Cointreau is looking to tap into the growing popularity of spicy cocktails with the launch of Cointreau Spicy, a new chilli-infused expression of its flagship orange liqueur, rolling out across UK retail and on-trade channels this month.
The new product, which carries an RRP of £27, combines Cointreau's signature orange liqueur with Bird's Eye chilli maceration, natural chilli and jalapeño flavourings, and a touch of cucumber flavour to create what the brand describes as a balanced spicy profile aimed at both consumers and bartenders.
Rémy Cointreau said the launch has been designed to capitalise on surging demand for Spicy Margaritas, enabling consumers to recreate the serve at home while helping operators simplify cocktail preparation in bars. The company said the product removes the need for bartenders to muddle chillies or adjust spice levels, requiring only tequila and lime juice to create a Spicy Margarita.
The launch comes amid growing consumer interest in spicy flavours. Research commissioned by Cointreau among 2,000 UK adults found that 90 per cent consume spicy flavours at least occasionally, while 70 per cent do so at least once a week. The study also found that 38 per cent of consumers who make cocktails at home would be encouraged to create spicy cocktails if recipes were easy to follow, while 33 per cent would be more likely to try a spicy serve if it was based on a familiar cocktail.
Social influence is also helping to drive the trend, with 44 per cent of respondents saying they would be most likely to order a spicy drink following a friend's recommendation. Nearly a quarter (22 per cent) associate ordering a spicy drink with confidence, rising to 32 per cent among Gen Z consumers.
Nick Ganich, marketing director at Rémy Cointreau, said: "We're introducing Cointreau Spicy in response to a clear shift in consumer demand for bold, flavour-led serves across both the on-trade and retail.
"Spice has moved firmly into the mainstream, and consumers are increasingly looking for drinks that deliver excitement while maintaining a well-balanced flavour profile. With Spicy Margaritas emerging as one of the fastest-growing cocktail trends, Cointreau Spicy has been developed to make it easy to create consistent, great-tasting spicy cocktails at home or in bars."
The company pointed to growing interest in the cocktail, noting that online searches for "simple spicy margarita recipe" have increased by more than 350 per cent, while the Spicy Margarita now ranks among the most popular cocktails on Difford's Top 100 Cocktails list. The traditional Margarita also remains one of the world's most ordered cocktails.
To support the launch, Cointreau will undertake a consumer and trade activation programme, including a branded Margarita Bar at Taste of London and BST Hyde Park. The events will feature Spicy Margaritas alongside spicy twists on flavoured Margarita serves.
Carole Quinton, master distiller at Cointreau, said the new variant had been developed to retain the brand's distinctive orange character while introducing a new layer of heat.
"For Cointreau Spicy, we wanted to capture a real sense of warmth and intensity through natural chilli, whilst preserving the bright orange signature that defines Cointreau," she said. "It's vibrant, bold and made to elevate the Spicy Margarita – but it's also incredibly versatile, from cocktails to simple shots."