You have probably seen them in the hands of Londoners out enjoying the sunshine.
BuzzBallz are the new ‘in’ drink and they are being snapped up for fun in the sun, festivals and day drinking all around the capital.
The brightly coloured, ball-shaped cans can be bought from supermarkets all over the capital and have named such “Strawberry ’Rita” and “Choc Tease”, and look more like sweet treats than alcoholic drinks.
Dreamed up by a high-school teacher in Texas, BuzzBallz are now the US’s leading ready-to-drink (RTD) consumable, and rate at over 10 per cent ABV, and the trend is now catching on here in the UK.
The drinks range was bought by drinks giant Sazerac last year in a deal rumoured to be worth at least $500 million.
But what is the buzz around the BuzzBallz? Here is everything we know:
Increasing sales in the UK
The drinks are on the must-buy list of mostly Generation Z and are an Instagram-worthy boozy treat.
Their popularity has spiked in the last two years after the technicolour cocktail spheres came to the UK in 2022.
Their distribution and influence gained momentum rapidly following Sazerac’s takeover in early 2024. Since then, the brand has “skyrocketed,” according to the company.
Jess Scheerhorn, vice president at BuzzBallz and Sazerac Emerging Portfolio said: “In just 12 weeks, BuzzBallz climbed to become the #18 RTD brand by volume in the UK and is now the fastest-growing brand within the top 20.”
She said the brand’s success has come from their “unique blend of aesthetic, potency and portability” all in a bright, easy-to-hold palm-sized orb that has become instantly recognisable on social feeds worldwide.
Why are they so popular with Generation Z?
This comes down to branding, say the company.
Ms Scheerhorn says that in the UK Gen Z have carved out their own cultural space for the drink and it suits their on-the-go, social media obsessed existences.
She said: “We’ve noticed UK consumers especially love BuzzBallz for pre-drinks with friends, festival weekends and summer get-togethers. You might say it plays the role for Gen Z that WKD and Smirnoff Ice once did for Millennials.
“Our vibrant, playful flavours and iconic round shape are made for on-the-go lifestyles that resonate with our Gen Z audience. BuzzBallz delivers authentic cocktail strength in a convenient, grab-and-go format, perfect for those who crave both flavour and authenticity.”
What social media has to say
The Instagrammable drinks are so popular that they are selling out, and shops are posting the second they come back in stock.
And fans are quick to comment.
One wrote: “They’re back. I NEEEEED to get some”, while another added: “The BEST” alongside a fire emoji.
The range also comes in a giant ball option now too, which is exciting people.
And one fan loves the brightly coloured drinks so much he even got a tattoo of them.
But not all were impressed with one writing back: “Oh no. This really is a choice.”
Where can I buy them in London?
The drinks are easily obtainable all around the capital, and can be spotted in many corner shops all over London.
They can also be bought in supermarkets including Aldi, Tesco and Sainsbury’s.
