By Shashwat Awasthi (Reuters) -Shares of Fevertree Drinks surged almost 24% after Molson Coors took an 8.5% stake in a $88 million deal that gives the beer giant exclusive rights to market the British company's cocktail mixers and tonic water in the United States.

Miller Lite brewer Molson Coors (TAP) says it will expand its U.S. soft drinks business through a strategic partnership with UK-based

The London-listed mixer-maker said Molson Coors would acquire an 8.5% shareholding in Fevertree.