In the Beach Boys’ tropical-inspired hit “Kokomo,” the song’s lyrics extol the virtues of a “tropical drink melting in your hand” and “falling in love to the rhythm of a steel drum band.” Although not a catchy tune that makes one dream of a tropical vacation, more brands are “catching up and loving” the tropical trend by using sunny-tasting tropical ingredients and fruits in their beverages.

Domestic and exotic fruits finding favor in the beverage market include lemon, lime, peach and strawberry, which are commonly used in sparkling water, while up-and-coming exotic flavors include blood orange, passionfruit, and guava, says Holly McHugh, marketing associate for Niles, Ill.-based Imbibe.

Read the full article in Beverage Industry.