Few breweries are so well known for crafting award-winning, high-quality beers infused with coffee as AleSmith Brewing. Its java-infused Speedway Stout has given way to countless iterations, from canned seasonals to barrel-aged beer-club bottles to tasting-room-only one-offs concocted for the Miramar business’ annual Speedway Grand Prix event. Recently, AleSmith’s coffee brain trust applied their knowhow to a new project, the first offering in a line of ready-to-drink (RTD) canned cocktails the company will launch this week.
Getting into this growing segment of the beverage industry required extensive licensing as well as investment in and installation of specialized equipment. When asked what motivated the decision to go all-in on canned cocktails, management says it was inspired as much by market trends (after years of declining consumer interest, the RTD category saw a significant turnaround beginning in 2024) as the consumption preferences of its employees.
“AleSmith’s team is made up of makers and innovators who, while passionate about beer, also have a deep appreciation for spirits, cocktails and other beverages,” says AleSmith President Brandon Richards. “With the rapid growth of the RTD category nationwide, we saw an exciting opportunity to create something uniquely AleSmith. Naturally, our first idea was tied to Speedway Stout, one of our legacy brands built around coffee.”
AleSmith’s inaugural canned cocktail is Speedway Espresso Martini, a vodka-based beverage incorporating real Vietnamese coffee, an ingredient that’s a cornerstone of specialty iterations of Speedway Stout. Coming in at 10% alcohol-by-volume, Richards calls it a true extension of Speedway reimagined in cocktail form, and says the coffee adds a balancing natural sweetness.
This launch comes after many months of research and development, which was headed by AleSmith Quality Manager Peter Cronin, a 10-year veteran of the company who harbors an affinity for spirits and cocktail culture. In addition to developing and refining the recipe for Speedway Espresso Martini, he also oversaw the sourcing of premium ingredients, coffee flavor-profile trials and post-production quality control.
“Through extensive R&D, we discovered that it wasn’t just about nailing the flavor. It was also about appearance and presentation,” says Richards. “We worked hard to ensure the Speedway Espresso Martini not only tastes authentic but also looks the part. Whether enjoyed straight from the can or poured into your favorite coupe or martini glass, it has that rich, signature espresso martini look and feel.”
Next up for Cronin and company is a line of cocktails going by the overarching title “Hoptails”. Described as “refreshing, sparkling, spirit-based hop cocktails”, in the manner Speedway Espresso Martini links back to its eponymous imperial stout, this family of RTD cocktails is meant to honor AleSmith’s hop-driven beers.
“We’re incredibly excited about this new chapter for AleSmith,” says Richards. “Just as we’ve pushed the boundaries of craft beer over the years, this move into RTDs is another chance to innovate and share what we love with our community.”
Draft pours of Speedway Espresso Martini are available at AleSmith’s tasting room in Miramar, along with four-packs of 12-ounce cans. Cocktails from the Hoptails line will make their debut later in the year, ahead of the company’s 30th anniversary party, which will take place on Saturday, November 8 from 2 to 11 p.m.. That event will be tiki-themed, and feature live music, food pop-ups, beer slushies and more. Tickets for the anniversary party are available online.
AleSmith Brewing is located at 9990 AleSmith Court in Miramar