About BuzzBallz
BuzzBallz is an American ready-to-drink cocktail brand that has become Gen Z's pre-drink essential in the UK. Founded in 2009 by Merrilee Kick as a master's degree project while she was a high school teacher in Texas, the idea emerged from wanting to enjoy a cocktail in a plastic container by the pool. Today, she's the only female owner of a combined distillery and winery in the United States. The brand exploded onto the UK market in 2022 and has seen sales increase "more than tenfold" since Sazerac's acquisition in 2024. Now stocked in all major UK grocers, BuzzBallz has risen to become the #1 selling RTD in convenience stores. The technicolour spheres contain 15% ABV cocktails in over 30 flavour varieties, priced affordably and perfectly sized for a single-serve party experience. What began in Carrollton, Texas with a small team has grown into an operation of over 100 employees with distribution in 47 US states and 25 countries worldwide. The 2019 milestone of selling more than 1 million cases in a single year demonstrated the brand's explosive growth trajectory. In a unique twist, the UK's favourite Passionfruit Martini flavour was so successful that BuzzBallz brought it back to US stores. Under Sazerac ownership, BuzzBallz continues to expand its international reach while maintaining its woman-owned, family-run heritage. The brand has transformed from a college project into a global RTD phenomenon, proving that innovation in the drinks industry can come from the most unexpected places.
