Two Sun Devils have started a refreshing new business combining freeze pops and alcohol.
ASU alumnus Jason Rosell and current student Nate Wilken launched The Rips Liquor product in March after working eight years to develop it.
The product was first released at Lake Havasu in March during spring break. Rosell, a 2009 ASU law school graduate, said radio station 101.5 JamZ came to the lake to help throw a launch party.
The three current flavors — Jaws (Apple Martini), Mavericks (Strawberry Daiquiri) and Cortez (Tropical Fruit) — refer to surf spots the creators have been to, Rosell said.
The packaging for each product contains information about their respective surf spots.
Rosell and Wilken wanted the brand of the product to be similar to the laid-back beach lifestyle that they enjoy themselves, Wilken said.
The three flavors they chose were voted most popular among other flavors by testers before the product’s release, he said.
Other flavors they chose not to produce were piña colada, margarita and cherry vanilla, Rosell said.
The chosen flavors were the best tasting and easiest to freeze with the different fruit juice and alcohol combinations, he said.
Alcohol is often hard to freeze, Rosell said, adding that he would not reveal how they managed to perform the task. He called that the secret to their business.
Wilken said they are hoping to come out with new flavors and even some sugar-free flavors in the future.
Each product is created and distributed in Tempe by Rosell and Wilken.
The duo uses a form-fill seal machine to create and package the treats.
Although certain aspects of production have to be outsourced from the East Coast, Rosell said, they try to keep it as local as possible.
The product is currently only available in stores located in Arizona, but special orders can be made by contacting the company through their website.
Rosell said they are currently looking for distributers in other states.
The product may appear to be simply a frozen treat, but it’s not geared toward underage people, Wilken said.
“The No. 1 focus for the product is for people to understand it is not for minors,” Wilken said. “We don’t want kids at the grocery store to pick up our product and think it’s just a Popsicle.”
The product is only available in liquor stores, which will not allow anyone under 21 inside, Wilken said.
A local liquor store in Tempe that carries the product is Top’s Liquor located on University Drive and Ash Avenue.
The store manager, Greg Eccles, said the store carries Rips in either six-packs or as a single product. A six-pack of Rips is made up of two of each flavor and sells for $11.99, while a single Rips costs $2.99.
The store has been carrying the product for about four to five months, Eccles said, and it is a popular product sold to an estimated customer range of 21 to 35 years of age.
Reach the reporter at hfogel@asu.edu
