There’s no need to break out the shaker: four local brands crafting perfect sips for summer
Tipsy Lady Cocktails
Toni Gilliard founded Tipsy Lady after touring several rum factories in Barbados. Drawing upon her Caribbean heritage, she launched her business in 2019, with a strong emphasis on eco-friendly practices. The name is a nod to each beverage’s 12 percent ABV, as well as Gilliard’s desire to “tip” the scales in the alcohol industry to include more female business owners. Grab a pack of uber-refreshing Sunrise Mimosas or crack the tab on a minty Mojito for the beach. tipsyladycocktails.com
Drift
Since early 2021, Charleston distiller Doug Mulford has offered a collection of skinny cocktails made with spirits and soda water. Tasty tipples include the tart Blood Orange (with vodka made from organic corn grown in North Carolina) and the Passion Fruit crafted with guava and white rum. Four-packs can be found in select stores and supermarkets throughout South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. driftcocktails.com
Tipsy Spritzers
With a focus on clean ingredients, Tipsy was officially launched in the fall of 2021 by
co-founders Helen Hall and Katie Shields. These wine spritzers are made from organic grapes, monk fruit, and natural flavors from fruits and vegetables. Try one of four refreshing flavors, including orange, blackberry, grapefruit, and our favorite, the limonata, over ice or straight from the can. tipsyspritzers.com
Dixie Vodka
Launched in 2014 by Ladson-based distillery Grain & Barrel, this brand produces a line of flavored vodkas, as well as four canned cocktails. Sample the smooth-sipping Southern Mule made with spicy ginger beer, Georgia Peach (with peach vodka, of course), the tart grapefruit Greyhound, or Tony’s Tea, named after NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart. Find the full roster at gas stations, grocery stores, and racetracks nationwide, with delivery options available. dixievodka.com
