Drink Mixology



Half the Calories of Traditional Spirits and Wine: Only 48 Calories Per 1.5 Oz Serving

Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. announces the launch of ISLAND BREEZE, the first ever lite spirit, with half the calories of traditional spirits and half the calories of wine while providing great taste. As 'The Original Lite Spirit,' ISLAND BREEZE by Bacardi satisfies adult consumers' desire to enjoy delicious cocktails without breaking the calorie bank.



"ISLAND BREEZE by Bacardi will revolutionize the spirits industry, doing what the first lite beer did to the beer industry, and what the first diet cola did to the soft drink industry, "says Alfredo Piedra, Chairman of Global New Product Development for Bacardi. "As the 'original lite spirit' ISLAND BREEZE fulfills consumers' desire of wanting to 'Live life to the fullest' while saving calories and enjoying life responsibly. They want to have their cake and eat it, too," he added. Currently the top selling four out of five beers in the United States are lite.

Likewise, diet colas' share of the cola market has grown steadily since the mid 1990's and many analysts believe one day it will overtake regular soda.

ISLAND BREEZE is made with Premium BACARDI rum, infused with natural fruit flavors and sucralose, a natural-sugar substitute with no caloric content. "Consumers (21+) have asked for a lower-calorie spirit, but they didn't want to give up great taste. With the advent of sucralose, we have now created a spirit brand with half the calories of traditional spirits and wine with the full flavor and quality that consumers expect from Bacardi", says Jim Goodwin, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Bacardi-Martini New Product Development.

Each ISLAND BREEZE flavor has 18% alcohol by volume and only 48 calories per standard 1.5 ounce serving. Goodwin added, "Plus, these clear flavored spirits contain only 1.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving and are extremely smooth and delicious."

ISLAND BREEZE will be available throughout the United States in May, giving consumers three great flavors - Key Lime, Coconut and Wild Berry. "ISLAND BREEZE not only tested strongly with vodka and rum consumers, but also with women who enjoy other alcohol beverages, "said Paul de la Torre, Global Marketing Manager for Bacardi New Product Development. An ISLAND BREEZE martini cocktail is only 48 calories per 1.5 ounce serving, the ISLAND BREEZE Cosmopolitan* is only 63 calories, and the ISLAND BREEZE Skinny Pina Colada* can be created for only 68 calories. "ISLAND BREEZE by Bacardi lives up to it's motto - Now you can have it all," added de la Torre.

ISLAND BREEZE will be available in fine wine and liquor stores. Suggested retail price is approximately $13.99 for a 750 ml. bottle.

Bacardi USA is the United States import, sales, and marketing arm of one of the world's leading wine and spirits producers. A wholly owned subsidiary of Bacardi Limited, Bacardi USA boasts a brand portfolio of the some of the most recognized and top selling spirits and wines in the world: BACARDI rum, DEWAR'S blended scotch whisky, GREY GOOSE vodka, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin, MARTINI & ROSSI vermouth and asti, CAZADORES blue agave tequila and other noted brands.