BottleRock Napa Valley’s first day was marked by the vibrant debut of 21Seeds, an infused tequila brand co-founded by sisters Kat and Nicole and their friend Sarika. The festival, renowned for its blend of music, food, and drink, provided the perfect stage for 21Seeds to showcase their unique and refreshing take on tequila.
Founders Sarika, Nicole, and Kat
Kat envisioned 21Seeds as the perfect drink for those seeking something smooth, simple, and natural. Her initial experiments in the kitchen with cucumbers, jalapeños, oranges, and grapefruits proved to be a hit among friends. What started as a hobby quickly blossomed into a brand as demand grew from their immediate circle to a broader audience.
To scale their production, the trio partnered with a female-led distillery in Mexico, aligning with their vision of supporting women in the industry. This collaboration helped them perfect their infusions, leading to the creation of three signature flavors: Cucumber Jalapeño, Grapefruit Hibiscus, and Valencia Orange.
At BottleRock, the 21Seeds booth was placed between the main JaM Cellars and Verizon stages, attracting a constant stream of festival-goers eager to sample their cocktails. The offerings included the Spicy Margarita (Cucumber Jalapeño), Grapefruit Hibiscus Paloma, and Valencia Orange Spritz. Each drink was a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality and flavor, delivering a refreshing experience that stood out in the crowd.
During our interview, the founders shared their journey and the ethos behind 21Seeds. The slogan #GirlsCallTheShots encapsulates their mission to empower women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. They aim to provide an alternative to the conventional glass of wine, offering a low-calorie, no-hangover option that resonates with health-conscious consumers, particularly women and mothers.
The founders– Bay Area natives– expressed excitement about launching their brand close to home in Napa, a region synonymous with wine but now embracing innovative spirits like 21Seeds. They believe their infused tequilas bring a refreshing twist to the local beverage scene, offering a product that feels inclusive and accessible.
Talking to Kat, Nicole, and Sarika was an absolute delight. Their passion for what they do was infectious, and although infused tequilas aren’t something new, 21Seeds has found a way to elevate the game by a long shot. Every drink I tasted was so smooth and refreshing that I found myself going back to their booth every day of the festival.
21Seeds’ success at BottleRock is a testament to their rapid and organic growth. The brand’s ability to meet the consumer where she is, offering a delicious and easy-to-make cocktail, has struck a chord with their target market. The drinks not only appeal to consumers but also to bartenders, simplifying cocktail preparation without sacrificing consistency.
In addition to their core flavors, 21Seeds’ versatility shines through in creative cocktails like the Espresso Martini and Bloody Maria, featuring their Valencia Orange and Cucumber Jalapeño infusions. The founders are committed to increasing women’s representation in the alcohol industry, pushing boundaries and challenging stereotypes.
As 21Seeds continues to expand, their presence at BottleRock marks a significant milestone in their journey. The brand embodies a spirit of friendship, empowerment, and innovation, making infused tequila approachable and enjoyable for a broader audience. With their sights set on fostering connections and creating memorable experiences, 21Seeds is poised to leave a lasting impact on the beverage industry.
21Seeds‘ debut at BottleRock Napa was more than just an introduction to their infused tequilas; it was a celebration of their mission to empower women and transform the drinking experience. The founders’ passion and dedication were palpable, as they shared their story and vision with festival-goers, making a mark not just with their delicious drinks but with their inspiring journey. As they continue to grow, 21Seeds is set to revolutionize the way we think about tequila, one seed at a time.
Check out our video of the 21Seeds booth!
