Two Valley women are building a beverage company gaining traction with retailers throughout the state while tapping into a broader shift in how consumers are choosing how to drink their cocktails outdoors.
Scottsdale resident Anita Goodson and Queen Creek resident Melanie Nelson founded Spirited Brands, the company behind Sokē and Soula – two ready-to-drink cocktails they call “crafted for the kinds of social moments that define Arizona’s outdoor lifestyle.”
The brands are gaining momentum at a time when the ready-to-drink category is undergoing a clear transition, according to a company spokeswoman
“After years of rapid growth, the beer-centric seltzer category is beginning to plateau, with sales down 9.11%… as consumers look for options that offer more than convenience alone,” the spokeswoman said.
According to the founders, the shift is not about drinking less, but about rising standards.
“Consumers are not walking away from alcohol. They are upgrading it,” said Nelson. “We are seeing that play out across accounts every day.
“People are paying closer attention to ingredients, how they feel after drinking, and whether a product actually fits into their lifestyle.” Nelson continued, “The category is being redefined by higher expectations.”
Arizona has become the testing ground for the company, where the portfolio has seen 246% year-over-year volume growth across the state as demand for ready-to-drink cocktails continues to expand alongside changing consumer expectations.
“That shift is especially visible in Arizona, where long, hot days and an active, outdoor lifestyle shape how and what people drink,” the spokeswoman said.
“From lake days and golf rounds to backyard barbecues and concerts, consumers are gravitating toward beverages that feel refreshing, easy to enjoy, and consistent from first sip to last. At the same time, they are becoming more ingredient-conscious.”
Spirited Brands has leaned into that shift by including both a full ingredient panel and a nutrition facts panel on every can, a level of transparency not typically required in the alcohol category.
“We wanted people to know exactly what they are drinking,” said Goodson. “When you can see every ingredient and understand it, that changes the relationship people have with the product.”
Sokē and Soula were developed with that mindset from the outset.
Rather than relying on malt-based formulations, both brands are crafted around “authentic flavor profiles and cleaner formulations,” according to the company spokeswoman.
Without the use of artificial sweeteners, she said, the brands are “designed to deliver a smoother, more refreshing drinking experience without the artificial aftertaste, heaviness, or bloating that consumers often associate with earlier generations of ready-to-drink beverages.”
Goodson added, “In product development, we focused on how the drink actually feels.
“That meant avoiding artificial sweeteners and building something clean and balanced that people could enjoy more than one of without the negative effects they have come to expect.”
The company built its portfolio around two complementary products designed for different occasions, giving consumers something new to try alongside flavors they already know and enjoy.
Sokē is a canned cocktail crafted on a Junmai sake base, offering a fruit-forward, lightly carbonated drink with balanced sweetness and a smooth finish.
“It appeals to consumers looking to try something different and is often enjoyed in social settings such as rooftop gatherings, festivals, and casual nights out,” the spokeswoman said.
Soula is a premium margarita ready-to-drink cocktail crafted from agave wine from Jalisco, Mexico.
“It delivers authentic margarita flavor without the harsh tequila burn or heavy sweetness that often turns consumers away from canned margaritas, creating a cleaner and more balanced experience designed for repeat occasions such as backyard gatherings, taco nights, and afternoons by the pool,” the spokeswoman said.
Together, the two brands reflect a more mindful and intentional approach to drinking, where consumers can explore new flavor profiles with Sokē while also enjoying a modern take on the margarita with Soula, featuring flavors like Mango Citrus and Pineapple Chili.
Spirited Brands is expanding distribution and building on its momentum in Arizona, with plans to enter additional markets.
“We see Arizona as a starting point, not the finish line,” Nelson said. “What resonates here tends to expand outward, and we believe the next generation of this category will be shaped by brands that are built around how people actually want to drink today.”
Information: SipSpiritedBrands.com
About Spirited Brands
Spirited Brands is an Arizona-based beverage company founded by Anita Goodson and Melanie Nelson. The company develops ready-to-drink cocktails designed for modern consumers, with a focus on ingredient transparency, balanced flavor profiles, and formats suited for various social occasions. Its portfolio includes Sokē, a sake-based canned cocktail available in White Peach, Lychee, Yuzu Ginger, and Cherry Blossom, and Soula, a premium, modern margarita crafted from agave wine from Jalisco, Mexico, available in Mango Citrus, Lime, Paloma, and Pineapple Chili.