Allendale, Michigan – Long Road Distillers and Grand Valley State University Athletics are bringing new energy to their partnership with the launch of Anchor Up Green Apple Vodka Soda, a refreshing new ready-to-drink canned cocktail available beginning September 3, 2026, just in time for GVSU Football's home opener.
The new release builds on the successful partnership between the GVSU alumni-owned distillery and GVSU Athletics, bringing Laker fans a bold new flavor and a package designed to stand out.
Apple is a flavor with deep roots in Michigan. As one of the country's leading apple-growing states, Michigan has a long-standing connection to the fruit, from family orchards and fall harvests to cider, baked goods and countless Michigan traditions. At the same time, apple continues to find new life in the modern cocktail world, where bartenders are using it in fresher, more balanced and sophisticated ways.
Green Apple Vodka Soda brings those two ideas together. Crisp green apple provides a familiar flavor that consumers already love, while fresh lime and cool mint gives the cocktail a bright, refreshing character that feels distinctly modern. The result is a cocktail that celebrates a flavor with Michigan roots while giving it a completely new expression.
"We wanted to take apple in a different direction," said Jon O'Connor, Owner and Co-Founder of Long Road Distillers and GVSU alumnus. "Apple is something that just feels very Michigan. We grow an incredible amount of apples here, they're part of our culture and they provide a flavor people have grown up loving. We thought it would be fun to take something so familiar and give it a fresh, modern cocktail treatment with green apple, lime and mint."
The new cocktail also reflects the continued evolution of the ready-to-drink category, where consumers are increasingly looking for flavor, convenience and lighter options. Green Apple Vodka Soda contains 5% ABV, just 100 calories, zero grams of added sugar, and it's naturally gluten free.
The packaging takes inspiration from one of the most recognizable looks in Laker athletics: GVSU Football's all-black uniforms. The sleek black can creates a bold, modern presence while incorporating official GVSU Athletics branding.
"We're incredibly proud of the partnership we've built with GVSU Athletics and excited to bring something completely new to Laker fans," said O'Connor. "The new can has a completely different attitude, and that's intentional. The all-black look has the same kind of energy as seeing the football team take the field in black. We wanted this product to feel like something special."
Long Road Distillers, founded in Grand Rapids in 2015, has grown into one of Michigan's most recognized independent distilleries. Founded by GVSU alumni Jon O'Connor and Kyle VanStrien, Long Road has built its reputation around producing award-winning spirits and bar-quality cocktails using a hands-on approach to production.
The partnership with GVSU Athletics extends that commitment to quality while creating a unique way for fans to connect with the university beyond campus and game day.
"We're excited to continue building on the momentum of our partnership with Long Road Distillers," said Josh Borger, Assistant Athletic Director. "Green Apple Vodka Soda gives fans an exciting new option with a fresh flavor and a bold new look. We're looking forward to seeing Laker Nation enjoy it this fall."
Green Apple Vodka Soda will be distributed throughout Michigan and available at participating retailers, bars and restaurants. The product will also be part of the continued Long Road and GVSU Athletics partnership surrounding Laker game days.
With each purchase of Anchor Up Green Apple Vodka Soda, a percentage of all sales profits will go directly into the University's general fund as this specialty branded canned cocktail is an officially licensed product of Grand Valley State University through Affinity Licensing.
Anchor Up Green Apple Vodka Soda will be available beginning September 3, 2026. Consumers can find participating locations through the Long Road Distillers Spirit Finder by visiting longroaddistillers.com/spirit-finder.
