Mike’s Hard Lemonade Co. is a United States-based manufacturer of alcoholic beverages, also known as “malternative” or flavored malt beverages. It is named after its flagship and original product, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, which is a mixture of vodka, and either carbonated water or a flavored malt base, in Canada and the United States, respectively.

The company was founded in 1999 by Anthony von Mandl. The company’s U.S. headquarters moved from Lakewood, Colorado (Denver) to Seattle in 2005. One reason for the move was to be closer to its parent company Mark Anthony Group Inc. of Vancouver, B.C., Canada, a privately-owned manufacturer and distributor of wines, hard ciders and other alcoholic beverages.

LinkedIn Profile: Mike’s Hard Lemonade Co.

Mike’s Calorie Facts:

• There are 222 calories in the Mike’s Hard Lemonade
• Mike’s contains 5 percent alcohol by volume
• Go with their Light Lemonade instead and save about 124 calories
• The HARDER Lemonade contains more calories and is 8% alcohol
• Mike’s Hard Lemonade is categorized as a Malt Beverage
• A bottle of Mike’s contains 11.2 ounces which is about 331 milliliters

Mike’s Summer 2009 Sweepstakes. Win an Airstream Trailer. To win enter here before September 1, 2009. And check out winmikes.com for other great Mike’s Lemonade Sweepstakes.

I don't care about the calories - I'm thirsty!

The Mike’s Product Lines

Mike’s® Premium Malt Beverages

• Mike’s Hard Lemonade
• Mike’s Light Hard Lemonade
• Mike’s Hard Cranberry Lemonade
• Mike’s Light Hard Cranberry Lemonade
• Mike’s Hard Raspberry Lemonade
• Mike’s Hard Lime
• Mike’s Hard Berry
• Mike’s Pomegranate Lemonade

Mike’s Hard Punch™

• Mike’s Hard Mango Punch
• Mike’s Hard Pomegranate Punch

Mike’s Harder Lemonade™

• Mike’s HARDER Lemonade
• Mike’s HARDER Cranberry Lemonade

Mike’s Premium Malt Cocktails®

• Mike’s Mike-arita
• Mike’s Crantini
• Mike’s Pomegranate Martini
• Mike’s Lemon Drop
• Mike’s Screwdriver
• Mike’s Mojito

Mike’s Hard Tea®

• Mike’s Hard Tea
• Mike’s Hard Light Tea

Goats are indifferent but you won't be!

Home Brew Recipes

If you are searching around the Internet, you will find lots of discussion in the home brewing community as to how to recreate Mike’s Hard Lemonade. One such recipe can be found on the Home Brew Digest web site.

Mike’s Videos

Mike’s Movie:

Think it’s hard to cut calories in your diet? Try starting a company with a great product only to battle the monetary might of big corporations.

Beer Wars, a new documentary by former Mike’s Hard Lemonade general manager Anat Baron. The film recounts the struggle of independent American craft brewers to compete with the ever-consolidating conglomerates of the industry, Anheuser-Busch InBev and Miller Coors.

Mike’s in the News

Toronto Star http://www.thestar.com/living/article/665488 For the summer of 2009, Mike’s is donating a percentage of profits on the sale  of their red berry lemonade to the Canadian Breast Cancer Network.

Lewiston, Maine Sun Journal http://www.sunjournal.com/node/38115/ Obviously the guy in Lewiston who robbed the Big Apple convenience store of Mike’s Hard Lemonade and other goods is unfamiliar with Mike’s well-known slogan, “Mike’s is hard. So is prison.”

Mike’s in Perspective

Bestweekever.tv http://www.bestweekever.tv/2008-6-4/who-exactly-is-mikes-hard-lemonade-trying-to-convince-with-these-super-manly-commercials/ This blog post ponders what their advertising is up to – are they fighting the idea that drinking fruity non-beer alcoholic beverages is somehow not manly?

Rateitall.com http://www.rateitall.com/i-28769-mikes-hard-lemonade.aspx When we looked, 20 people had chimed in with their opinions on Mike’s Hard Lemonade and most love it. Biased results? Who knows. Interesting: no mention of calories here.

ExpoTV.com http://www.expotv.com/Mikes-Hard-Lemonade/1U-1cGF Four video testimonials for Mike’s Hard Lemonade.

From Mike’s Hard Lemonade Press Releases..

New 1 carb/only 76 calorie Mike’s Light(TM) available nationwide for Victoria Day long weekend.

