BuzzBallz is a line of pre-mixed cocktails with colorful containers and equally colorful names—Strawberry Rum Job and Choc Tease, for example—have been quietly but aggressively expanding across the country over the last several years. BuzzBallz’ genesis began in 2009, by the edge of a backyard pool. Merrilee Kick was distracted by her cocktail. Or more accurately, the glass it was in. Balanced near the water’s edge, it seemed only a matter of time until a breeze or errant pen stroke tipped the glass. She thought: Wouldn’t this be better with a plastic container? Yes. Weren’t there other people—kicking back by pools, rivers and barbecues—that might feel the same way?
From this idle daydream, Merrilee began assembling a list of qualities she wanted not only in her dream drink, but in its packaging. The plastic would be unbreakable and light enough to float. The packaging would be colorful, stackable and recyclable, and the drinks would be made with real fruit juice. If you forgot one in the freezer, it wouldn’t explode but would remain slushy enough to drink.
The first order of BuzzBallz shipped in late Summer of 2010, and four years later, Merrilee’s dream is concrete: BuzzBallz are available in nine flavors, with more coming every season.