In conjuring images of the Ocean Spray brand, cranberries are usually at the forefront - be it juice, snacks, or canned sauces. After all, cranberries have been the brand's anchor for nearly a century. However, just because the brand has maintained its core product with consistency, doesn't infer a lack of innovation. As the case in point, Ocean Spray plans to unveil a new juice this season named Holiday Blends Mulled Blackberry Pear, marking the brand's first foray into such a unique beverage.

November 12 marks a first for the brand as it rolls out a juice designed to be enjoyed straight from the bottle, chilled or warmed, resulting in a delightful, comforting winter drink. The term “mulled” hints at the tradition of mulled wine, a cold-weather staple where alcohol gets a cozy spice treatment with ingredients like cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg, then gently simmered to a fragrant, heartwarming potion.

Trinh Le, vice president of next-generation beverages and omnichannel marketing at Ocean Spray, provided insight to Food & Wine regarding the development of this particular beverage. According to Le, the cranberry's tartness grants it a wine-like quality that originates from the skin's tannins. This presented an opportunity to fabricate a wine-tasting product sans the alcohol. Le added that the holiday dessert staple - poached pears served as an inspiration to their R&D team. The unique combination of the tart cranberry, sweet blackberry, poached pears, and mulled spices offers a perfect flavor blend to launch this seasonal beverage.

Le also noted that heating the juice enhances the flavor, with the spices becoming more pronounced and offering a comforting sipping experience. Ocean Spray also mentioned possible cocktail applications for the mulled juice in their press release, hinting at “even more recipe fun!” The brand's new ad, “Shake It,” positions the juice as a fun staple for winter parties-one that can stir up the dancing mood once in a cocktail shaker. The introduction of Mulled Blackberry Pear juice aligns with this vision, offering a versatile, flavorful drink ideal for every type of gathering during the festive season.

Some suggested uses for the new Holiday Blends Mulled Blackberry Pear juice include serving it warm or chilled, mixing it with spirits, or having it as is. It is a universal flavor suitable for adults and kids alike, making it an essential choice for any holiday celebration. Le offered insights into how this new blend could be integrated into holiday sips while additionally providing warming instructions on the bottle.

But as with the holiday season, the uniqueness of this latest Ocean Spray beverage is boosted by its temporary availability. It will only be on sale for a limited time, as long as stocks endure, and can be found at Walmart and Amazon for a suggested retail price of $3.52. To avoid missing out on this unique concoction, be prompt in making your purchasing decisions.