An American Spritz: Blake's and Korbel Toast to America's 250th

ARMADA, Mich. & GUERNEVILLE, Calif. – May 20, 2026 – As the United States gears up to celebrate its 250th anniversary, two family-owned American beverage titans are raising a glass with a new creation designed to define the nation's summer celebrations. Blake's Hard Cider of Michigan and Korbel California Champagne have joined forces to introduce The American Spritz, a cocktail that aims to reclaim the popular European drink with a distinctly domestic flair.

This strategic partnership introduces a crisp, golden cocktail that marries Blake's American Apple Imperial Hard Cider with the iconic Korbel Brut. By combining Michigan-grown apples with California-grown grapes, the collaboration presents a coast-to-coast tribute intended to become a staple for backyard barbecues, brunch gatherings, and patriotic toasts leading up to the nation's Semiquincentennial.

The Surging Spritz Phenomenon

The timing of The American Spritz is no coincidence, as it taps directly into a powerful and expanding trend in the U.S. beverage market. The spritz, once a niche European aperitif, has exploded in popularity, becoming the seventh most popular cocktail nationwide as of 2023. This growth is part of a larger market shift, with the global spritz category valued at over $1.6 billion in 2024 and projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 8.1% through 2033.

North America is a key engine of this expansion, with a forecasted growth rate of 9.5% that outpaces even its European origins. The trend is largely propelled by Millennial and Gen Z consumers, who are increasingly drawn to lower-alcohol by volume (ABV) options that align with mindful drinking habits. The spritz's light, refreshing nature and visual, 'Instagrammable' appeal make it the perfect beverage for longer, more casual social occasions. While the classic Aperol Spritz laid the groundwork, consumers are now actively seeking novel variations, creating a significant market opportunity for innovation beyond traditional bitter liqueurs.

An Orchard-to-Vineyard Alliance

The American Spritz represents a powerful synergy between two companies with deep roots in American agriculture and craft. Blake's Beverage Company, founded on a 1,000-acre orchard in Armada, Michigan, has built its reputation on authentic, fruit-forward ciders. Korbel California Champagne, established in 1882 in Sonoma County's Russian River Valley, is a cornerstone of American sparkling wine, renowned for its use of the traditional méthode champenoise.

This partnership bridges the gap between the Midwest's orchards and California's vineyards, creating a narrative that is both uniquely American and broadly appealing. The resulting cocktail leads with the bright, ripe apple notes of the cider and finishes with the crisp, sophisticated effervescence of the brut champagne. It's a flavor profile designed for accessibility, challenging the often-polarizing bitterness of European spritzes.

"The American Spritz is about authenticity and accessibility," said Andrew Blake, founder and CEO of Blake's Beverage Company, in the initial announcement. "We paired a classic Michigan cider with a California champagne to create something light, simple, and refreshing -- a summer cocktail that feels both elevated and grounded in American craft."

This sentiment is echoed by Korbel, which has been part of American celebrations for over 140 years. "Versatile enough to carry a backyard brunch and sophisticated enough for a Golden Hour toast," noted Tessa Reynolds, Korbel Marketing Director at Freixenet Mionetto USA. "At Korbel, we believe that the best moments happen when you're together."

Empowering the At-Home Mixologist

Initially, The American Spritz is being launched not as a pre-mixed product, but as a concept and a recipe, empowering consumers to become their own mixologists. The simple formula—ice, half a can of Blake's American Apple Imperial Hard Cider, topped with Korbel Brut and garnished with a lemon twist and apple slice—is designed for easy replication at home. This strategy aligns perfectly with the sustained trend of at-home entertainment and DIY cocktail culture that has flourished in recent years.

By promoting a recipe, the brands encourage the purchase of their core products, driving sales of both hard cider and sparkling wine. The campaign effectively turns every liquor store and grocery aisle into a potential point of discovery. This approach also allows for greater consumer engagement, as people share their own creations and experiences online, further amplifying the drink's reach.

Looking ahead, the phenomenal growth of the ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail market presents a compelling future opportunity. The U.S. RTD market is projected to surge to $2.66 billion by 2033, driven by consumer demand for convenience without sacrificing quality. While currently a DIY recipe, the success of The American Spritz could easily pave the way for a pre-mixed, canned version, allowing Blake's and Korbel to capture an even larger share of the evolving beverage landscape.