TAZO has teamed up with entrepreneur, producer and actress Issa Rae to create the TAZO Café Collective, a celebration of local, independent cafes and the innovative drinks that they serve to their communities. TAZO is seeking local and independent cafes in the United States to join the collective and create bold tea and latte drinks with TAZO Chai Concentrate and TAZO Iced Passion Concentrate, it says. Those selected will receive funding and marketing support from TAZO to help their business thrive, as well as free and discounted product, it adds. “Local cafes are vital to communities — they’re where great ideas happen and where innovative drinks are served,” said Galila Gray, TAZO brand purpose and content lead, in a statement. “They take care in serving their neighborhoods, just like TAZO takes care in crafting distinct, delicious tea blends. We’re excited to see what we make together.” Rae’s Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen is the collective’s founding partner. In celebration of the launch, Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen unveiled Issa Rae’s TAZO Passion Twist, which is now served in all Hilltop locations. “When I was just getting my start, community cafes were spaces where I found inspiration for some of my favorite stories,” Rae said in a statement. “Now as a café owner, I’m excited to join TAZO to support more of these spaces and the communities they inspire.”

Recently rebranded — and now zero sugar, low calorie and gluten-free — Three Olives Vodka launched a party builder powered by artificial intelligence (AI). The interactive digital platform, called “The Generager,” is designed to take consumers’ “most electrifying, vibrant and boldest party-must haves and blend them together into one creatively curated party theme,” the company says. The Generager combines the latest in technology with the spirit of revelry, leveraging three user-generated ingredients that output a tailored concept for the user’s next social gathering, it adds. The results are accompanied by inspiring imagery, the company notes. Three Olives Vodka is not only giving users a platform to express their unique style and preference, but also giving users a chance to win a real, in-person party based on their Generager creation, it says. After creating a party theme, fans can share on social media (Instagram, Facebook and X) by tagging the vodka brand and using the hashtags #ThreeOlivesGenerager #Contest. One grand-prize winner will see their “rager” concept come to life, courtesy of Three Olives Vodka. Thirty-three additional submissions will win a $100 ReserveBar gift card to kickstart their own “rager” events, with three winners selected every week. The Generager contest is open through Dec. 18.

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The Association of Pickleball Players (APP), the first and only tour officially sanctioned by USA Pickleball, has partnered with REIGN Storm, a zero-sugar performance energy drink. REIGN Storm is “designed to give those with active lifestyles a guilt-free ‘better me’ energy surge,” the company says. “We’re excited to welcome REIGN Storm to the APP family as our official energy drink partner,” said Ryan McSpadden, APP chief revenue officer, in a statement. “Pickleball is a sport that truly brings the energy, and APP Tour events showcase that energy to the fullest — making REIGN Storm the perfect partner for our tour.” Offered in a 12-ounce can, REIGN Storm features an energy blend that is plant-based to help accelerate metabolism and provide immunity support, the company says. “The REIGN family is incredibly excited to be partnering up with the APP Tour,” added Dan McHugh, REIGN Storm chief marketing officer, in a statement. “This partnership will allow for new avenues to be created in fueling the best athletes in the world. REIGN Storm is dedicated to enabling all athletes to consistently be at their best.”