Sazerac announced it has acquired Dirty Shirley, a ready-to-drink cocktail brand that offers a vodka-spiked version of the classic Shirley Temple. The deal reflects growing consumer interest in nostalgic beverages reimagined for adult audiences, as the Shirley Temple experiences a resurgence with a modern twist.
The Louisville-based spirits company said the brand has established a distinctive position within the ready-to-drink category, driven by bold flavor profiles and a playful identity. Sazerac plans to leverage its global scale and distribution capabilities to expand Dirty Shirley’s reach and accelerate its growth.
Dirty Shirley will join Sazerac’s extensive portfolio of spirits brands, which includes offerings across whiskey, vodka, rum, and flavored liqueurs. The company highlighted its long history in the spirits industry and its continued focus on building and scaling brands worldwide.
The acquisition aligns with broader trends in the beverage market, where convenience, flavor innovation, and nostalgia are driving demand in the ready-to-drink segment.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are excited to make the Dirty Shirley brand a part of the Sazerac family. The brand has carved a unique space in the RTD category with their bold cocktails and distinct personality, and we’re looking forward to continuing to build on the solid foundational work done by the brand to-date.”
Jake Wenz, CEO of Sazerac
“Sazerac is the perfect home for Dirty Shirley. They have the scale, expertise, and vision to take the brand to the next level, and I have full confidence they will continue to build Dirty Shirley into an iconic name in the spirits industry.”
Adam Kost, Founder of Dirty Shirley
