The last thing that Olivia Limpe-Aw wants for the Maria Clara brand of Destileria Limtuaco is for it to become a dinosaur.
“We all know what happened to dinosaurs,” she said with a guffaw.
It’s not just a matter of survival – it’s about having a vision for the future, one where Gen Z consumers are driving and challenging the cocktail industry.
With its signature sweet red wine and whisper of citrus now enhanced by a vibrant fizz, Maria Clara Sparkling Sangria brings a whole new energy to the table—fun, refreshing, and always celebration-ready.
Destileria Limtuaco is not new to making strategic pivots to innovate and thrive.
When the world shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic and liquor bans changed social norms, Maria Clara responded with innovation. The company introduced Maria Clara Virgin Sangria, a zero percent alcohol variant for those who wanted to savor the same rich experience, but responsibly.
In 2024, Destileria Limtuaco expanded its inclusivity mission further with the Maria Clara Punch, the first halal-certified sangria-inspired beverage in the Philippines.
And now, with its signature sweet red wine and whisper of citrus now enhanced by a vibrant fizz, Maria Clara Sparkling Sangria brings a whole new energy to the table—fun, refreshing, and always celebration-ready.
“The Maria Clara brand is 40 years old. We want this variant to make the brand more relevant to the younger generation,” Limpe-Aw said.
Packaged in a sleek, 330-ml easy open aluminum can, the new Sparkling Sangria is light, lively, and easy to enjoy. With 7 percent alcohol by volume, it delivers just the right buzz for sunny escapades, spontaneous hangouts, rooftop sunsets, or cozy nights in.
Limpe-Aw’s two sons were very much involved in pushing for the new fizzy variant.
“We had to change the blend because the carbonation changes the flavor profile. Originally, we started at 10 percent, and we lowered it to 7 percent,” she said.
Destileria is rolling out the fizzy variant of its classic red wine favorite since 1985 at 7-Eleven stores nationwide.
“We want the fizzy sangria to be chill and accessible,” Limpe-Aw said.
