Red Bull launches new line of organic drinks

Never one to be behind the times, Red Bull, the energy drink powerhouse known for inspiring a wave of copycats and cocktails (vodka Red Bulls and Jägerbombs being two of them), is now unveiling a new product line, ORGANICS. On April 2, the line debuts online at Amazon.com and in two exclusive markets, one in North Carolina, and the other here in San Diego County.

The new series consists of four flavors Simply Cola, Bitter Lemon, Ginger Ale, and Tonic Water, and is certified organic by the USDA National Organic Program. The drinks are vegan, gluten-free, wheat-free and dairy-free, and come in 100% recyclable cans, just as all other Red Bull beverages.

So what’s in these new organic drinks?

Simply Cola

Caffeine addicts, note this is the only jolt in the lot, with a dose of 32 mg of caffeine, about the same as a traditional cola. The Simply derives its caffeine from organic coffee beans and is flavored with kola nut, ginger and cinnamon.

Bitter Lemon

This caffeine-free offering incorporates citrus extracts and organic lemon juice concentrate, along with plant extracts, to lend an herbal bitterness to a tart and refreshing drink.

Ginger Ale

Step aside high fructose corn syrup-laden ginger ales, the Organics version is spicy and sweet with natural ingredients including ginger extracts and organic lemon juice concentrate.

Tonic Water

A balance of sweet and sour with dry and tart, this twist on a classic blends lemon and lime notes with characteristic tonic bitterness from plant extracts.

PACIFIC nabbed an exclusive interview with a Red Bull spokesperson, to find out more about the new line and its flavors:

Why did Red Bull, known for the slogan “Red Bull gives you wing,” decide to move into an organic line of drinks?

Simply put, we believe there is a need for premium organic sodas. In fact, the idea of creating alternatives to classic beverages has been circulating at Red Bull for years.

How were the flavors picked? Was there a survey or was there a reason for those particular four flavors?

This line was introduced last year in Red Bull’s home country, Austria, and was received with great excitement and success, hence the expansion into other markets including the U.S. and other parts of Europe, for example.

Is the idea for Organic Tonic Water to be for cocktails and bars?

Because the entire new line makes the perfect complement to meals, look for your favorite local restaurants and bars to offer special drinks and food pairings. We can’t wait to see what they come up with.

What are the Organics line sweetened with? Will they be lower sugar than the regular Red Bull?

The Organics by Red Bull line uses organic sugar. Organics by Red Bull Simply Cola contains 100 calories, the others are all 90 calories.

Who is the market for this new line? Red Bull fans or a new group?

While current Red Bull fans may choose the new line for their more chill moments, we know there are many consumers who are specifically looking for organic products and like to try new things, so we hope this launch speaks to them to try something different from a brand known for quality ingredients and taste.

Ogranics by Red Bull can be found around San Diego County including such locations as Monkey King (where we recently sent our blind daters), PB Shore Club, Miss B’s Coconut Club, Tipsy Crow, Henry’s and many more. Learn more at organicsbyredbull.com/us/en.