Great-tasting single carb beverage targets light beer, diet soft drink market in battle for backyard barbeques

TORONTO, May 19 /CNW/ – Canadians concerned about their carbohydrate and calorie intake have a great-tasting new beverage choice with the launch of Mike’s Light(TM), an innovative single carb, lower calorie vodka-based drink from the relentless R&D team at Mike’s Hard Lemonade(R).

The first of its kind anywhere in the world, Mike’s Light(TM) contains only one gram of carbohydrates and just 76 calories – the result of two years of intensive research and development. The result: a crisp, refreshing lemon- lime beverage with less sweetness and acidity than other ready-to-drink (RTD) products.

“Mike’s Light(TM) is the great-tasting result of mixing low-carb/low cal drinking with innovative thinking,” says Anthony von Mandl, creator of Mike’s hard lemonade and chairman and chief executive officer of Mark Anthony Group, Canada’s largest private distributor of alcoholic beverages. “Mike’s Light(TM) is for people watching their carbs and calories – but refuse to compromise on taste. Whether they’re hosting parties, or just rewarding themselves after a hard day, Canadians will have an entirely new choice.”

For Mike, it’s like 1996 all over again In 1996 Mike’s hard lemonade created the RTD category in Canada and started an international phenomenon, appealing to legions of beer drinkers with its trademark vodka-lemon taste and smart personality.

For the alcoholic beverages industry, this was an unexpected move from a little known Canadian company. Today, Mike’s hard lemonade, with a new, more drinkable formula that is less sweet and has a drier finish, is a leading ready-to-drink beverage in the domestic market and is the number 2 “malternative” in the USA, outselling Molson south of the border.

Like the original Mike’s hard lemonade(R), Mike’s Light(TM) is likely to inspire a whole generation of beer drinkers to ditch the brew and try something new. With nearly 14 million Canadians counting carbs to lose weight(1), Mike’s Light(TM) also hopes to quench the thirst of the vast market of Canadians who are looking for a great-tasting, low-carb/lower calorie alternative to the ordinary – this summer and all year round.

Today, Canadians compare carbs, calories & taste. According to Statistics Canada, Canadians drink more than 381 million cans of diet soda annually. With 48 per cent of the Canadian population overweight(2), food and beverage manufacturers are stepping up to the increased demand for healthy, lower carb products. Since 2001 more than 800 low carb products have been launched in North America(3).

“Canadians will compare the carbs, compare the calories and – most of all – compare the taste,” says von Mandl. “Canadians are looking for great tasting low carb and lower calorie alternatives to diet soft drinks and beer. If we can even draw a fraction of this market to Mike’s Light(TM) – the RTD category in Canada is destined for new success.” In 2003, Canadians drank 210 million bottles of RTD beverages, generating more than $450 million in sales.

By early accounts, Mike might just do it. Early orders for Mike’s Light(TM) have surpassed the company’s expectations in all markets nationwide. “The entire Mike’s team has been working overtime to make sure store shelves and bar fridges are stocked with Mike’s Light(TM) for Canada’s unofficial first long weekend of summer,” von Mandl adds.

About Mike’s Hard Lemonade(R): Created and produced by Vancouver-based Mark Anthony Group, Mike’s Hard Lemonade(R) is a leading ready-to-drink beverage with distribution in Canada and the United States. Mark Anthony Group is Canada’s largest private distributor of alcoholic beverages.
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(1) Canadian Diet Study 2004, Decima Research

(2) Canadian Community Health Survey, Statistics Canada 2000-2001

(3) Low Carb Foods Article, Agriculture & Agrifood Government of Alberta 2003

Because I lived in Austin, Texas and near Lebanon-Hanover, New Hampshire I was used to shopping in Central Market, Whole Foods and the Co-op. I purchased excellent quality foods that were good value for the dollar for the most part. And I splurged as needed.

I started commuting to Shreveport, Louisiana and had to find a local grocery store to feed me. I began my reconnaissance of the local grocery stores.

Store A is a smallish grocery store conveniently located ¾ mile from my house and serves a mixed socio-economic neighborhood of historic homes. No matter what I would go in there for all I ever come out with was a can of Folger’s and a bag of dog food.

This store specializes in fat, starch, sugar, alcohol and over-priced fresh orange. I was going to starve to death shopping here.

Next I test drove Store B which is 4 miles from my house. This is a grocery store for what was the Shreveport everyman. I began my exploration of the store and was immediately disappointed. There was no variety, no organic foods, no bulk, no nothing. I was so damn depressed. I consulted some locals and they directed me to Store C.

Store C is located 3 miles from my house and serves a higher end socio-economic group. In this neighborhood the houses are beautifully massive and the squadrons of giant flying cockroaches are called water bugs.

