The News
Blind Tiger, a premium non-alcoholic cocktail brand based in Erie, PA, has launched its spirit-free Manhattan as a limited-time offering. The product is available exclusively on the company's website and direct orders starting April 1, 2026. It features rich vermouth, cherry bark bitters, rosemary, and a warm finish to mirror the complexity of a traditional Manhattan.
The Takeaway
- Clean Label Focus: Blind Tiger emphasizes its commitment to natural ingredients by using vermouth, cherry bark bitters, and rosemary in its spirit-free Manhattan, appealing to consumers who prioritize transparency in non-alcoholic beverages.
- LTO Strategy: The brand is testing the market with a limited-time release of the Manhattan, available only through direct-to-consumer channels, allowing them to gauge consumer response before considering broader distribution. This approach helps maintain exclusivity and control over product feedback.
- Historical Tribute: By recreating the classic Manhattan, Blind Tiger taps into the cocktail’s rich history dating back to the 1870s, positioning itself as a brand that respects tradition while innovating in the non-alcoholic space.
Original Press Release
ERIE, PA — Blind Tiger, the award-winning premium non-alcoholic cocktail brand, today announced the launch of its newest varietal: the classic Manhattan, debuting as a limited-time offering (LTO) available exclusively on its website and direct order beginning April 1, 2026.
The Manhattan is crafted to deliver the depth, structure, and ritual of the iconic cocktail—without the alcohol. The expression features layered notes of rich vermouth, cherry bark bitters, subtle rosemary, and a warm aromatic finish, designed to mirror the complexity and balance of a traditional Manhattan.
“The Manhattan is one of the most respected drinks in cocktail history,” said Rebecca Styn, Founder of Blind Tiger. “When we recreated it, we held it to the same standard—structure, depth, and experience—just without the alcohol.”
The Manhattan cocktail dates back to the 1870s at the Manhattan Club in New York City, with early references appearing in O.H. Byron’s The Modern Bartender’s Guide (1884). Its enduring simplicity—traditionally whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters—has made it one of the most recognizable cocktails globally.
Blind Tiger’s spirit-free interpretation maintains that integrity through a clean-label formulation, resulting in a full-bodied, aromatic experience designed for slow sipping.
The Manhattan will initially be released in limited quantities as a direct-to-consumer offering, allowing the brand to gather early feedback before expanding. The product is expected to roll into broader retail and wholesale distribution in mid-to-late summer 2026.
Blind Tiger’s portfolio of spirit-free cocktails is currently available in over 1,600 locations nationwide and across major hospitality platforms, including cruise lines, hotels, and entertainment venues.
Source: BevNET