While there has been plenty of action in the fast-growing RTD cocktail scene, this year has already seen a raft of eye-catching new spirit launches. Here’s a quick recap of some of 2025’s early arrivals, including Megan Thee Stallion’s new tequila, a culture-merging limited release from Don Julio, and another flavor in Midnight Moon’s milkshake-inspired liqueur line.
The Lost Explorer Reserva del Maestro Madre Cuishe
The Lost Explorer, the mezcal and tequila brand co-founded by environmentalist David de Rothschild, has added another limited-edition reserve series to its lineup. Reserva del Maestro Madre Cuishe is the first to debut, featuring 12-year-old Oaxacan Madre Cuishe agave that’s roasted and distilled into a 45% ABV elixir with nutty layers, hints of orange peel and an earthy, caramely finish. Available in key markets in the U.S. and nationally in Mexico for a SRP of $120. For more information, visit thelostexplorer.com.
Midnight Moon Vanilla Moonshake
Vanilla milkshake fans rejoice, the moonshine brand by Piedmont Distillers has released a 17% ABV spiked version of the childhood treat. The latest addition to the brand’s Moonshake lineup is a cream liqueur that can be enjoyed over ice, swirled into coffee, or blended into a grown-up milkshake. Rolling out nationwide in February 2025. For more information, visit MidnightMoonshine.com.
Chicas Divertidas
Megan Thee Stallion has gifted herself a new entrepreneurial endeavor for her 30th birthday: a tequila brand. Chicas Divertidas comes in two ultra-premium expressions, Blanco (SRP $70) and Reposado (SRP $80), and is crafted at Casa Centinela, where the brand of the same name is produced. The striking and colorful bottle, designed to replicate an Angel’s Trumpet flower, is meant for the star’s fanbase of “Hotties” who can now preorder the tequila online or find it in select retailers. For more information, visit ChicasDivertidasTequila.com.
New Riff Balboa Rye
New Riff Distilling’s first whiskey “riff” created with an uncommon heirloom grain is back following its initial release in 2019. With a mashbill of 95% Balboa rye and 5% malted rye, expect notes of spiced fruit, clove, pure rye bread and pink peppercorn. Available for an SRP of $54.99 at select retail locations throughout the distillery’s distribution network and online. For more information, visit newriffdistilling.com
SKYY Martinis + Infusions Spicy Mango
SKYY Vodka is heating up its product portfolio with the introduction of SKYY Infusions Spicy Mango. Bottled at 35% ABV, the new spirit (SRP $9.99/375ml bottle) is crafted with mango, jalapeño, habanero and ghost chili. The brand has also debuted two new SKYY Martini flavors: Espresso and Cosmo. The ready-to-serve products (SRP $13.99/750ml bottle) are bottled at 20% ABV. For more information, visit skyyvodka.com/en-us.
Green River Distilling Co.
Green River Distilling Co., the 10th oldest distillery licensed in Kentucky, has expanded its lineup of barrel-strength offerings. Green River Kentucky Straight Wheated Single Barrel Bourbon ranges from 110 to 130 proof (55-65% ABV) and is aged for at least five years. Tasting notes include apricot, tangerine, oak, cinnamon and vanilla creme. Just 100 barrels of the new spirit will be available this year, exclusively for purchase by the barrel on- and off-premise. For more information, visit greenriverwhiskey.com.
Deep Eddy Vodka
If the winter doldrums have you in their grip, Deep Eddy’s new release offers a tropical escape. Deep Eddy Pineapple is priced at $17.99/750mL bottle and $1.49/50ml bottle. For more information, visit deepeddyvodka.com.
High West
Last month the TTB formally recognized American single malt as a distinct whiskey category, and High West is celebrating the news by bringing back High Country American Single Malt as a limited rerelease. This expression, distilled and blended in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, then aged for up to eight years, is available at liquor stores in Utah for $79.99 per bottle. For more information, visit highwest.com.
Don Julio
Mexican tradition meets Chinese culture with Don Julio’s new limited edition release, 1942 Year of the Snake Edition. The tequila is the same, but the bottle features a unique design depicting the Chinese Zodiac snake and the Aztec feathered serpent (Quetzalcoatl) intertwined, plus gold accents for good luck and prosperity. Available for $199.99 per bottle while supplies last. For more information, visit donjulio.com.
