BuzzBallz is a range of US-owned ready to drinkcocktail mix manufactured by Sazerac Company, Inc. Originally devised as a master's degree project, it was incorporated as BuzzBallz, LLC and is promoted as being a woman-owned and family-run business. It was acquired by Sazerac in 2024.[1] The company manufactures a wide range of beverages sold domestically and internationally. It is a distillery, winery, and brewery in Dallas.[2]
Originally created as a college project by Merrilee Kick in Dallas while working on a high school teaching degree, the company launched in 2009 and expanded as a family-owned enterprise with assistance from her sons.[3] In a 2016 interview with Forbes, Kick discussed her difficulties raising money for her business.[4] It was acquired by Sazerac Company, Inc. in 2024. Sazerac is a US-owned private company owned by chairman William Holdring with an estimated net worth of $3.9 billion.[5] The concept for the drink originated from the shape of a spherical glass.[3]
They have gained popularity among Generation Z as an affordable alcoholic beverage, with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 15%. Priced typically under $5 per unit, BuzzBallz are available in over 30 flavor varieties.[6] A notable product line is the BuzzBallz Biggies, large-format spherical containers ranging from 1.5 to 1.75 liters, priced generally under $30. Each Biggie contains the equivalent of seven to nine standard BuzzBallz servings. The oversized cocktails have sparked a trend among some consumers, particularly within Generation Z, where individuals challenge each other to consume an entire Biggie in one sitting.[6]
Reception
The company's drink range has received mixed reviews, which are generally favorable regarding taste.[7][3][8] Marcie Seidel of the Drug Free Action Alliance, a substance abuse prevention group based in Gambier, Ohio, said that the 20% alcohol content (40 proof) of the cocktails is "really scary" and the packaging, which targets young people, is concerning for the alliance. The drink also attracts controversy from various substance abuse prevention groups for its promotion of drinking around water activities, marketing focus towards Gen Z, bright colors, bright labels, and designs which are attractive to children.[9]
Buzzballs are regarded as an alcopop or hard liquor in some jurisdictions and their sale is restricted or prohibited to prevent underage drinking and problem drinking. Complaints in the U.S. regarding its underage appeal have often been dismissed as the labels contain all the legally required information.[10] Schools have reported BuzzBallz as being a product of abuse chosen by students, and questions have been raised over the product's intended market. American retailers often choose to stock the drinks behind shelves to prevent direct access by underage persons. Matt Merkin of Liquor.com said that the cocktails are "strong, cheap and ... a lot of fun" and the line of products has created "an underground drinking phenomenon" adding they have "colorful containers and equally colorful names".[11]
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