Some adults never outgrew their love for the classic Shirley Temple, but as their tastes matured, they're now seeking cleaner versions made without harmful dyes—and Just Call Me Shirley delivers. The canned cocktail startup is on a mission to revive the Dirty Shirley, and make it a drink no one is embarrassed to order. Inspired by the iconic Shirley Temple, Just Call Me Shirley offers its 5% ABV Original Cherry in versions made with vodka or tequila that feature subtly sweet natural cherry and lemon-lime flavors. Additionally, a non-alcoholic option with electrolytes is available.
As part of the Small Biz Challenge, hosted by Inc. and The UPS Store, the Gen Z entrepreneurs behind Just Call Me Shirley won $25,000 to boost their business.
Cheerful Fizzy Cocktails
Just Call Me Shirley Reinvents a Nostalgic Drink for a New Generation
Trend Themes
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Nostalgic Cocktail Revival — The resurgence of classic drinks like the Dirty Shirley represents an opportunity for brands to modernize nostalgic beverages for mature palates.
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Clean Label Alcoholic Beverages — There is a growing demand for cocktails made without artificial dyes or flavors, signaling a shift towards healthier and more transparent ingredient lists.
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Non-alcoholic Alternatives — Innovative non-alcoholic options, especially those enhanced with electrolytes, are capturing the interest of both sobriety-conscious consumers and health enthusiasts.
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Trends 4 — The canned cocktail industry is witnessing a surge in popularity, driven by convenience and innovative flavor profiles.
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Trends 5 — A Gen Z-led movement is tapping into social media's influence to market nostalgic yet modernized products to younger consumers.
Industry Implications
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Alcoholic Beverage Industry — Traditional beverage companies can capitalize on the trend towards premiumization and clean label alcoholic products.
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Non-alcoholic Beverage Industry — The rise of crafted, non-alcoholic drinks caters to a new consumer segment prioritizing wellness and moderation in their lifestyles.
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Canned Beverage Industry — The expansion of creative canned cocktails opens doors for brands to diversify their offerings in the ready-to-drink segment.