The reinvented icon

A bold new era has begun for one of South Africa's favorite mixers. Built on heritage and fueled by bold, modern energy, Schweppes is ushering in an authoritative vision of beverage culture. To herald this new dawn, Schweppes Pioneers will lay the groundwork in South Africa as an expansion of the global education and advocacy program. Mzansi mixologists will have the opportunity to learn from leading bartenders: Simone Caporale, Millie Tang, Iain McPherson and Vasilis Kyritsis, who will share their expertise through educational summits and training modules, focusing on developing bartending skills through creative techniques and methods in areas such as freezing, menu creation and more.

The South African leg of the show promises to bring Mzansi style to the global community. “As a promotional platform, there will be a set of tools that can be mixed and matched,” says McPherson at the Schweppes Pioneers global launch event in June this year. “Each market is very different, so the flexibility for brand ambassadors to adapt educational content to their region is very helpful.” Follow Schweppes for more exciting updates on this initiative.

An exclusive look inside

Hosted by Mi casa frontman J Something and his wife and business partner Coco de Fonseca, select media were treated to an exclusive preview of Schweppes' ambition for South African cocktail culture. Accompanied by Millie Tang and Iain McPherson, the evening combined culinary innovation with a bold new introduction to Schweppes cocktails and mocktails. J Something and Coco's partnership brought a synergy to the intimate event that illustrated how a brand can take its core offering and layer it until an entire lifestyle is anchored around it. As brand partners, the De Fonsecas will release culinary fusion content to tantalize our taste buds this summer.

Celebrating craftsmanship and creativity

The Schweppes experience is as much about inspiration as it is about taste. Attendees at the exclusive presentation were immersed in a sensory journey where every detail, from the elegant bar settings to the innovative cocktail presentations, was designed to showcase the art behind mixology. This focus on craftsmanship reflects Schweppes' commitment to not only offering premium beverages but also cultivating an elevated experience for its consumers.

A taste of the future

Guided by global bar pioneers, local mixologists are encouraged to experiment with flavor combinations, textures and presentations. This collaborative approach ensures that the South African cocktail scene remains at the forefront of innovation. Schweppes' dedication to education and creative exploration allows bartenders to push boundaries, fostering a culture where every drink tells a story and every moment feels luxurious.

Beyond technique, the program fosters a deep understanding of ingredient origin, seasonality and sustainability, allowing mixologists to create experiences that are both sophisticated and mindful. By combining tradition with modernity, Schweppes inspires a new generation of bartenders to create drinks that delight the senses, provoke conversation and elevate every social occasion into an unforgettable experience.

What's to come?

The brand update features a new visual identity that captures timeless sophistication with a modern twist, along with the new Skittle Bottle, a high-end take on a design classic. The three new Straight-Drinking flavors (Tangerine, Coconut, Pineapple and Pomegranate) are a refreshing drink on their own or an innovative mixer for unique cocktail creations. First introduced at The Luxury Marble Circus in October this year, the message is clear: Schweppes is targeting high-end experiences to assert its market dominance with a foundation of upward mobility. With these bold new strokes, consumers can expect Schweppes to cultivate a luxurious new version of a familiar brand that will lead South Africa's cocktail culture for years to come.