Crafting Cocktails In a City of Makers

Words by Bethany Wales Photos By Shelby Bella

In the midst of an industry slump, one craft cocktail company is defying the odds to deliver quality tipples to homes across the country. 

As the morning light streams into Jill Burn’s home office, she beams as she talks about the idea behind her business. Jill is one half of the family duo behind Austin Cocktails: the company responsible for keeping at least 14 states quenched with pre-batched craft cocktails throughout lockdown.

This morning, Jill has swapped her signature Fred’s Ruby Red (5 times distilled vodka with natural grapefruit, lime, and mint) for coffee, served in a round mug which she cozies between her palms. “We’ve had to pivot our marketing plan,” she says as she explains how she and her sister and co-owner, Kelly Gasink, have been coping during the pandemic.
 
“When we realized what was happening, we looked at our marketing and started shifting more towards digital and grassroots advertising. Our business has actually grown in the past six months. We have been luckier than many others because people are missing the in-bar cocktail experience, and we bring it to their homes.”

To attribute the company’s success to mere luck is wildly modest. Since launching in their backyard 7 years ago, the sisters have worked tirelessly to perfect their production process, utilizing natural ingredients, and craft techniques, drawing from a rich family history of mixology, passed down by their grandfather Fred. In addition to their bottled concoctions, they are launching sparkling cocktails in cans this fall.

With creations like Perfect Bergamot Orange Margarita (Premium Tequila and Natural Triple Sec, blended with bergamot orange, lime, and organic agave nectar) and Cucumber Vodka Mojito (Premium vodka, lime, mint, and organic agave), the women are redefining the liquid candy stereotype associated with premixed cocktails. Their ABV has been upped, refined sugar swapped for natural agave, and artificial flavors ousted in favor of natural fruit and vegetable juices. 

“Having a cocktail is the backdrop for some of our very best memories. The whole category was shifting when we started. This upcoming generation of drinkers has different palates because they were raised on vitamin waters and juices. They want clean, full-bodied alternatives to mass-produced mixed drinks,” Jill points out.

The team hopes to move into its new headquarters at The Yard at St. Elmo later this year. The space will include a state of the art production facility, as well as an office and event area. Neighbors will include other craft beverage creators like The Texas Sake Company, The Austin Winery, and Still Austin Whiskey Distillery. 

Jill emphasizes, “We’ve had a really warm welcome and have already become great friends with our new neighbors. We feel the support. People are passionate about supporting a small family business, and we appreciate that. It’s great to place a stick in the ground in Austin. It’s a city full of makers.”

Contact:
austincocktails.com
@austincocktails