A Rebellious Lemonade Stand at Age 10 (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Comedian and bestselling author Chelsea Handler has channeled her early days as a pint-sized entrepreneur into a ready-to-drink vodka lemonade line now available nationwide.
A Rebellious Lemonade Stand at Age 10
Long before sold-out tours and Netflix specials, Chelsea Handler operated an illegal spiked lemonade stand in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.[1][2] At just 10 years old, she added alcohol to her homemade brews, drawing crowds and generating enough profit to book herself a first-class plane ticket the next summer while her family flew coach. Handler later recalled the scheme as her path to independence, saying she always aimed to escape New Jersey and build her own life.[1]
That childhood venture planted the seed for her latest business move. Handler had long dreamed of a perfect adult version but grew frustrated with prior collaborations that delivered off-putting aftertastes. Her persistence paid off when she connected with like-minded partners who nailed the recipe on the first try.
Teaming Up with Owl’s Brew Founders
Handler partnered with Jennie Ripps and Maria Littlefield, co-founders of the women-owned Owl’s Brew, a company specializing in clean, premium ready-to-drink beverages.[1][3] The collaboration sparked after Ripps and Littlefield read Handler’s book I’ll Have What She’s Having, which detailed her lemonade stand story. A pivotal meeting in a New York City hotel room during Handler’s press tour sealed the deal, with Ripps remembering the email pitch: “Chelsea Handler wants you to make her vodka lemonade.”[1]
Littlefield highlighted the shared emphasis on authenticity, noting, “So much of our brand is about authenticity and real stories.” Handler praised the duo’s expertise in a male-dominated industry, where women hold only 4% of C-suite beverage alcohol positions. She emphasized supporting female-led ventures: “Jennie and Maria know what they’re doing, and they don’t mess around with their ingredients or their mission.”[3]
Flavors That Capture Nostalgia with a Kick
The lineup features three distinct varieties: Classic Lemonade, Pink Lemonade, and Mint Lemonade, all crafted with real vodka, fresh lemon juice, and organic lemon verbena.[4] Each 12-ounce can clocks in at 5% ABV – Handler pushed for 10% but settled on this balanced strength – no more than 110 calories, vegan, gluten-free, and free of artificial flavors or bubbles.[4]
| Flavor | Key Notes | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | Fresh lemon juice, organic lemon verbena | Tart, balanced sweetness |
| Pink | Rosehips, cranberry hint | Subtle fruit twist |
| Mint | Crisp mint infusion | Refreshing edge |
Handler described the result as “an adult lemonade stand in a can,” perfectly nostalgic yet refined. Variety packs offer four Classic, two Pink, and two Mint cans, priced around $20 to $30 depending on the retailer.[4]
From Tour Stops to Retail Shelves
The brand launched in February 2025 and quickly expanded to about 200 Whole Foods locations, Total Wine & More, and even the Circle Line Ferry in New York.[1] It ties into Handler’s High and Mighty comedy tour, where fans and crew have embraced it at events. Ripps reported strong sales at tour stops, calling the reception “incredibly well.”
Owl’s Brew’s strategy focuses on community initiatives like the Wise Women Collective for breast cancer awareness, aligning with Handler’s ethos of fun consumed responsibly. The partnership marks a savvy entry into the crowded ready-to-drink market, leveraging Handler’s star power and authentic backstory.
Key Takeaways
- Handler’s brand revives her 10-year-old spiked lemonade hustle with clean, premium ingredients.
- Women-led Owl’s Brew delivers 5% ABV cans in three flavors, under 110 calories each.
- Available nationwide at major retailers and tour venues, emphasizing responsible enjoyment.
Chelsea Handler’s journey from a Vineyard beachside scheme to a polished vodka lemonade empire underscores the power of persistent vision in business. What do you think of her pivot from comedy to cocktails? Tell us in the comments.