A line of nonalcoholic aperitifs founded by singer Katy Perry and gin distiller Morgan McLachlan has secured $4 million in seed funding with participation from leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency.
The round was led by Willow Growth and will be used to expand the brand nationwide.
The De Soi brand sparkling beverages, meant to be consumed before a meal to stimulate the appetite, contain natural adaptogens and no refined sugar.
The brand launched in January and is currently available from wholesale partners including Total Wine as well as at other locations in California.
McLachlan is a master distiller, while pop star Perry also serves as a key investor of companies including Impossible Foods and Apeel Sciences. They met in early 2020 when both were both pregnant.
"De Soi is all about balance — being able to enjoy the evening and the next morning," Perry said in a statement. "It allows busy toddler-moms like Morgan and me, or anyone who just might want a drink without the hangover, to enjoy the social ritual of a drink with friends and still be the life of the party."
McLachlan said that while she didn’t miss alcohol per se while she was pregnant, she did miss “the ritual of enjoying the complexity of a nice glass of wine or having an elegant cocktail as a way to unwind after work."
"I wanted the fun and sophistication of a drink, without the alcohol," she said.
De Soi flavors include:
- Golden Hour — a bright and zesty concoction made with maca and L-theanine derived from green tea with notes of warm citrus, lemongrass, and leafy herbs.
- Purple Lune — a rich and delicate elixir made with ashwagandha and tart cherry with notes of blackberry nectar, vanilla oak and rose petals.
- Champignon Dreams — a juicy and balanced pour made with reishi mushroom and passion flower with notes of sticky summer strawberries, bitter grapefruit, and earth.
De Soi is available online through their website and Amazon and in-store at Foxtrot, Erewhon, Boisson and Total Wine, as well as other locations in California.
