What Alcohol is Used in Simply Spiked Beverages?

January 6, 2026 •

3 min read

As of its launch in 2022, Simply Spiked is an alcoholic beverage line inspired by the iconic Simply fruit juice brand, created through a partnership between Molson Coors and Coca-Cola. The alcohol used in these ready-to-drink products is derived from fermented sugar cane, providing a flavorful, juicy base for the spiked lemonades, limeades, and tropical drinks.

Quick Summary

Simply Spiked beverages are alcoholic drinks that use a base derived from fermented sugar cane. This product line, developed by Molson Coors and Coca-Cola, is distinct from regular Simply juices and comes in a variety of fruit flavors with either 5% or 8% ABV.

Key Points

Fermented Sugar Cane: The alcohol in Simply Spiked is derived from fermented sugar cane, not distilled spirits like vodka or rum.
Not-a-Malt-Beverage: Although often classified as a fermented malt beverage (FMB) for legal reasons, it does not use a traditional malt base.
Distinction from Juice: Regular Simply juices are completely non-alcoholic, and the alcohol is only in the products labeled "Simply Spiked".
Dual ABV Options: The beverage line offers a standard 5% ABV for casual drinking and a Bold line with 8% ABV for a stronger kick.
Joint Venture: Simply Spiked was created through a partnership between The Coca-Cola Company and Molson Coors.
Real Fruit Juice: The alcohol is expertly blended with 5% real fruit juice to create its signature fruity and refreshing flavors.

The Origins of Simply Spiked Alcohol

Unlike traditional cocktails that use distilled spirits like vodka or rum, the alcohol in Simply Spiked products is created through a natural fermentation process. Specifically, the alcohol is derived from fermented sugar cane, a method that is common in many modern ready-to-drink (RTD) alcoholic beverages. This approach allows the final product to be classified as a fermented malt beverage (FMB) for distribution purposes, even though it doesn't use a traditional malt base.

The fermentation of sugar cane results in a neutral alcohol base that acts as a canvas for the real fruit juice and natural flavors that are characteristic of the Simply brand. This process allows for a clean, fruit-forward taste that closely mimics the flavor profile of the original juices, distinguishing it from beverages with a more pronounced alcohol flavor.

The Crucial Distinction: Simply Juice vs. Simply Spiked

It is important to clarify that the Simply brand's line of juices and beverages are not alcoholic. The fruit juices, such as Simply Orange or Simply Lemonade, are made from not-from-concentrate juice and are sold in the refrigerated section of stores. The alcohol is only present in the specifically labeled "Simply Spiked" products, which are sold in the beer and malt beverage sections and are intended for consumers of legal drinking age. This distinction is critical for consumers to understand, especially given the shared branding.

Simply Spiked Product Lines and Alcohol Content

Simply Spiked offers different product lines with varying alcohol by volume (ABV) levels, catering to different consumer preferences. These are available in variety packs and single-flavor formats.

Simply Spiked Standard Line (5% ABV)

This is the core offering of the Simply Spiked lineup, featuring a 5% ABV that is comparable to many hard seltzers and traditional malt beverages. The flavors are inspired by the classic Simply juices and include:

Lemonade
Strawberry Lemonade
Blueberry Lemonade
Watermelon Lemonade
Limeade
Tropical flavors like Pineapple and Mango Pineapple

Simply Spiked Bold Line (8% ABV)

For those seeking a higher-potency beverage, the Simply Spiked Bold line offers an 8% ABV option. These come in larger cans and are designed for a more significant buzz, while still maintaining the signature fruit-forward flavor. Flavors in the Bold line include:

Bold Signature Lemonade
Bold Cherry Limeade

A Comparison of Simply Products


Feature	Simply Spiked	Simply Juice	Why the Difference?
Alcohol Content	Yes (5% or 8% ABV)	No	Simply Spiked is an adult alcoholic beverage, while Simply Juice is a non-alcoholic fruit juice.
Production Process	Fermentation of sugar cane	Squeezed and pasteurized	The fermentation process is what creates the alcohol content in Simply Spiked.
Ingredients	Fermented sugar cane, fruit juice, cane sugar, carbonated water	Real fruit juice, pasteurized	Simply Spiked includes alcohol and carbonation, which are not present in the juice.
Target Audience	Adults (21+)	General Public	Simply Spiked is marketed and sold as an age-restricted product.
Flavor Profile	Sweet and tart with a slight alcoholic kick and carbonation	Fresh-squeezed taste, typically without carbonation	Simply Spiked has added fizz and the taste of alcohol, while the juice is focused purely on fresh fruit flavor.

The Collaboration Between Coca-Cola and Molson Coors

The creation of Simply Spiked is the result of a joint venture between two beverage giants: The Coca-Cola Company, the parent company of the Simply juice brand, and Molson Coors, an experienced brewer and distributor of alcoholic products. This partnership allows Molson Coors to produce and market the new spiked product line, leveraging the established and popular Simply brand name and flavor profiles to enter the booming RTD alcohol market. The success of this strategy is evident in the brand's rapid expansion of flavors since its initial launch.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the alcohol used in Simply Spiked is sourced from fermented sugar cane, distinguishing it from traditional spirits and setting it apart from its non-alcoholic Simply juice namesake. The partnership between Molson Coors and Coca-Cola successfully combines the beloved taste of Simply fruit juices with a fermentable alcohol base, creating a variety of ready-to-drink beverages with either 5% or 8% ABV. By understanding the source of the alcohol, consumers can appreciate the unique position of Simply Spiked within the competitive hard beverage market and make an informed choice. To learn more about the different product offerings, you can visit the official Simply Spiked website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The alcohol in Simply Spiked is derived from fermented sugar cane, resulting in a clean, neutral base that is then blended with fruit juice and natural flavors.

No, regular Simply juices, such as Simply Orange and Simply Lemonade, are non-alcoholic. Only the product line specifically labeled "Simply Spiked" contains alcohol.

The alcohol content varies by product line. The standard Simply Spiked beverages, including the variety packs, have a 5% alcohol by volume (ABV). The Simply Spiked Bold line has a higher 8% ABV.

Simply Spiked is positioned as a hard lemonade and a flavored malt beverage (FMB), rather than a traditional hard seltzer, due to its real fruit juice content and fermented sugar cane base.

Simply Spiked is a product of a partnership between The Coca-Cola Company, which owns the Simply brand, and Molson Coors.

Yes, Simply Spiked comes in a variety of flavors, including different lemonades (signature, strawberry, blueberry, watermelon), limeades (classic, blackberry, passion fruit), and tropical packs (mango pineapple, signature pineapple).

Simply Spiked can be found in the alcoholic beverage section of grocery stores, liquor stores, and other retailers. Availability can vary by location.