Gabby Fitzpatrick: Empowering Women, Investing In Education, & Making The Best Damn Tequila RTD Cocktails

Have you ever walked into a liquor store searching for something that's not just good but also represents your values? What if a brand served delicious, bold flavors and stood for something more? How can a tequila brand embody the fearless spirit of millennial women and change industry norms?

Serial entrepreneur Gabrielle Fitzpatrick has made waves in the spirits industry by focusing on organic, unique tequila and mezcal-based beverages aimed at a market seeking authenticity and conscientious consumption. She discusses her journey from a bartender recognizing a market gap to an entrepreneur crafting a spirit brand that pushes boundaries. Gabrielle's commitment to quality, her narrative of empowerment, and her hands-on approach to product development are evident as she shares the stories behind her award-winning flavors. 

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Gabrielle Fitzpatrick, Founder and CEO of Damn Right Cocktails, about crafting distinctive spirits with a mission. Gabrielle delves into the challenges and successes of creating Damn Right Cocktails, how it differentiates itself through design and modern consumer appeal, tequila and mezcal, the significance of quality spirits, and the hurdles female entrepreneurs face.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

  • [2:02] Gabrielle Fitzpatrick shares the bold identity and market disruption strategies of Damn Right Cocktails

  • [3:07] Gabrielle bartending's influence on the creation of unique and health-forward canned cocktails 

  • [5:58] How Damn Right differentiates itself through design and modern consumer appeal

  • [7:47] Why tequila and mezcal are more than just shots, and the significance of quality spirits

  • [9:20] Gabrielle talks about Damn Right's cheeky and provocative product lineup

  • [14:43] The value of sourcing ethically and authentically from women-run distilleries

  • [19:27] The importance of advocating for women in male-dominated industries

  • [30:52] Damn Right supports education by donating profits to schools 

  • [41:05] The open invitation to invest in Damn Right Cocktails to support a growing woman-founded brand

About Gabby Fitzpatrick:

Gabrielle (Gabby) Fitzpatrick is the Founder and CEO of Damn Right Cocktails, an organic premium tequila cocktail brand targeting modern millennial women. With a background as a bartender, Gabrielle pursued her passion for mixology and recognized a gap in the ready-to-drink spirits industry. Her commitment to creating bold, health-conscious, innovative products has garnered high praise and awards. As an advocate for women's representation in male-dominated fields, she's a voice for change and empowerment. Gabrielle's entrepreneurial journey embraces education and inclusivity, always aiming to inspire others through her work.

Resources Mentioned in this episode

Quotable Moments:

  • "We're not afraid to own our identity and do something different."

  • "I only drink tequila now; I only drink good tequila because I know what goes into making it."

  • "I want to promote other women in industries that are not representative of women."

  • "I hope that my story can inspire other people to create inclusive products."

  • "As much as I'm selling tequila and mezcal, there's something way bigger beyond just that."

Action Steps:

  1. Embrace intentional action in branding by prioritizing authenticity and purpose in your product or service: This targets niche markets effectively and resonates with consumers who appreciate brands that align with their values.

  2. Explore collaborations with underrepresented groups in your industry to promote inclusivity: Partnering with women-run businesses can enrich your brand's narrative and support equality.

  3. Seek out and savor high-quality spirits to elevate your drinking experience: High-quality spirits like premium tequila and mezcal offer a depth of flavor that surpasses the typical college party shots, encouraging a more sophisticated palate.

  4. Invest in brands that represent your values and support their mission: Supporting and investing in brands like Damn Right Cocktails allows consumers to be part of a larger cause, like promoting female entrepreneurship or contributing to education.

  5. Incorporate social responsibility into your business model: Donating a percentage of profits to charitable causes not only aids communities but also strengthens the brand's reputation and goodwill.

Duncan Alney