The Australian drinks industry has welcomed a new category this week with the launch of Caffie Energy Water.

The premium sparkling spring water range infused with caffeine has debuted in restaurants, bars, cafés, pubs and hotels across the country.

Created by hospitality veteran Hugh Brown after decades owning restaurants, bars, festivals and entertainment venues, Caffie was born from a simple observation.

“Guests could order still water, sparkling water, soft drinks, coffee or an energy drink, but there wasn’t a premium option that combined clean refreshment with functional energy,” Brown said.

“We weren’t trying to reinvent water or replace coffee. We wanted to create a completely new category that naturally belongs on a table alongside great food or as a premium mixer, while giving consumers another choice.”

Available in two full-strength varieties – Natural and Lime – Caffie is made in Australia using sparkling Australian spring water. Each premium 350ml glass bottle contains 112mg of caffeine, zero sugar and just 2.5 calories (four calories for the Lime variety).

Without the syrupy sweetness or heavy flavour of traditional energy drinks, Caffie delivers functional energy equivalent to one cup of strong coffee while maintaining the clean, refreshing taste of sparkling water. 

“We’ve seen premium bottled water, specialty coffee and craft beer all evolve into categories in their own right,” Brown said.

“We know Energy Water is the next category to emerge.”

Drinks Digest sampled the Caffie Energy Water Lime variant and can confirm it delivers refreshing, natural flavour with an added buzz. Aside from consumers seeking functional energy it offers interesting possibilities for caffeine fans seeking to avoid additives, sugar and milk or milk substitutes when starting their busy days.

Venues can purchase Caffie through Gulli Food, ALM, Paramount Liquor and Liquid Mix.