I made my trek to Store C to see if this grocery store was going to meet my needs. It has fruits and vegetables, some imported items, organic meat and vegetables and my staples. There is produce that I would consider a staple in Austin that is 3 times the price in Store C so I do without. But still out of the three, Store C was the best suited to my needs.

So you would think the post would stop there:

• Explore your grocery store options
• Pick the grocery store best suited to you
• The End

I thought that was the end too. But a friend, who lives 4 blocks from Store C, told me she was shopping in Store B. I was floored as I had seen what was in her fridge and it looked nothing like what I had seen at Store B.

So BACK I went to Store B. It was fabulous. They had been undergoing renovations for months. I walked into a beautiful produce section immediately hitting a wall of organics that were only pennies more expensive than the regular produce.

Green peppers were $0.99 each at Stores A and C, ORGANIC green peppers were $0.99 each at Store B. I try to stay away from the bakery but they had fresh baked cheese biscuits 3 for $1.00.

The prices are cheaper than Store C, the quality and selection are better than Store A. I was so happy I damn near burst into tears.

I now firmly believe that the choice of grocery store should be revisited annually.

The grocery chain marketing departments are constantly reassessing: what should be sold at each store, improvements and renovations, the pricing strategies, specials, etc. You never know when something is turning to your advantage in a different store.

Additionally, because private-label products are less expensive, a robust private-label program can improve a traditional grocer’s “price image” to cost-conscious shoppers, Hertel said.

“Consumers are worried about their financial state,” Hale said. “They’re worried about their long-term position in terms of where they’re working. … They’re looking for anything they can do to save money.”

Retailers also are putting a greater emphasis on their store brands, Hale said. They’re promoting the private labels more heavily and touting the quality of the products, he said.

“You have a lot more focus around private label than you’ve ever had in the U.S.,” Hale said.

So are Big K and Sam’s Choice colas ready to knock off Coke and Pepsi? Not exactly, but they could chip away at market share while the economy remains weak.

The strength of private labels varies greatly by category. Private label accounts for about 40 percent of dairy sales but just 1 percent of alcoholic beverages.

Brown-Bag It. Save about $187.50 by brown-bagging lunch during the month of December — that’s about enough to buy some of the hottest holiday gifts of the year! Turn holiday leftovers into gourmet lunches and steer clear of unnecessary spending. Make a midday feast by filling a roasted red pepper with leftover stuffing or sprinkle turkey and cheese inside a tortilla for a sizzling quesadilla. Try the new decorative Ziploc(R) holiday bags to pack some holiday cheer with your meal.

“Non’trée (pronounced “non-tray”) refers to the folks who order appetizers rather than a pricier entree – a popular practice in economic hard times. In fact, as the value of real estate plummets, the stock market totters and the jobless rate grows, diners are sharing meals, skipping dessert, opting to drown their sorrows in a glass of wine rather than ordering a whole bottle, or staying home altogether.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Dec 01, 2008 /PRNewswire/ — With the economy a major concern among consumers, Meijer is rewarding holiday shoppers with a bonus of up to 20% off their grocery purchases when they buy general merchandise items within Meijer stores. This innovative new program launched Sunday, November 30 at all 185 Meijer stores throughout the Midwest.

“Customers have a lot on their minds these days,” said Jeff Handler, senior vice president of marketing for Meijer. “The Meijer Bonus program gives a much needed benefit to our customers and allows them to get an additional reward when they take advantage of Meijer’s low prices. We feel this will provide a great boost to many shoppers this holiday season.”

The “Meijer Bonus” program provides holiday shoppers with a coupon for 5% off their next grocery purchase for every $100 spent on general merchandise or apparel items. Up to four coupons can be acquired each shopping trip, and customers can “stack” up to four coupons for a 20% maximum savings on their next grocery purchase. The “Meijer Bonus” program runs through December 24. All grocery coupons must be redeemed by December 31, 2008.

To help call attention to the bonus program, Meijer is launching a print, TV, radio and out-of-home advertising campaign that features the tagline: “Holiday Shopping Never Tasted So Good.”

For every $100 spent on general merchandise or apparel items, customers immediately receive a coupon at checkout for 5% off their next grocery purchase. For those spending $400 or more on GM items, they will receive four grocery coupons, the maximum number that a shopper can accumulate in one visit.

The coupons can be redeemed immediately thereafter for a maximum 20% discount on grocery purchases. Certain items are excluded, including: alcohol, tobacco, health & beauty items, prescriptions, gift cards, purchases at gas stations and convenience stops, lottery, postage, baby diapers and wipes, in- store businesses, online purchases, licenses, Meijer pre-paid MasterCard, Meijer Productivity Business Card, taxes and previous purchases.

