What happens when a group of friends decide to collaborate over a shared love for alcoholic drinks?
Tipsy Trio came about from a casual conversation among three friends over lunch in October 2020. John Go, Joy Rebellos, and Michael Caharian have been working together for years when their shared breaks brought about the idea for the brand.
According to Mike, the concept was a pantry idea. “We usually take our lunch together at the office pantry,” he recalls. “It started from talking about when we can drink again together, the drinking sessions that we had with our friends and colleagues, and what we can possibly do to have drinking moments again.”
“I think it’s because the three of us love to drink,” adds Joy, who is an essential part of the Tipsy Trio. Having taken a course in bartending and with experience working at a resort’s bar, Joy is the one who mixes the cocktails, adding ingredients to classic mixes, and finding balance to the spirits. Once she finishes a creation, John and Mike weigh in on what can be adjusted.
The trio shares that their current offering was inspired by friends, drinking memories, and good company. “We benchmarked what flavors were commonly patronized at the bar by our friends, and tipsy observations around us,” Mike adds.
Of course, despite coming together to form Tipsy Trio, John, Joy and Mark have their own preferences when it comes to drinks, which is why their brand’s lineup is so diverse.
It’s all about your mood, they explain. For one, John prefers the Midori—a concoction that has vodka, Midori liqueur, honey, lemon syrup and a carbonated drink—which he describes as soothing and refreshing. When he’s in a more chill mood, however, he likes drinking Royal Blow. It has dark and white rum, orange and passionfruit syrups, grenadine, lime juice and simple syrup—like “four seasons but with a kick.”
On the other hand, Mike recommends the Apocalyse. With white rum, gin, lime juice, lemon and passionfruit syrups, pineapple juice and grenadine, it has an irresistibly refreshing taste.
Joy prefers mixing rum, tequila, gin and whiskey when she drinks, which might have led to the creation of the Blue Demon. With vodka, tequila, white rum and gin mixed together with blue curacao, and blueberry and lemon syrups, it’s a great mix to bring to any party.
Tipsy Trio currently offers eight different flavors, and have two more coming up: Army and Goddess. Army is a purple-colored drink that mixes blueberry and strawberry with tequila, vodka, rum and gin. Meanwhile, Goddess is a pink drink with grapefruit, strawberry, grenadine, lemon, gin and rum.
There will always be ups and downs that come with building a brand. John, Joy and Mark share that their friendship remains a source of inspiration, and is why they are still very excited about working together. “We somehow already adjusted to each other’s character and behavior,” John shares. “We already know how to approach one another.”
The trio have found the right balance in creating the brand. John takes care of sales and marketing, and dabbles in operations and finance. Joy is in charge of operations, and assists in marketing. Meanwhile, Mike takes the lead on supply sourcing.
Joy believes that their optimism, humor and trust are integral to running the business. Mike adds, “I guess we complement each other, and found a way to handle our differences.”
I guess work days get a lot easier when you can end it with a good drink.
Tipsy Trio is available at selected convenience stores and bars. Learn more on their Facebook page, and by calling 0991 221 9079.
Photography Kurt Fick | Hair and Makeup Arnauld | Location From Here