Why Tito's Chose Not to Make a Seltzer
In an industry flooded with new hard seltzer brands, Tito's Handmade Vodka chose to avoid the trend. The company's vice president of brand marketing, Taylor Berry, explained the decision was about staying true to their roots and focusing on crafting high-quality vodka. Instead of becoming another player in a crowded market, Tito's reinforced its identity as a pure, classic vodka brand. This move was seen by many as a clever marketing tactic, playfully poking fun at the saturated canned cocktail landscape.
To further emphasize this point, Tito's released a limited-edition product called "Tito's in a Can*". This was not a pre-mixed beverage, but rather an empty, reusable, insulated can designed for consumers to fill with Tito's vodka and their mixer of choice. This campaign—where net proceeds were donated to nonprofits—aligned perfectly with the brand's authentic, community-focused image. It empowered drinkers to become their own mixologists, ensuring a fresher and more customizable drink experience.
The Rise of DIY Cocktails with Tito's
For those who crave a vodka seltzer, Tito's brand message is simple: "We don't make seltzers. You do". This philosophy turns a consumer desire into a fun, personal project. The beauty of creating your own Tito's seltzer lies in the complete control you have over the ingredients. You can adjust the flavor profile, sweetness, and carbonation level to your exact liking, something most ready-to-drink options can't offer.
- Flavor Customization: Use fresh fruit purees, different sparkling waters, and a variety of citrus garnishes to create endless combinations.
- Ingredient Control: Avoid the artificial flavorings and sweeteners often found in commercial seltzers by using natural juices and fruit.
- Strength Regulation: Control the alcohol content by measuring your desired pour of Tito's, ensuring your drink is exactly as strong as desired.
Popular Homemade Tito's Seltzer Recipes
Creating your own Tito's seltzer is easy and only requires a few ingredients. Here are a few popular recipes to get you started, inspired by the brand's own suggestions.
Tito's Soda Lime
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Add 1.5 oz of Tito's Handmade Vodka.
- Top with 4 oz of sparkling water.
- Squeeze in a fresh lime wedge and garnish.
Tito's Berry Lemonade
- In a glass with ice, combine 1.5 oz of Tito's Handmade Vodka with 4 oz of lemonade.
- Add a handful of fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries).
- Top with a splash of sparkling water for effervescence.
- Stir gently and enjoy.
Tito's Sparkling Grapefruit
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add 1.5 oz of Tito's Handmade Vodka and 2 oz of grapefruit juice.
- Top with sparkling mineral water.
- Garnish with a slice of grapefruit.
Comparison: Homemade Tito's Seltzer vs. Commercial Hard Seltzers
To understand the appeal of the DIY approach, it's helpful to compare it directly to pre-packaged hard seltzers.
| Feature | Homemade Tito's Seltzer | Commercial Hard Seltzer |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor Control | High—fully customizable. | Low—pre-mixed, limited options. |
| Ingredient Quality | High—use fresh, natural ingredients. | Variable—often includes artificial flavors. |
| Alcohol Content | High—controlled by the user. | Fixed—typically around 5% ABV. |
| Sweetness Level | High—adjustable with sweeteners or fruit. | Fixed—often uses artificial sweeteners. |
| Carbonation | Adjustable—use more or less sparkling water. | Fixed—can lose fizz over time. |
| Cost | Typically lower per drink. | Varies, but often higher per drink. |
Conclusion: The Tito's Ethos and Your Seltzer Choice
Ultimately, the question isn't really does Tito's have a seltzer, but rather what kind of seltzer experience is desired. While the company may not offer a ready-to-drink version, their brand message and the availability of simple recipes make it incredibly easy to craft your own. The choice to buck the market trend and focus on their core product—high-quality, American-made vodka—has resonated with many consumers. Whether looking for a simple vodka soda or a more complex concoction, the power to create a fresher, more personalized seltzer is in your hands.
For those interested in exploring more about the brand's history and commitment, the Tito's Handmade Vodka official website offers a wealth of information and cocktail recipes to spark creativity. This approach not only distinguishes the brand but also offers a superior drinking experience for those who prefer fresh, natural ingredients over mass-produced alternatives. Embrace your inner mixologist and discover the benefits of making your own Tito's seltzer today.
The Verdict on Tito's Seltzer
- No Pre-Mixed Seltzer: Tito's Handmade Vodka does not produce or sell its own line of pre-mixed hard seltzers.
- DIY Encouragement: The company encourages customers to mix their own cocktails, including vodka seltzers, with their original vodka.
- The Empty Can Stunt: In a clever marketing campaign, Tito's released an empty, reusable "Tito's in a Can" to playfully mock the hard seltzer trend.
- Focus on Core Product: The brand’s strategy prioritizes its vodka over joining the crowded ready-to-drink market.
- Customizable Drinks: Making your own Tito's seltzer allows for full control over ingredients, flavor, and alcohol content.
FAQs
Question: Why doesn't Tito's make a hard seltzer? Answer: Tito's decided to stick to its core competency of making high-quality vodka, believing that a superior spirit and fresh mixers produce a better drink than pre-packaged seltzers.
Question: What was the purpose of Tito's empty can? Answer: The empty can was a cheeky marketing stunt to mock the overwhelming number of brands entering the hard seltzer market. It was a reusable can for consumers to make their own drinks, with net proceeds going to charity.
Question: How can I make a Tito's seltzer at home? Answer: You can create a simple Tito's seltzer by mixing 1.5 oz of Tito's Handmade Vodka with sparkling water and a squeeze of fresh citrus, like a lime wedge.
Question: Are there any other ready-to-drink cocktails from Tito's? Answer: No, Tito's is not known for selling ready-to-drink or pre-mixed cocktails. Their focus is solely on their unflavored vodka, with recipes available on their website for mixing your own.
Question: Can I buy Tito's in a can? Answer: You could buy the empty, reusable can as part of a limited-time charity campaign. It is not a beverage product and its availability varies depending on the campaign.
Question: Is a homemade Tito's seltzer healthier than a commercial one? Answer: A homemade Tito's seltzer with fresh ingredients can be a healthier alternative as you control the sugar and can avoid artificial flavors and preservatives common in commercial seltzers.
Question: Does Tito's plan to release a seltzer in the future? Answer: While brand strategies can change, Tito's has made public statements emphasizing their commitment to being a vodka-only brand and has shown no indication of entering the pre-mixed seltzer market.