A LEIGH cocktail business has gone from trailing drinks to friends and family, to now selling more than two million bottles in 2021.

Tappd Cocktails is a family-run business which is now selling ready-to-drink cocktails across the whole of the country.

They are the UK’s first mixologist, ready to drink cocktails, that are made using natural, vegan and gluten free ingredients.

Paige Appleby, head of marketing at Tappd Cocktails said: “We didn’t ever expect our business to go nationwide and to be known and loved by so many households around the UK.

“We anticipated the normal Essex drinker might have been a fan but not the whole UK, it is amazing.

“Since we launched in 2019, word spread quickly; we sold 50 boxes within the first week and nine months on from then we sold over one million bottles which recently doubled again in 2021.

“We are now in development to try and ship internationally and have them in hands of thousands of travellers around the world.”

Despite how much their business has taken off, it wasn’t easy as they faced many challenges through the pandemic.

Paige added: “With the close of hospitality venues, we lost all of our trade accounts overnight.

“We then had many of our raw ingredient suppliers being closed due to the pandemic and a cardboard shortage nearly left our business without packing materials.

“But we want to thank all of our customers for their patience, understanding and loyalty and hope they follow us along on our future journey.”

The business that's based in Leigh, has also received praise from prospective MP Anna Firth, who recently visited Tappd Cocktail.

Anna Firth said: “Tappd Cocktail is one of the real success stories in our area.

“Supporting business to start up and thrive is a massive part of my campaign.

“If I am elected to be the next MP for Southend, I want to work with the government to get maximum support and investment for businesses just like this to thrive, bringing more jobs and making Southend City, the best city by the seaside in the country.”

To see more about Tappd Cocktail, visit: www.tappdcocktails.com/