There is a reason that the bright, round, cocktail-in-a-ball has taken social media feeds, corner shops, and weekend plans by storm.
From house parties to festival fields, BuzzBallz have exploded into THE cultural phenomenon. They are not just another drink, though. They have carved out a niche all on their own.
But what are BuzzBallz, and why are they so insanely popular? And why does it feel like everyone, especially among my friends, has a favourite flavour, back story or ritual tied to them?
Let us unpack everything we know about BuzzBallz. The drink itself, the female founder behind it, the flavours that people cannot stop talking about, and most importantly, what their fans think about them too.
BuzzBallz are ready-to-drink alcoholic cocktails packaged in a distinctive round, plastic orb that looks like a colourful tropical fruit, a tennis ball, or something you might find rolling down the beach. They are not just cute. They are powerful, portable, and very, very popular.
At around 13.5% ABV (alcohol by volume), a single Buzzball drink packs roughly the strength of a glass of wine. The way it is packaged in the tiny and vibrant ball lets you hold it in your hand, pop open and drink straight from the container all in one.
This simple idea, a high-strength, fun, sweet-tasting cocktail that you do not need a bartender to make, is the cornerstone of why BuzzBallz have become such a buzz.
BuzzBallz was founded in 2009 by Merilee Kick, a former school-teacher from Texas who wanted a cocktail that did not require a fragile glass on a hot day by the pool.
She got the idea from everyday objects: the spherical shape of a snow globe she owned and the pop-top look, taking inspiration from a can of tennis balls in a sports store. That combination evolved in her mind into the iconic BuzzBall shape.
“LET’S HAVE A BALL! Our cocktails are the life and soul of the party and the perfect way to have a ball with your friends”
BuzzBallz
After earning her MBA and researching the drinks industry, she took out loans, convinced her family to help, and brought BuzzBallz to life; not a would-be cocktail fad, but as a branded line of ready-to-drink cocktails to be sold across the United States and internationally.
For many fans, like myself and many of the women around me, the fact that BuzzBallz is owned and founded by women adds a powerful and emotional layer.
The brand proudly displays its certification from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), which confirms it’s at least 51% owned, controlled, and managed by a woman. The words “women-owned” even appear on the packaging.
This origin story is more than a footnote. It’s central to the brand’s identity and a big part of what draws people in. In an industry where female founders are still rare, Merilee’s success story resonates, especially among communities that value entrepreneurship, grit, and creativity.
But BuzzBallz didn’t become a viral trend overnight; their rise has been swift and something remarkable. They have become a global phenomenon, sold in more than two dozen countries, from the United States to the UK and beyond.
In the UK, BuzzBallz first launched in 2022 and has rapidly climbed the sales charts, becoming one of the fastest-growing ready-to-drink brands by volume. It has truly skyrocketed.
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have amplified their popularity, with thousands of viral taste tests, party videos and memes celebrating (or dissing) the colourful drinks. The bright colours, punchy flavours and quirky shape make them immediately recognisable, and extremely photogenic.
Part of the reason they are everywhere is not just their appearance, but also how they fit into contemporary youth drinking culture. Many people, especially younger drinkers, see BuzzBallz as a more fun, nostalgic alternative to traditional drinks, like beer or straight spirits in a shot glass.
One of the most exciting parts of the BuzzBall experience is the wide variety of flavours they have to offer. Some classic, some unexpected.
These are not just different colours with the same drink inside. Each flavour is an entirely different cocktail and vibe. They are available as single balls or mixed packs (you should have seen my face when I saw them in Costco), and the flavours range from tropical to tangy to dessert-inspired.
When it comes to flavours, BuzzBallz don’t do subtle – and that is the exact point. Each ball has its own personality. The ‘Strawberry Rita’ is unapologetically sweet and tangy, basically a margarita with a sugar rush attitude, while the ‘Tequila Rita’ leans into that classic summer holiday vibe, tasting like sunshine, salt, and bad decisions (the good kind from my experience).
If you want something sharper, ‘Berry Cherry Limeade’ delivers a strong kick that still somehow goes down dangerously easily.
For people who like their drinks with a bit more drama, the tropical and spicy options steal the show. ‘Chilli Mango’ is the one everyone dares each other to try. Sweet at first, then hit with a spicy edge that has turned into a bit of a cult favourite.
Meanwhile, ‘Lotta Colada’ is pure beach energy, mixing pineapple and coconut into something that feels like it should be drunk with sand between your toes, even if you are only in a kitchen at pre-drinks.
Then there are the flavours that feel less like cocktails and more like dessert. ‘Pornstar Martini’ is bold, boozy, and loud, capturing the indulgence of the classic bar order in ball form. ‘Espresso Martini’ for the after-dinner crowd. Rich, coffee-forward and ideal for anyone who wants their caffeine and alcohol in one go.
‘Choc Tease’ is surprisingly divisive but undeniably addictive, tasting like a liquid dessert you swear you won’t finish and then absolutely do. And finally, ‘Passionfruit Martini’ rounds things off with something sweet, aromatic, and unmistakably tropical. The kind of flavour that feels instantly party-ready.
The diversity of flavours means BuzzBallz can be whatever you want them to be. And with more development all the time, there is always something new to try.
BuzzBallz didn’t just climb onto shelves. They set out to dominate the cultural conversation, largely because of the unique combination of the aesthetic appeal (the pop on camera), shareability (being posted on every social platform), and the memorable names attached to them. They are not just boring labels.
On platforms like TikTok and Instagram, BuzzBallz are everywhere. People taste-testing them with friends, doing mini comparison videos, or showing how they incorporate them into parties. This digital buzz feeds a real-world buzz.
And because drinking culture is so visual now, BuzzBallz fits perfectly into Gen Z and Millennial social media habits. Quick, sweet content with bright visuals and even brighter personalities attached to the drink.
Of course, any drink that becomes this big has divided opinions. So, I asked around among my circle (more like a triangle) and here’s what they said – straight from voice notes, group chats, and Friday night debates.
“Tequila Rita is my go-to. It tastes like a sweet I can drink. I bring it to every function, and it is basically the only thing I drink all night,” said Damilola Olosinmo.
“Pornstar martini is chef’s kiss! It is the perfect way to end my drinking for the night. It keeps my buzz for the rest of the night,” Zeina Haddad told me.
What’s clear is they are fun, memorable, and social. Whether they are loved or lightly mocked, they are a part of the story of a night out every single time. It will always be perfect for a gathering of friends.
So, why does everyone LOVE BuzzBallz? They are fun, easy, strong, and cultural. BuzzBallz didn’t just make drinks; they made a cultural moment.
Whether you love them, hate them, or love to hate them, they have earned a place in the conversation around modern drinking culture.
And judging by the strong opinions from my friends, you will be hearing about BuzzBallz for a long time to come.
All images by Daniella Daoud