Today we’d like to introduce you to Toni Gilliard.
Hi Toni, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Like many entrepreneurs, my journey in the spirits industry has been about adaptation and resilience. I entered the space in 2019 with a vision for premium Ready-To-Drink (RTD) canned cocktails—a relatively untapped market at the time. By our 2022 launch, however, the landscape had shifted dramatically. Suddenly, we were competing against both established brands with deep pockets and a flood of new entrants, all vying for shelf space and consumer attention.
As a small brand without millions in marketing or distribution leverage, we quickly realized the need to innovate. The 2024 consumer shift toward low/no-alcohol alternatives presented both a challenge and an opportunity. While we continue to push our original RTD line, we’ve expanded into the non-alcoholic space with RESORT—a line of organic, vacation-inspired mocktail and cocktail mixers.
This pivot wasn’t just about trends; it was about survival and accessibility. With three flavors (lime, strawberry, and pineapple margarita), RESORT allows us to reach a broader demographic—everyone from cocktail enthusiasts to sober-curious consumers—while bypassing the regulatory hurdles that limited our RTD distribution. Sometimes, you have to ‘resort’ to creativity to keep moving forward.
Today, we’re leveraging the same brand ethos—nostalgia, escape, and quality—but in a way that meets consumers where they are. It’s a testament to the power of agility in business.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth? Not even close—but the bumps taught me everything. The alcohol industry is a gauntlet of legal hurdles, distribution dependencies, and capital constraints. Early on, I learned the hard way that even a great product can’t survive without the right infrastructure. Without a distributor, you’re invisible. Without funding, you’re stuck in neutral. And without industry-savvy investors, you’re reinventing the wheel alone.
My first brand was a masterclass in what not to do: I self-funded, underestimated regulatory complexity, and lacked partners who could open doors. That ‘tuition’ cost me dearly, but it bought priceless clarity. This time, I’m playing the long game—bootstrapping RESORT’s early retail growth to retain full equity, then scaling strategically. The goal isn’t just survival; it’s building to sell.
I’ll get to that $100M valuation because failure taught me how to win:
Capital with connections → Next round, investors must bring more than money.
Distribution-first thinking → No more guessing—relationships are priority zero.
Own the learning curve → Every misstep is leverage for the next deal.
This isn’t my ‘second act’—it’s my smarter one.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At RESORT Beverage Co., we’re redefining the way people craft cocktails—with or without alcohol. Our line of premium, organic mixers brings the effortless luxury of a vacation-inspired drink to every occasion, whether you’re mixing a margarita with tequila or crafting a zero-proof masterpiece.
What Sets Us Apart?
Vacation in a Bottle – Our flavors (Classic Lime, Strawberry, and Pineapple Margarita) are designed to evoke the nostalgia and relaxation of your favorite getaway.
Organic – No artificial ingredients, just clean, vibrant flavors that elevate any drink.
Versatility by Design – Perfect for both cocktails and mocktails, catering to every lifestyle—sober-curious, health-conscious, or simply craving a great-tasting drink.
Why We’re Different
While most mixers cater only to traditional cocktails, RESORT bridges the gap between spirited and spirit-free. We’re not just a mixer brand; we’re a mood in a bottle—for hosts, home bartenders, and anyone who believes a great drink should be simple, stylish, and inclusive.
What’s Next?
We’re expanding our flavor portfolio (stay tuned for new launches!) and securing retail partnerships to make RESORT a staple for effortless entertaining.
“Whether you’re toasting with tequila or skipping the spirits, RESORT lets you savor the moment—no passport required.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory was always bedtime. My little sister and I would laugh ourselves to sleep at night. We are both almost 50 years old now and still do that over the phone! lol
Pricing:
- $11.98
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.resortbeverages.com/
