Countdown to the 27th Staging of the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards
2026 Nominee For Best (New) Local Product: CocktailsToGo876
Principals:
Orane Reid
Johnny Calame
Czar Plunket
CocktailsToGo876 is more than a beverage company — it is a story of resilience, passion, and belief.
A history of the company…
The idea was born during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, when thehospitality and events industry came to a standstill. As a mixologist with over 10 years of experience, I saw an opportunity to reimagine how people experience cocktails — bringing premium, bar-quality drinks into a convenient, ready-to-enjoy format. In pursuit of that vision, we made a bold investment into production development overseas. Unfortunately, that journey resulted in a significant financial loss in China, forcing us to pause and reassess everything. For many, that would have been the end. For us, it became the turning point. We regrouped, refined the vision, and committed ourselves to seeing it through. Two years later, through persistence and sacrifice, CocktailsToGo876 officially brought the dream to life in December 2025 with our canned product line. Today, that same dream has evolved into one of the leading-selling beverage brands across our retail locations — proving that resilience, when paired with passion, creates impact.
The range of new products…
Lychee Lemonade (Non-Alcoholic) – our flagship entry
Margaritas (Lime, Strawberry, Mango, Guava)
Amaretto Sour
Whiskey Sour
Lychee Martini
“Two Twenty” Signature Cocktail
Each product is carefully crafted for balance, consistency, and a premium experience. Our ingredients are sourced through a carefully curated network that prioritises both quality and authenticity. We work with trusted distributors such as Lama Distribution and Select Brands Caribbean, alongside established regional producers, to ensure consistent supply and premium standards. In addition, we actively source from local Jamaican markets and farms, allowing us to incorporate fresh inputs while supporting local agriculture and maintaining a strong connection to the region. This blend of local sourcing and global-standard supply enables us to deliver products that are both authentic and refined.
Where the products are currently being sold…
Our products are currently available at select premium locations, including:
Pink Apron
Bowl & Spoon
Jamaica Food & Drink Kitchen
First Bite
Across all locations, our products have quickly become top-performing items, reinforcing strong consumer demand and brand loyalty.
The story behind the packaging for the products…
Our packaging reflects both our journey and our standards. It is designed to feel clean, premium, and intentional — something that stands out on shelves while remaining approachable. The can format allows us to maintain product integrity while offering convenience for modern lifestyles. For our flagship Lychee Lemonade, the packaging highlights freshness and vibrancy, while still aligning with the elevated identity of CocktailsToGo876.
Every detail is rooted in one goal: to create an experience that begins visually and delivers fully with every sip.
We made these products…
I made these products because I believe people deserve access to premium, wellcrafted beverages without needing to step into a bar. As a mixologist for over 10 years, I have always been passionate about creating experiences through drinks — and I wanted to bottle that experience in a way that is convenient, consistent, and accessible.
Our first breakthrough came…
When we began executing events and saw how people responded to the quality of our drinks. That validation showed us we had something special. However, the real turning point came after we regrouped from a major financial loss overseas and successfully launched our canned products — proving that the vision could survive setbacks.
The products officially became available to the public in December 2025, after years of development, challenges, and refinement.
Our core customers are young professionals, social consumers, and experiencedriven individuals who appreciate quality, convenience, and premium presentation. They are people who value a great drink — whether at an event, at home, or on the go.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Across all our retail locations, our products have quickly become top-selling items, with customers consistently returning and recommending the brand. This feedback has validated both the quality of the product and the strength of the concept.
Our product
s are successful because they combine authentic mixology, premium ingredients, and consistency. Every can delivers the same experience you would expect from a skilled bartender — and that level of reliability builds trust with our customers.
We plan to grow CocktailsToGo876 into a leading Caribbean beverage brand, recognised for innovation in ready-to-drink cocktails and non-alcoholic alternatives. Our vision is to expand distribution both locally and internationally, while continuing to create products that represent Jamaican creativity, culture, and quality.
Our major challenge has been navigating production and supply chain limitations, especially after experiencing a significant financial setback during our initial overseas investment. This remains an ongoing focus — particularly from a financial standpoint. Managing raw material inventory requires disciplined cash flow management, strategic purchasing, and strong supplier relationships to ensure consistency without overextending the business. It is a constant balance between investing in growth and protecting the financial stability of the company. At the same time, we must acknowledge the moments that make that balance possible.
If we knew then what we know now, I would have taken a more strategic and phased approach to production, with stronger controls around risk and supplier verification. But I have also come to understand this: Sometimes, you simply have to take the risk and start. There is never a perfect time. You learn as you grow. You make mistakes, you adjust, and you keep moving forward. The key is to stay open — read, learn, listen, and adapt to market trends as they evolve. Surrounding yourself with strong business role models also makes a difference. Learn from those who have done it before, but do not be afraid to carve your own path. Because in the end, the journey itself is the lesson — and every step, good or bad, builds a stronger, wiser business.
Jamaicans should support our products because they represent local innovation, resilience, and excellence.
Our post-Hurricane Melissa message, having given consideration to the importance of food security, sustainability and supporting our local food ecosystem, is…..
Now more than ever, we must help our neighbours the same way we would want to be helped. Whether it is sharing what we have, supporting a small vendor, or simply showing up — that is how we rebuild, together. We must invest, as much as we can, into backyard farming, small community production, and local businesses. Every seed planted, every product purchased locally, every dollar kept within our economy is a step toward a stronger, more independent Jamaica.
CocktailsToGo876
E-mail: cocktailstogo876@gmail.com
Tel: 1 876-213-1268
Just pour and go!(Photo: Naphtali Junior)
Food Awards judge Mala Marrison checked out the CocktailsToGo876 Lychee Lemonade ahead of judging.(Photo: Naphtali Junior)
CocktailsToGo876 Orane Reid delivered a presentation of heart, hope, and resilience (Photo: Naphtali Junior)
