Coca-Cola to launch its first ever alcoholic drink after 130 years

Coca-Cola has announced the launch of its first ever alcoholic drink after 130 years of exclusively producing non-alcoholic beverages.

It is one of the biggest and recognisable brands in the world, available in more than 200 countries, and it now appears Coca-Cola is looking to broaden its appeal with a brand new alco-pop drink. The new product, which is currently under design, is based on the popular Japanese drink, Chu-Hi - which contains shochu alcohol mixed with carbonated water and flavoured with citrus fruit - and will launch in the thriving Japanese market. It has been likened to popular drinks like WKD, Smirnoff Ice and Bacardi Breezer. “We haven’t experimented in the low alcohol category before, but it’s an example of how we continue to explore opportunities outside our core areas," said Coca-Cola's Japanese president Jorge Galduno. “It makes sense to give this a try in our market.” Excited British consumers should probably curb their enthusiasm though, as Coca-Cola has suggested that the product is unlikely to go on sale outside of the Japanese market.