SMIRNOFF Stirs Up Hot New Hard Seltzer Trend With Fewer Calories Than Other Leading Brands On The Market

NORWALK, Conn., Jan. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Cutting calories is almost always an element of New Year's resolution for Americans, but they soon realize that there are few low-calorie options in the beverage aisle. Well, the makers of Smirnoff have a solution. New SMIRNOFF™ Spiked Sparkling Seltzer offers the best of both worlds: a great-tasting drink that eliminates resolution guilt with less than 100 calories and zero sugar.

In addition to only being 90 calories per 12 oz. serving, fewer calories than the leading hard seltzer brands** currently on the market, SMIRNOFF's new premium malt beverage has only 1g carbs, zero sugar and no artificial sweeteners*. Adult consumers can now make SMIRNOFF™ Spiked Sparkling Seltzer their go-to bubbly of 2017, as one 12 oz. can offers less calories than a standard 5 oz. serving of most champagnes***. Are those New Year's resolutions sounding more reasonable yet?

Consumers 21 years of age and older can pick up SMIRNOFF™ Spiked Sparkling Seltzer in three refreshing-tasting flavors – Orange Mango, Cranberry Lime and Watermelon. Served chilled in its slimline can, the three flavors are crafted to remove gluten**** and are infused with natural fruit flavors.

"The SMIRNOFF brand is bringing something new to the emerging spiked seltzer category by now offering its lowest calorie option (in its flavored malt beverage portfolio)," said Krista Kiisk, Brand Director of Flavored Malt Beverages, Diageo Beer Co. USA. "We know people are looking for different options when it comes to their alcohol, and SMIRNOFF™ Spiked Sparkling Seltzer delivers variety without sacrificing taste."

SMIRNOFF™ Spiked Sparkling Seltzer is 4.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) and is best served chilled in the 12 oz. slimline cans or in a glass on the rocks with a fruit garnish. The new product is available nationwide with a manufacturer's recommended retail price of $8.99 for a 6-pack of 12 oz. cans.

To remind consumers this product is meant for those over the age of 21, there is a hard-to-miss "Must be 21+ to purchase" callout on each can. When cracking open one of these tasty cans, SMIRNOFF asks consumers to enjoy this bubbly goodness responsibly.

*Per 12 fl. oz.-Average Analysis: Calories-90; Carbohydrates-1 G; Protein-0 G; Fat-0

** Truly Spiked & Sparkling: 100 calories; White Claw Hard Seltzer: 100 calories

*** Per 5 fl. oz.-Average Analysis of Sample of 5 Champagnes: Calories-134

**** Product fermented from grains containing gluten and crafted to remove gluten. The gluten content of this product cannot be verified, and this product may contain gluten.

About SMIRNOFF Spiked Sparkling Seltzer and Smirnoff ICE
SMIRNOFF Spiked Sparkling Seltzer, along with Smirnoff ICE is part of Diageo's flavored malt beverage portfolio. All of the products in the portfolio are ready to serve and include Smirnoff ICE Classic Flavors, Smirnoff ICE Seasonal Flavors, Smirnoff ICE Electric Flavors, Smirnoff ICE Spiked Flavors, and SMIRNOFF Spiked Sparkling Seltzer.  Please enjoy responsibly, and log on to www.smirnoff.com for more information.

Follow us on Twitter (@SmirnoffUS) and like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/smirnoff) for news and information about Smirnoff US.

About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Follow us on Twitter for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

SMIRNOFF Spiked Sparkling Seltzer 4.5% Alc/Vol.  The Smirnoff Co., Norwalk, CT.

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SOURCE SMIRNOFF