Former MolsonCoors Executives And Partners Launch New Sparkling Wine Cocktails Brand, Drop Needle Drinks Company

[Chicago — [March 14, 2025 ] –  If all these ready-to-drink brands are doing so well, why can’t we find an amazing Mimosa in a can? This was the question that the founders, and former alcohol beverage executives, Amanda Simerman, Jill Gray and Nallely Suárez Gass of Drop Needle Drinks Company asked themselves a little over three years ago. Through their expertise and curiosity, they quickly did a market assessment and competitive audit, coming to the conclusion: not one of the larger companies in the space had considered developing a brand that fit those champagne cocktail type moments. They also realized that the seltzer space was extremely crowded with brands that were fighting over similar flavor profiles while negating consumers looking for something more authentic and premium. Given their vast experience in the industry and understanding the history of the premiumization of the beer category via craft breweries, they set to work. A few years later, after many late nights and long weekends, they hit the market with Drop Needle Drinks Company, a majority female-owned sparkling wine-based cocktail brand that is set to change the premium ready-to-drink beverage space. 

“It seemed like a no-brainer opportunity given the hole in a rapidly growing segment,” says Gray, Head of Operations, Drop Needle Drinks Company. “The chance to work with talented people you actually like hanging out with is the dream of every corporate cubicle survivor. It's easy to get carried away with the energy in this industry and before you know it, you've got a real brand, a real product and people are loving it!” 

“From lounging poolside, to Sunday brunches to the early evening meetups that turn into late night dance parties, Drop Needle is not just a drink, but a marker of moments. When things are festive, there is nothing better than a cocktail and a laugh, and I get to do that for a living!” shared Suárez Gass. “I love Drop Needle and have felt, from the start, that this was SOMETHING. It didn't exist, it's fun and tastes delicious. I love that it's something everyone likes...who has ever said no to a mimosa?”. 

Designed for that perfect “needle drop” moment when the tempo shifts, the

inhibitions fade, the vibes hit—and the party officially starts. Drop Needle Drinks were crafted for when the right people, the right mood, and the right music come together to create something euphoric, unique, and unforgettable. Founded on the belief that friends and music make every occasion better, and that a little bubbly goes a long way, Drop Needle Drinks are the perfect companion for all of life’s celebrations. Made with premium California sparkling wine and real, natural ingredients, Drop Needle Drinks are more flavorful than hard seltzers and more refreshing than other spirits-based cocktail options.  

“Personally, I started developing these flavors when I was on maternity leave from my day job because I felt drawn to an industry and a consumer base that I know well. We set out on a mission to capitalize on the homogenization of the current seltzer space and offer something more premium, more authentic, more bold from a group of people that not only understand, but remain very passionate about business. It reminds me so much of the late 90’s beer category in that everyone is doing the same thing and the consumers wanted more. Drop Needle is the answer to that need” shared Simerman, Head of Drop Needle Innovation. 

Drop Needle Drinks are available in three exciting, original blends:

• Modern Mimosa – with zesty orange, tangerine, and clementine juices for a citrus burst.

• California 75 – a refreshing blend of lemon juice, juniper, and elderflower, giving a modern twist to the classic French 75.

• Berry Rosé Sparkler – featuring the juicy, vibrant flavors of blackberry and raspberry.

Since its release last year, Drop Needle has launched distribution in Illinois and Arizona, and is currently available in restaurants, bars, grocery and liquor stores across the Chicagoland and Phoenix market areas. The company will be expanding in those markets, while also looking to branch out to even more states in 2025.

About Drop Needle Drinks:

Drop Needle Drinks is a premium ready-to-drink beverage company founded by a collective of industry experts with over 50 years of combined experience in the alcohol beverage industry. Based in Chicago, Drop Needle is proud to be majority female-owned and operated. The brand is redefining the RTD (ready-to-drink) category by offering sparkling wine-based cocktails made with natural ingredients and bold, refreshing flavors.