AB InBev and Keurig launch home cocktail machine

AB InBev and coffee maker Keurig has launched a new pod-based home cocktail machine in the US, allowing users to mix cocktails at the touch of a button.

The Drinkworks Home Bar by Keurig, developed by Keurig Dr Pepper and AB InBev is capable of preparing cocktails, beers and ciders through 24 different ‘pods’ that contain signature blends of spirits and natural flavours, created by in-house mixologists.

The machine then calculates the precise amount of water and carbonation needed for each Drinkworks Pod, dispensing the spirits, water, carbonation and other ingredients simultaneously into a glass to produce a beverage.

“This joint venture was created with the mission of making the entire drinking experience – from purchase, to creation, to enjoyment – more remarkable through innovation,” said Drinkworks CEO Nathaniel Davis.

“We started with a clear opportunity: consumers want to serve and enjoy complex cocktails at home, but it’s time-consuming, expensive and messy. We iterated with users throughout the development process, and we’re confident that the appliance we designed with them solves this perfectly.

A Cosmopolitan cocktail pod

“Our next step is to launch this unprecedented technology in a limited way. We’re excited to gather real-world feedback from passionate early adopters to shape the future iterations of our drink maker, drinks and expansion plans.”

A total of 15 cocktails are available, including mojito, classic margarita, gin and tonic, Moscow mule and white wine peach sangria. Two ‘flights’ of beer brand pods are also available: an English collection, featuring brews from Bass, and German beer styles from Becks.

It follows Pernod Richard’s OPN at-home cocktail dispenser, which mixes cocktails and is controlled through an app. In contrast, OPN uses 75cl cartridges filled with varying spirits that are connected intelligently to track levels, measure and mix drinks via an app, and was expected to be rolled out commercially this year.

The machine is currently only available through an early access pilot programme in Missouri, but will launch online later this year at a price of US$299.