We help first–time founders turn one canned drink idea into a manufacturable, margin-positive product in 60–90 days.Built by the operators behind a canned cocktail brand sold in 45+ states.
– Works for alcoholic and non-alcoholic canned drinks
– From idea → formula → co-packer → first run
– Options from DIY playbook to 10k done-with-you launch
We’re operators behind The Copper Can, not an ad agency guessing from the sidelines. We’ve dealt with co-packers, TTB, margin pressure and real distributors — and we built Drink Launch Lab so you can skip the most expensive mistakes.
We didn’t learn this stuff from a course or a Twitter thread.We built The Copper Can from a scrappy idea into a real canned cocktail brand that does over $5M a year in sales, is sold in 45+ states, and sits on shelves next to the “big guys” in chains and clubs — including Costco.We’ve dealt with everything founders fantasize about and everything they don’t:
– Co-packers that screw up runs
– Margin pressure from distributors and chains
– Cash flow getting crushed by big POs
– Keeping quality consistent as you scaleDrink Launch Lab is just us turning that experience into something structured, so you don’t have to pay the same dumb taxes we did.
$5M+ annual sales45+ states1,000s of retail doorsChain + club placements (including Costco)Multiple successful new SKU launchesYears of actual sales data on what works (and what doesn’t)


How much money do I really need to launch?
Answer: We’re honest: this is built around ~30k for a single SKU. You can squeak by lean around 20k; if you’re under 15–20k, we won’t pretend this is a good idea yet.
Do you only work with alcohol brands?
Answer: No. We work with alcoholic and non-alcoholic canned drinks. Process is almost identical; main difference is TTB vs more standard FDA-style compliance.
Will you find a co-packer for me?
Answer: In Production-Ready and Launch Partner, yes: we shortlist and intro. In Playbook and Product-Ready, we give you the framework but you do the outreach.
Will you sell for me or get me into chains?
Answer: No. We’re not your sales team. We help you launch something that works and give you a realistic plan. You still have to sell.
What if my budget is under $20k?
Answer: You’re probably not ready for a first run yet. The playbook will still help you get realistic and plan, but we won’t push you into production if numbers don’t pencil.
For founders who want the full roadmap and templates with no calls.– Full “From Idea to First Run” system
– Budget & COGS templates
– Concept sheet, co-packer questions, QC checklist
– Simple 90-day launch planNo 1:1 access. No co-packer intros. You follow the playbook yourself.
Turn one drink idea into a manufacturable formula, label direction, and real numbers.– Kickoff call (60–90 min)
– Formula development/refinement (2–3 rounds)
– COGS & pricing model
– Label & brand direction feedback
– Ingredient supplier guidance~4 weeks • ~3 calls • email support
Everything in Product-Ready plus co-packer and sample dialed.– Co-packer shortlist (2–3) + intros
– Can & pack format guidance
– Sample / trial advisory
– Sample review call~6 weeks • extra calls • focused support on production
Guided first production and 90-day launch.– Everything in Production-Ready
– 90-day launch plan
– Pricing & channel sanity checks
– Sell sheet + pitch review
– Bi-weekly calls for ~10–12 weeksYou still do the work. We keep you from doing stupid, expensive shit.
If you’ve got a real drink idea and real money, we can help you skip the most expensive rookie mistakes and get to your first production run faster.If you’re serious, don’t overthink it. Tell us what you’re working on and what you can actually spend.