landscape:
This year promises exciting developments. Ready-to-drink cocktails continue their meteoric rise, with the market projected to rapidly grow over the next decade. Premium and craft offerings are gaining ground as consumers seek quality over quantity.
Meanwhile, innovation hasn't slowed, from heritage distilleries pushing boundaries with experimental finishes to new brands entering with fresh perspectives.
The spirits industry moves fast, and so do we. This guide is updated regularly throughout the year as new announcements arrive, ensuring you always have access to the latest information. From January releases to holiday limited editions, if it's new and noteworthy in 2026, you'll find it here.
This living guide tracks the latest developments across multiple categories:
New Spirit Releases: From limited-edition bourbons and premium tequilas to innovative flavored whiskeys and craft expressions, discover what's hitting shelves throughout the year. We cover special editions, seasonal releases, celebrity partnerships, and heritage brand innovations.
Ready-to-Drink Cocktails: The RTD market is exploding in 2026, with spirits-based canned cocktails leading the charge. Find updates on new flavor launches, brand collaborations, and innovative formats from both established names and emerging brands.
Bar Trends: Stay ahead of what's trending behind the bar. From cocktail techniques and ingredient innovations to consumer preferences and cultural shifts, we're tracking what's shaping the drinking experience in 2026.
Pin this guide for easy reference and share it with fellow spirits enthusiasts who want to stay in the know!
Tsingtao Brewery Celebrates Chinese New Year
Tsingtao is marking Chinese New Year with special releases perfect for the holiday's traditional gatherings, feasts, and celebrations. Established in 1903, Tsingtao has grown into the world's sixth-largest brewer with distribution in over 120 countries.
The brand's well-balanced taste and rich heritage make it a natural fit for welcoming prosperity and positive energy into the new year. Look for special Chinese New Year packaging and promotions as communities worldwide celebrate this important cultural holiday.
Owl's Brew Expands RTD Lineup with Chelsea Handler Collaboration
Female-founded Owl's Brew continues building its award-winning ready-to-drink cocktail portfolio with a focus on clean, small-batch recipes made with real ingredients. The brand blends premium spirits with fresh-brewed tea, herbs, and botanicals (no artificial flavors or shortcuts) creating what they call a "wellness-ish" approach to cocktails.
The lineup now includes Chelsea Handler's Vodka Lemonade in three varieties: Classic (with lemon verbena and fresh lemon juice), Pink (adding rosehips and cranberry), and Mint (with fresh-brewed mint leaves). "When I was a young entrepreneur, I realized I could make a lot more money if I spiked my lemonade," Handler quips. "Now, I've upgraded my recipe and put it in a can." All three are vegan, gluten-free, 100 calories per 12 oz can, and 5% ABV. Eight-packs retail for $21.99.
Sun Tea & Vodka offers Half Tea & Half Lemonade, Blueberry Lemon, and Strawberry Basil, all hand-crafted with real vodka and fresh-brewed tea. Same specs: vegan, gluten-free, 100 calories, 5% ABV, with eight-packs at $21.99.
Rounding out the collection is Rum Mojito, made with real rum and fresh-brewed organic tea at 110 calories and 5% ABV. Four-packs run $14.99.
Owl's Brew products are available at Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Erewhon, Target, Sprouts, and Total Wine & More.
International Polo Tour Launches IPT Vodka and Tequila "Polo Reserve"
Wellington-based International Polo Tour (IPT) is expanding into ultra-premium spirits with the January 30 launch of IPT Vodka and IPT Tequila "Polo Reserve." The spirits are crafted in partnership with award-winning Muscle Vodka, an industry leader known for pure, organic, gluten-free production.
IPT Vodka is made from a refined base of corn and pure water, then charcoal filtered and processed using reverse osmosis for a clean, smooth finish. The gluten-free vodka reflects the brand's focus on quality and clean production standards.
Muscle Vodka, a women-owned company, produces and bottles all spirits entirely in the United States, aligning with IPT's celebration of American excellence and the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary.
A portion of proceeds from every bottle sold will benefit We Will Survive Cancer (WWSC), IPT's long-time charity partner supporting international efforts to help families combating illness.
The collection debuts January 30 in Wellington.
Malibu Launches Malibu Pink and Malibu & Dole Ready-to-Drink Cocktails
Malibu is bringing tropical flavor year-round with two new releases: Malibu Pink and Malibu & Dole Ready-to-Drink Cocktails.
Malibu Pink puts guava front and center, complemented by pineapple and Malibu's signature coconut in a bold pink spirit. As guava transitions from specialty to mainstream flavor, Malibu Pink delivers an on-trend option for the rum aisle. Mix it with lemonade, enjoy it as a shot, or get creative.
Malibu & Dole Ready-to-Drink Cocktails hit shelves in January 2026, inspired by the number one way people already enjoy Malibu. The collaboration blends Malibu's coconut essence with real rum, real pineapple juice from Dole, sparkling water, and natural flavors. The 8-pack variety includes four flavors: Pineapple, Pineapple Mango, Pineapple Strawberry, and Pineapple Dragon Fruit. Each 12 oz can contains 130 calories and is free from artificial sweeteners and colors.
Both releases extend Malibu's summer energy into every season. Malibu Pink is going to be a great new addition to our Malibu Rum Cocktail Recipes.
Tequila Don Julio 1942 Releases Year of the Horse Limited-Edition for Lunar New Year
Tequila Don Julio 1942 is celebrating Lunar New Year 2026 with a limited-edition Year of the Horse bottle design. The special release blends the traditional Mexican ikat rebozo pattern with Chinese Zodiac horse symbolism, honoring both heritage and new beginnings.
The connection runs deep: Don Julio González started his pioneering tequila-making journey in 1942, also a Year of the Horse. The limited-edition bottle features the same luxuriously smooth, award-winning tequila made with 100% Blue Weber Agave and aged for at least two years in American white oak barrels.
"Tequila Don Julio 1942 has long been a symbol of celebration, and Lunar New Year is a perfect moment for us to come together and raise a glass," says Ari Anderman, Brand Director of Tequila Don Julio. "With our Year of the Horse Edition release, we're honoring the craftsmanship behind the iconic 1942 while celebrating the traditions, connections and shared moments that define this special holiday."
The brand is also partnering with actor Ross Butler and Max Siegelman of Siegelman Stable for a Lunar New Year campaign. Tequila Don Julio and Siegelman Stable are releasing a unisex capsule collection designed by Max Siegelman, featuring a coaches jacket, short-sleeve tee, and signature hat. Ten percent of net proceeds will support The Asian American Foundation (TAAF).
Rebel Bourbon Brings Back Rebel Root Beer Whiskey
Rebel Bourbon has announced the return of fan-favorite Rebel Root Beer Whiskey to its award-winning lineup. The unconventional expression features Rebel Straight Bourbon Whiskey infused with bold, creamy root beer flavor, putting a twist on the brand's time-honored wheated recipe.
Rebel Root Beer delivers aromas of classic sassafras and vanilla paired with aged bourbon whiskey. The taste profile includes sharp root beer flavors of sassafass, vanilla, licorice, and molasses, layered with bourbon, caramel, and honey notes. The finish brings lingering sweetness and spicy sassafras.
Bottled at 70 proof (35% ABV), Rebel Root Beer is available nationwide this month at $19.99 per 750mL bottle and $0.99 per 50mL bottle.
With so many exciting releases hitting shelves this year, what are you adding to your bar cart? Let us know in the comments what 2026 spirits and cocktails you're most excited to try!
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