The Original Southside Becomes First RTD Cocktail to Receive Glyphosate Residue Free Certification from The Detox Project

Setting a new standard for transparency and ingredient integrity within the ready-to-drink category

Manhattan Beach, CA (March 19, 2026) - The Original Southside, the premium gin-based ready-to-drink cocktail advancing the clean alcohol movement, has become the first RTD cocktail to receive The Detox Project’s “Glyphosate Residue Free” certification, a third-party verification awarded to products that test below detectable levels of glyphosate, a widely used herbicide. The achievement marks a major milestone for the brand, following a period of accelerated growth and expanding distribution across both retail and on-premise accounts nationwide.

“As we continue to expand, it’s clear there is a growing appetite for transparency in alcohol, especially within the RTD category, where many products position themselves as ‘natural’ without fully disclosing what’s inside,” says Meredith Mills-Merritt, Founder and CEO of The Original Southside and co-founder of the Clean Alcohol Collective. “From day one, we’ve taken a different approach, using USDA-certified organic ingredients, real lemon juice and mint, and eliminating artificial additives. Achieving Glyphosate Residue Free certification allows us to validate that commitment and set a higher standard for the category.”

Certified “Glyphosate Residue Free” through The Detox Project, The Original Southside is the first RTD cocktail to earn this distinction, confirming the finished product tests below detectable levels of glyphosate.

Unlike many RTDs that rely on broad “natural” claims, The Original Southside pairs certified organic ingredients with full transparency, including clearly disclosed nutrition facts and ingredient panels on every 4-pack, helping to redefine expectations within the category defined by ingredient integrity, third-party verification, and a more honest approach to modern cocktail culture.

Beyond the product itself, The Original Southside is part of a broader movement toward transparency through its involvement in the Clean Alcohol Collective, an initiative focused on advocating for ingredient disclosure, higher standards, and greater accountability across the alcohol industry.

Driven by increasing demand for clean-label products, The Original Southside continues to expand its national footprint, with availability at key retailers including Whole Foods Market and Total Wine & More, alongside direct-to-consumer access.

About Southside Beverage Holdings: Southside Beverage Holdings was founded in 2021 by Meredith Mills. She serves as CEO of Southside Beverage Holdings, Inc., where she drives business operations, advertising, and brand partnerships, along with the development of new RTD products. The Original Southside®, the first product, launched in 2024. Meredith is a consumer brand builder, CEO, entrepreneur, and investor focused on building brands with a “better for you” focus and sustainable environmental impact. Meredith is also the founder of MMG Consulting, a global consulting business where she advises across spirits, beauty, and other packaged goods industries.