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Anheuser-Busch has launched a new non-carbonated vodka tea brand called Skimmers, which will be available in nearly 20 states and Washington, D.C. This new beverage is made with Cutwater vodka, real tea, and natural flavors, and will be offered in four flavors: Original Tea, Half & Half, Peach Tea, and Lemonade.

The introduction of Skimmers comes in response to a significant growth in the vodka tea sector, which surged by 332% in 2024, as consumers increasingly shift away from traditional beer options towards ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages. Given the rise in popularity of hard tea—valued at $2 billion in 2021 and expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 24.7% through 2030—Anheuser-Busch’s entry into the vodka tea market seems timely.

Historically, the hard tea segment has been led by Boston Beer’s Twisted Tea, which launched in 2001. However, in recent years, other brands such as vodka-infused Surfside tea and Boston Beer’s Sun Cruiser have gained traction as well. New entries in this space include Coca-Cola and Molson Coors’ Peace Hard Tea, and Monster Energy’s Nasty Beast.

Skimmers boasts a 4.5% alcohol by volume, with only 100 calories and 2 grams of sugar per 12 fluid ounces. While it will face competition from established brands, the rapid growth of the hard tea category presents a potential opportunity for Anheuser-Busch to expand its non-beer offerings. The evolving preferences of consumers for different types of alcohol indicate a need for brands to innovate and adapt, which Skimmers appears to embody.

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