The Guys Behind Miami Cocktail Company

Simon Benstead & Ross Graham

When you think about what it is to live in Miami, you probably think something along the lines of- laid-back, relaxed, sunny, and fun. Take that, bottle it into a refreshing alcoholic beverage, and you’ve got the liquid vacation that is Miami Cocktail Company. Relatively new and started by two guys who just like to drink, they thought Miami was such a great place that they named their company after our city. They make delicious tasting pre-made cocktails that you can just pour right from the bottle over ice and enjoy. No bartender or fancy drink skills necessary. It’s that simple and easy. Kind of like Miami living. And, true to form, as Miami is one of the most image-conscious cities in the U.S., MCC’s drinks are a healthier, lighter alternative to sugary, artificial booze. It’s 99.99% natural (the 0.01% is Splenda) and has zero sugar, zero carbs, and zero junk. There’s no additives, preservatives, artificial colors, high fructose corn syrup, sodium, or gluten. As if they didn’t already go down easily, now there’s no guilt to wash it down with either.

Just last month they had their big Miami launch party and debuted the drinks to everyone at Soho Beach House’s penthouse. They even brought in top media to do a taste test with their product against other pre-made mix competitors like Smirnoff and Skinny Girl. Miami Cocktail Company came out on top every time. It tastes ten times better than the other watered down stuff, and has more alcohol- a win win situation! Right now, you can get your very own bottle at any of the three Vintage Liquors locations in South Florida. World Red Eye got a chance to chat with the two friends who started it all, Simon Benstead and Ross Graham, and see what it’s like creating these drinks. Get to know the guys behind Miami Cocktail Company below.

Simon Benstead & Ross Graham

World Red Eye: How did you two meet and decide to start MCC?

Ross Graham: We met in college, you guessed it- drinking, and worked at few bars together while in school. As for MCC we just saw a huge opportunity in the booming ready-to-serve cocktail category.

Simon Benstead: We were tired of drinking vodka sodas and wanted to create a perfect cocktail that was ultra low in calories and really big on taste.

WRE: How long did it take for you to get the recipes right and what did it feel like when you tasted your perfected creations for the first time?

SB: We probably consumed a few hundred cocktails before getting where we wanted. We did extensive market research, aka – a LOT of sampling, in NYC, LA, and of course here in Miami.

RG: At last year’s South Beach Wine and Food Festival, we pushed out over 10,000 samples for feedback. First and foremost, aside from the zero sugar and zero carbs, it has to taste great. The taste had to deliver.

WRE: Which of your cocktails is your personal favorite and what is your ideal scenario for enjoying it?  Any suggestions for pairing?

RG: Out of the gate we have our Old Time Sweet Tea and Piña Colada. Both are outstanding. Our Sweet Tea uses real brewed tea and organic lemon extract. A squeeze of fresh lemon really brings out the flavor even more. Our Piña Colada uses pure coconut water and is really smooth.

SB: We don’t necessarily have a favorite, but we are both really excited about our Margarita. Its a true lime Margarita that is unbelievable. We will be launching it in early spring.

WRE: What flavors are you working on for the future?

SB: Currently we have six cocktails: Old Time Sweet Tea, Piña Colada, Pink Lemonade, Classic Mojito, Lime Margarita, and a Passionfruit Caipirinha. All with zero sugar and zero carbs, no additives or preservatives, no artificial flavors or colors, and all are both sodium free and gluten free.

WRE: Obviously your drinks are delicious, but we think they represent more than just taste. Can you explain the MCC lifestyle and what it means to you?

RG: Great question. Obviously you cannot market alcohol as healthy, but you can certainly offer a healthier alternative. It’s about finally having a caloric choice. All of the taste but without all of the calories and all of the junk.

SB: Drink in moderation, live a balanced lifestyle. Great cocktails, great friends, great times.

WRE: I see your hashtag is #liquidvacation, which is definitely catchy. Can you elaborate on it?

SB: Everybody can always use a vacation. There is a little bit of Miami in each and every bottle we make, so it’s like taking a slice of Miami with you wherever you go. An instant little liquid vacation.

Simon Benstead & Ross Graham

WRE: What’s your favorite thing about Miami? Why did you guys decide to start your business here?

SB: What’s not to like about Miami! Miami is home. From the great weather, our beaches, amazing restaurants, it has so much to offer. We love the Latin American influence, it is such a part of Miami culture.

RG: We also love where Miami is going- from the Design District to Midtown to Wynwood… Miami continues to grow and develop. The future is exciting.

WRE: Surely these tasty drinks will catch on quickly… Any plans for expansion outside of sunny South Florida yet?

RG: We are going to focus here in Miami to start and slowly expand throughout Florida.

SB: We are opening up NYC and LA this summer, and likely will be more national by the fall.

WRE: If you could describe your cocktails in three words, what would they be?

RG: Outstanding. Awesome…

SB: Outstanding.