Tara Wiese, Senior Director of Brand Marketing at Ole Smoky Distillery, Tells Us About its New Low-Cal RTD

The ready-to-drink category continues to evolve as consumers seek beverages that balance convenience, flavor, and a lighter drinking experience.

Low-calorie canned cocktails have become a staple of summer menus, but standing out in an increasingly crowded category requires more than just a lower calorie count. It takes a product with authentic character and recognizable flavor.

Ole Smoky Distillery is bringing its award-winning moonshine heritage to the RTD space with Sparkling Moonshine Lemonades, a lineup of 100-calorie canned cocktails crafted with its signature White Lightnin’ Moonshine. We caught up with Tara Wiese, Senior Director of Brand Marketing at Ole Smoky Distillery, to discuss the inspiration behind the new line, the trends shaping today’s RTD market, and why the brand believes consumers no longer have to choose between better-for-you options and bold flavor.

What inspired Ole Smoky to enter the low-calorie RTD category?

Our fans have always been fun and adventurous. They love Ole Smoky and they’re constantly looking for new, convenient ways to enjoy it, especially during the warmer months. When we looked at where the Ready-To-Drink space was heading, the demand for lighter, sessionable options was undeniable. But what really drove us to move was the opportunity to bring Ole Smoky’s flavor-forward identity into the format. We didn’t want to make just another low-cal can, we wanted something that tasted like Ole Smoky. Ole Smoky Sparking Moonshine Lemonades are built with our award-winning Moonshine. The base of each flavor is our classic White Lightnin’ Moonshine, which gives it a character and depth you don’t find in most RTDs on the shelf.

How are consumer drinking habits shaping the demand for lighter canned cocktails?

Guests are more thoughtful about what they’re putting in their glass than ever before. They want to stay in the moment to enjoy a few rounds without feeling like they overdid it. That mindset is reshaping what operators are stocking and what bartenders are recommending. We see it in on-premise especially: when a server or bartender can hand someone a 100-calorie can with no added sugar and 4.5% ABV, that conversation becomes easy. It checks all the boxes – sessionable, refreshing and genuinely delicious. The demand for ‘lighter but not boring’ is real, and Ole Smoky Sparkling Moonshine Lemonade was built exactly for that guest.

Why do you think low-cal cocktails have become such a strong summer occasion?

Summer has always been about being outside, being active, hanging with friends and having fun while living in the moment – and what you’re drinking should match that energy. Refreshing, low-cal options fit the season naturally because people are out socializing longer—enjoying a lake day, beach day, pool day, and bbq-ing with friends—looking for something they can enjoy socially during all the fun summertime activities. For on-premise, that translates directly to patio programming and summer happy hour menus, which are all perfect environments for a product like ours. A crisp, sparkling Blackberry Moonshine Lemonade canned cocktail on a hot afternoon sells itself.

What flavor trends are resonating most with today’s RTD drinker?

Fruit-forward, citrus-led flavors are driving the category right now and lemonade is the perfect canvas for that. It’s nostalgic, it’s refreshing, and it layers beautifully with other flavors. We came out with four varieties that each bring something a little different: Blackberry Lemonade for those who want that tart, berry-forward profile; Strawberry Lemonade for a sweet-tart balance; Watermelon Lemonade for something crisp and summery; and Lightnin’ Lemonade, which is our classic take—lemonade turned up a notch with Ole Smoky’s White Lightnin’ character. For the on premise, we’re focusing on our Blackberry Lemonade flavor—a delicious, refreshing flavor that all guests can enjoy year-round.

What sets Ole Smoky’s low-cal offering apart from other RTDs on the market?

It starts with what’s actually in the can. Ole Smoky Sparkling Moonshine Lemonades are made with our real, award-winning moonshine. That matters. Ole Smoky is the number one selling and most awarded moonshine brand in the world, with over 500 awards to our name, and that craft and quality carries into every product we make including our new Ready-to-drink Sparkling Moonshine Lemonades. On top of that, 100 calories, no added sugar, and 4.5% ABV—it’s genuinely a better-for-you option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. And the brand recognition helps tremendously in the on-premise. Ole Smoky is a name bartenders trust and guests ask for by name. That built-in equity is something you can’t manufacture.

What’s next for Ole Smoky in the RTD space?

Innovation remains a key focus for Ole Smoky as we continue to expand our presence in the rapidly growing RTD category. We’re committed to delivering new and exciting products that resonate with consumers, leveraging the bold flavors and authentic spirit that have made Ole Smoky a leader in the moonshine and flavored whiskey category. While we don’t have specific future launches to announce at this time, consumers can expect us to continue bringing delicious, fun innovations to market that keep the brand relevant, exciting, and differentiated.

The post Tara Wiese, Senior Director of Brand Marketing at Ole Smoky Distillery, Tells Us About its New Low-Cal RTD appeared first on Chilled Magazine.