Introducing Picoso, a brand new premium spicy soda brand that is bringing a refreshing and sophisticated option to the non-alcoholic sector, whilst also giving a kick to the mundane mixer market. Picoso itself is the Spanish word for ‘Spicy’, reflective of its brand origins in Mexico where much of their flavour inspiration comes from.
One in three people between the ages of 16-24 are now choosing not to drink alcohol, and spicy cocktails are set to be one of the decade’s biggest trends. As the only spicy ready-to-drink option to be found in the UK market, Picoso is tapping into a huge demand segment, allowing all of its customers to feel included – whether mixing with alcohol or not.
The brand has launched with two exhilarating flavours; Zesty Lime and Tropical Mango (£15.00 RRP for a pack of six 250ml cans) and can be found in a growing number of leading shops and hospitality venues including high-end retail department store Selfridges, champion of independent produce DELLI and Renae, a top new music-led bar and venue in Manchester.
Perfect for sipping straight or as the ultimate mixer with clear spirits like vodka, tequila, gin and rum, Picoso uses top chilli varieties to elevate the unique and unmistakable element of capsaicin – leaving drinkers with their mouths tingling for another sip.
With low sugar and no artificial sweeteners, these two fiery flavours garner their sweetness from natural agave to deliver the great taste of a cocktail without the hassle, whilst being kind to your body. Each drink also contains electrolytes, which support natural hydration.
Picoso Zesty Lime is cut with scotch bonnet, sourced from the UK, and the drink delivers a refreshing citrus hit with a lasting warmth of heat. Just as delightful on its own or mixed into a bold cocktail, its sophisticated profile is made to suit any occasion (for a spicy margarita, simply mix with tequila and cointreau).
Picoso Tropical Mango is a fruity option, cut with habanero from Mexico. The heat of habanero brings bold flavours from Latin America. Bursting with vibrant taste, it strikes the perfect balance between sweet and spicy – and promises to be a real hit this summer.
The brand itself is the brainchild of Tish and Tom, two friends that met in 2020 whilst living in Madrid, where socialising and drinking were central to their lifestyle. Soon after, Tish decided to give up alcohol, but she never stopped appreciating the role that quality drinks play in bringing people together. In 2022 they moved to London and quickly saw a major gap in the market for products that are inclusive for those that drink alcohol and those that don’t.
Speaking on the launch, founder Tom Bowerman-Wake, says: “Picoso promotes ‘a new way of mixing’ – pushing inclusivity for drinkers and non-drinkers, ensuring that no one feels left out. Our unique element of spice brings excitement to the no-alcohol market, whilst providing a kick to the mundane mixer market. We stand by our brand philosophy – to ignite a thirst for life; we want everyone to live their lives to the full. This starts with quality social interactions, which themselves are fuelled by great drinks made with premium ingredients.”
Founder, Tish Carless adds: “After giving up drinking three years ago, I really struggled to find drinks that felt sophisticated and inclusive – all options available at the time were either replicating alcohol or just the same sugary soft drinks geared towards children. Unlike other drinks in this space, Picoso isn’t trying to replace or replicate anything, instead it is spearheading a new movement to blur the lines between drinking and sobriety, which most currently see as a binary choice. It doesn’t matter if you drink Picoso solo or with spirits, it tastes great either way.”
Picoso’s mission is to promote an exciting, inclusive and hot new drinking movement, in a market dominated by boring mixers and tired non-alcoholic options.
Picoso (250ml) is now available to purchase from Delli in a 4 x 250ml-pack for RRP £10.
Larger multipack formats can be purchased directly from Picoso Drinks in a 6 x 250ml-pack for RRP £15; 12 x 250ml pack for RRP £27 and 24 x 250ml pack for £50.