Additional information on Meijer and the ability to shop for more can be found at www.meijer.com .

Your weight-loss efforts can absolutely stay on track this Thanksgiving holiday by following simple tips from Weight Watchers that allow you to enjoy yourself.

1. Slow Down for Satisfaction.

When sitting down to the Thanksgiving feast, select foods you don’t normally eat so that you can easily eliminate several of the dishes. Do you really need both sweet potatoes topped with melted marshmallows and mashed potatoes? Take small portions, eat slowly and savor every bite. Sit back, take a break and if you’re still hungry continue. Remember, it takes about 20 minutes for your brain to realize your stomach is full.

2. Plan to indulge.

Don’t set yourself up for failure by depriving yourself of the special foods that are prepared and served only on Thanksgiving. Maybe it’s Aunt Martha’s candied yams, Mom’s apple pie or your sister-in-law’s pumpkin cheesecake. Savor the special dishes instead of mindlessly popping cheddar cheese cubes into your mouth before the meal. Decide how much of that favorite food will satisfy you. If you cannot conceive of eating just a small piece of pie, cut something else out to account for the larger slice.

3. Don’t starve yourself beforehand.

You’ll be more likely to gobble up everything in sight. Eat a healthy, balanced breakfast and lunch, and consider a snack before heading to the Thanksgiving celebration to take the edge off your hunger.

4. Be creative.

Practice saying “no” in case you get pressured by well-meaning relatives to eat something you haven’t planned for or don’t want to eat. Try something like, “Thanks, but I’ll have to pass on that pumpkin pie right now because I’m so full from your delicious dinner.”

5. Drink Moderately.

Alcohol adds empty calories and can make you lose sight of your goals. To reduce your alcohol intake, use low- or no-calorie beverages as mixers and alternate alcoholic beverages with low-calorie soft drinks or water.

6. Bag it.

If you’re hosting the meal, remember that there is always tomorrow — and leftovers. But if you won’t be able to sleep knowing that there’s half a pie in the kitchen, freeze leftovers immediately or wrap portions for your guests to take home.

7. Lighten it up.

Whether you are the host or just bringing a dish to someone else’s home, lighten up those favorite dishes. No one will know the difference. See the lighter version of a Thanksgiving classic below.

8. Get moving.

There are more ways to spend time with family on Thanksgiving than just sitting around eating. Why not go for a walk after supper, or get a game of touch football going in the afternoon?

9. Be thankful for making good choices.

Changing eating behavior and old habits take time. But starting the holiday season off mindful of moderation can be the key to a healthier season.

10. Control emotional eating.

The holidays and stress go hand in hand. Find ways to relax and focus on you overall goals.  Exercise daily and make Thanksgiving a day more about family and friends than food. You’ll be thankful you did.

Visit a Weight Watchers meeting for free this holiday season for additional support. To find a meeting location near you visit www.weightwatchers.com or call (800) 651-6000.

Want to indulge? Enjoy with this healthy take on a holiday classic — pumpkin pie!

Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust from Weightwatchers.com

POINTS Value: 3

Servings: 8

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 65 minutes

Level of difficulty: Moderate

Ingredients:

3 ounces reduced-fat cinnamon graham crackers, about 5 1/2 sheets

1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

2 large egg whites

1 large egg

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon table salt

2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, or less to taste

1 cup canned pumpkin

1/2 cup fat-free evaporated milk

4 tablespoons light whipped topping

Instructions:

1. Position rack in middle of oven.

2. Preheat oven to 350 F. Place graham crackers and light brown sugar in a food processor and process into crumbs (or smash into crumbs in a sealed plastic food bag with a rolling pin). Spoon crumbs into a small bowl; add melted butter and combine with fingers into a coarse meal. Distribute crumbs evenly on bottom and up sides of an ungreased 9-inch pie plate. Chill for 30 minutes before baking. Bake until crust starts to turn golden, about 8 to 10 minutes; remove from oven and let cool.

3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, using an electric mixer, whip egg whites until frothy; fold in egg, dark brown sugar, salt, pumpkin pie spice and evaporated milk. Beat pumpkin custard until smooth and pour into pie shell. Bake until a knife inserted in center comes out clean, about 45 to 55 minutes. Slice into eight pieces, top each piece with 1/2 tablespoon of whipped topping and serve warm or at room temperature. Yields one slice per serving.

Courtesy of ARAcontent