Austin Eastciders has brewed up a new concoction that blends Texan boldness with Mexican tradition. The cider maker recently launched "Rico Tepache," a beverage inspired by the centuries-old Mexican drink, Tepache. According to a CBS Austin report, this fermented drink kicks it up a notch with a 6.8% alcohol by volume (ABV), marrying the taste of pineapple, piloncillo, cinnamon, and effervescence.
The company has aimed to deviate not just from the original low- or no-alcohol content but also to modernize the way Tepache is presented. Instead of the traditional clay mug serving, Austin Eastciders is serving Rico Tepache in cans designed by renowned Mexico City-based artist Raúl Urias. "Tepache is a heritage-rich drink, enjoyed by folks on many occasions, so our team has worked diligently on paying homage to its long tradition in every aspect, from flavor to packaging and everything in between," Kim Oakley, Sr. VP of Marketing at Austin Eastciders, told CBS Austin.
The drink hits shelves and bars across Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Oklahoma, available in 6-packs of 12-ounce cans or 19.2-ounce single servings. Loyalists of Austin Eastciders can also snag the drink at the brand's laboratory, the Collaboratory, in Austin, or check online retailers for stock availability. Oakley considers the drink to steadily make homage to its Mexican origins: "It's delicious on ice or off, in a clay cup or aluminum can, with tacos or without," as reported by CBS Austin.
This introduction of Rico Tepache follows the cider company’s integration into Blake’s Beverage Company, according to Brewbound. The collaboration aims to further expand Austin Eastciders' reach, which has become Texas' top-selling cidery. Andrew Blake, CEO of Blake's Beverage Company, said, "Fruit Fermentation Experimentation is at the core of what we do at Blake’s Bev. Co. And we pull authentic inspiration from the world around us."
The company, touting its mission "Cider Y'all," emphasizes the use of real ingredients and aims to create traditionally inspired ciders that appeal to a broad audience. Austin Eastciders' product offerings extend beyond the Original Dry, Blood Orange, Pineapple, and Imperial Tropical Punch, venturing into exciting specialty flavors that cater to diverse palates. As the company blends tradition with a splash of contemporary taste, Rico Tepache is set to become a staple for modern drinkers with an appreciation for cultural richness in their beverages.
