BuzzBallz are the drink of the moment
They’re round. They’re 13.5% alcohol. They’re filling the shelves at your local corner shop. Haven’t tried them yet? Don’t worry, you will…
Society
Words: Jade Wickes
Photography: Alexa Rayner
The name
A cocktail that does what it says on the spherical tin. According to Collins English Dictionary, a “buzz” is something “that makes you feel very happy or excited for a short time”. A “ball” is – well, you know what a ball is
The origin
Invented by an ex-schoolteacher (and Harvard Business School graduate, voice artist, magazine editor [steady – Ed], radio news anchor and pianist), who was sick of drinking highly bloating beers and wanted something with a little cheerful potency. Her name? Merrilee Kick. Nice bit of nominative determinism there
The packaging
Small, spherical, fits perfectly in the palm of your hand. According to the brand’s website, the shape was inspired by a snow globe bought on a family trip to Sweden, and by a can of tennis balls. Given an infinite amount of time, you would imagine Björn Borg could have come up with the same thing
Facts and figures
£3.99: the cost of a single, humble BuzzBall
£20,000: the not insubstantial inheritance sum Merrilee used to start BuzzBallz in 2009 £50,000: the amount of money she borrowed from the bank
$400 million: what Merrilee is worth today, having recently sold her business to booze behemoth Sazerac
Flavours
Choose from Pineapple Jalapeño, Lotta Colada, Chocolate Tease, Chili Mango, Strawberry ’Rita, Forbidden Apple, Cookie Nookie (??) and many more. Basically Ben & Jerry’s on spring break
The motto
“Reinventing Happy Hour”, as per the website. “Reinventing hangovers”, as per (some) customers’ experience
Ingredients
A variation of vodka, rum or tequila with real fruit juice or (deep breath) cream, if you’re partaking in BuzzBallz of the Cookie Nookie or Chocolate Tease variety. All natural and gluten free, would you believe
Punter testimony
“Espresso Martini is lethal. Chili Mango is the GOAT. 6.5/10 spice level,” one anonymous drinker told THE FACE. “You burn bright and fast when you’re on the BuzzBallz. Got me absolutely smashed,” said another, happily. Merrilee, we salute you
