As the RTD cocktail category continues to boom, E. & J. Gallo Winery has purchased LIQS, makers of spirits-based and wine-based cocktail shots.
“Consumers want to enjoy their favorite cocktails now more than ever,” says Britt West, VP and GM for Gallo Spirits. “With premium ingredients and convenient formats, consumers can more easily enjoy their favorite bartender-quality shots and cocktails wherever, whenever they want with LIQS.”
LIQS launched in New York City in 2013, from entrepreneurs Harley Bauer and Michael Glickman. Originally, the brand targeted retail for home entertaining and outdoor activities. LIQS later extended into on-premises venues around the country, such as music festivals, arenas, nightclubs, hotels and bars.
Addressing the consumer need of well-made shots for home consumption, LIQS offers premium-quality shots and cocktails with LIQS Cocktail Shots, a double shot in a single-serve format in both wine and spirits bases, and LIQS Cocktails, in a 1.5-L bottle format.
Made with real fruit juice, natural flavors, real spirits and wine, LIQS products are gluten-free.
Starting this summer, LIQS Cocktail Shots will come in 4-packs for a suggested retail price of $9.99 per pack. These offerings include the spirit-based flavors Vodka Kamikaze, Vodka Lemon Drop, Vodka Lychee Grapefruit, Tequila Cinnamon Orange and Whiskey Fireshot.
Wine-based Cocktail Shots flavors include: Margarita, Lemon Drop and Kamikaze.
In September, LIQS Cocktails launch in 1.5-L bottles in Margarita, Strawberry Margarita and Mojito. LIQS’ larger format targets consumers who host or attend social events.
“LIQS has seen tremendous success by reinventing the way consumers enjoy and access shots,” says Harley Bauer, co-founder of LIQS. “We are thrilled to transition the LIQS brand to Gallo. Given their expertise and reach in both the wine and spirits categories, Gallo further expands this innovative product to consumers all around the country.”
With the acquisition, LIQS joins Gallo’s growing line of spirits brands, ranging from High Noon Hard Seltzer, New Amsterdam Pink Whitney and Rum Haven, among others.
