This week, we had the chance to catch up with Callum Buchan to hear about Urban Sips, the unique canned cocktail company inspired by locations around the world. Along with his best friends, Tyler and Steph, Callum launched Urban Sips in May 2024.
Having lived in Reigate all his life and spent the last 5 years in recruitment, Callum was up for a new challenge. Wanting to create a unique and enjoyable product within such a saturated and competitive market, the immense positive feedback and opportunities they have received within their first year has surpassed all expectations.
As cocktail enthusiasts ourselves, we couldn’t wait to learn more!
How did Urban Sips begin?
I have always dreamt of setting up my own company, so when Steph approached myself and Tyler with the idea of starting a business I jumped at the opportunity. The concept of canned cocktails came from our frequent trips to London, where we often bought the same canned drinks from the supermarket. Tired of the usual passionfruit martinis, mojitos and ordinary gin and tonics, we were inspired to create drinks with unique flavours and a fresh concept. And so, Urban Sips was born!
What was the inspiration behind your cocktail flavours?
The London Earl - The flavour and theme of the London Earl was inspired by the rich history, culture, and traditional elements associated with London. The inclusion of Earl in the name was a homage to Earl Grey tea, a quintessentially British tea, full of floral and citrusy notes. Therefore, we wanted to include Lavender in this drink to introduce this floral, aromatic quality to the cocktail, enhancing its complexity and offering a soothing balance. The blend of gin, lavender, vanilla, and elderflower tonic creates a sweet and floral cocktail which captures the essence of London’s sophisticated and timeless charm.
The New York Crush - The New York Crush is a vibrant and cosmopolitan-inspired cocktail. With the fusion of Premium UK-sourced vodka, apple, lime and a medley of berries. It captures the dynamic and energetic character of the Big Apple. Each ingredient was thoughtfully chosen to reflect the city’s eclectic and diverse spirit. We hope by sipping on the New York Crush you are transported to the heart of the city.
The Rio Breeze - The Rio Breeze is a tropical escape in a glass! We set out to capture the essence of South American culture with our exquisite blend of spiced rum, lime, and mango flavours. This combination creates a refreshingly sweet and tangy drink that perfectly evokes the feeling of Rio’s stunning beaches!
Where do you source your ingredients?
Having decided on the base spirits of our cocktails we were on the search for the perfect supplier. I spent a wonderful week down in Cornwall and had the opportunity to try Tarquin’s Cornish Gin which was delicious. To my delight, I discovered that they also sell vodka and rum! After speaking to the lovely Tarquin and having the pleasure of trying them with our mixes we were all in!
How have your flavours developed over time?
When initially sampling the cocktails last December we welcomed feedback and constructive criticism with open arms. One of the standout comments we received was about the London Earl: there was a definite consensus that the lavender was too overpowering. In response to this feedback, we carefully adjusted the proportions, to ensure the lavender’s floral notes complemented rather than dominated the other ingredients. We were so happy to hear honest feedback and gain customer insight so we could make the perfect cocktails for others to enjoy.
What is your favourite part of Urban Sips?
My favourite part of being involved with Urban Sips is attending events and meeting new people to share the story of our brand. It is incredibly rewarding to see communities enjoy the drinks we have poured so much time and effort into creating, and to witness the growth and recognition of our wonderful cocktails firsthand. Additionally, I have found immense joy in the creative outlet that Urban Sips has provided me, allowing me to channel my passion into crafting exceptional cocktails.
Biggest success so far?
Our biggest success so far is Pub in the Park. With the help of Sue and the lovely team at Your Marketing Team, we were able to be part of the wonderful event. This gave us the opportunity to meet potential customers and expand our reach which is something we are incredibly grateful for. We were overwhelmed by the amount of support from the attendees and locals who kept coming back to try more of our cocktails. I am delighted to say we sold out of two of our cocktails over the weekend. It is definitely a pinch-me moment and made us all very proud to own Urban Sips!
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
I would say our biggest challenge yet was not realising how much legal work was required to set up a canned cocktail business. It was an eye-opening experience that took us about 12 months to iron out all the paperwork but was absolutely worth it for the outcome.
Externally to the legal aspects, I would say our biggest flaw is not pushing the personal side of our business more on social media. We would love to spend more time in the future utilising our social platforms and connecting our names and personalities to the business. This is something we are going to work especially hard on in the lead-up to our next event.
What’s next for Urban Sips?
We are thrilled to announce that we will be attending the BBC Good Food Festival at Hampton Court Palace in August. This celebrated event presents a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our unique canned cocktails to a diverse and discerning audience.
At the festival, attendees will have the chance to sample our delicious flavours and learn more about the brand and craftmanship that goes into each can of Urban Sips. We are beyond looking forward to engaging with both new and loyal customers, receiving feedback, and sharing the passion that drives our brand.
In addition to the festival, we have several exciting plans in the pipeline. We're looking forward to expanding our product line with new, seasonal flavours designed to captivate the palate and keep our offerings fresh and exciting.
Overall, the future is bright for Urban Sips. We are dedicated to growing our brand, innovating our products, and building a strong community of cocktail enthusiasts. We can't wait to see what the next chapter holds and are grateful for the support and enthusiasm of our customers as we continue on this exciting journey.
How can we get hold of your cocktails?
You can explore our exquisite range of cocktails on our website. For those who love staying connected, you can also reach out to us on our social media platforms for the latest updates, special promotions, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into our creative process.
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