In 2016, a weary traveler named Shannon Keeran walked into a familiar casino bar in Las Vegas looking for a little pick me up. He asked his longtime bartender, Angelo Bottley, for something different—something with a kick.
“Shannon,” Angelo laughed, “you’ve been coming here for ten years, and I’ve never poured you anything but bourbon. But we’ll figure this out.”
A few minutes later, instead of a Red Bull and vodka, Angelo set down a glass glistening with rich coffee hues and a creamy froth on top. One sip, and Shannon was instantly hooked. “Angelo,” he said, “this is so good. We’re going to bottle this one day.”
From Late Night Idea To Pandemic Project
Five years passed before that promise found its moment. When the world shut down in 2020, Shannon—like many others—was struck by how dramatically habits were changing. An article claimed that at home alcohol consumption had risen by 600 percent.
“It seemed like the right time,” Shannon recalls. “People were staying in, but they still wanted a quality cocktail experience.”
He called Angelo, made him a partner, and together they began developing a line of handcrafted, ready to pour martinis—recipes refined over Angelo’s thirty years of bartending in Las Vegas. That late night conversation became the spark behind what would soon be known as XXI Martinis.
A Ready-To-Drink Martini Name With A Story
Choosing the name was easy once they looked back on where it all began: the high limit blackjack room, where 21 is everything. But the number resonated on more than one level.
They had talked about launching for five years and finally did it in 2021. You must be 21 to enjoy it. And, of course, the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution repealed Prohibition—ushering back the freedom to raise a glass.
For Shannon and Angelo, “Twenty One” didn’t just fit—it defined them.
The Hard Pour: From Idea To Industry
Launching a new brand in a $300 billion industry dominated by global conglomerates is no small feat. In 2022, XXI Martinis entered its first three markets with three independent wholesalers willing to take a chance.
“It was tougher than we imagined,” Shannon admits. “This industry is built on relationships—and we didn’t have any.”
But they counted on one thing: a product that could speak for itself. Bold, balanced, and bar quality, XXI Martinis began earning a loyal following. By 2023, the brand had expanded into 19 new markets, and recognition—along with demand—was taking off.
Today, XXI Martinis is available in over 40 markets nationwide, and fast becoming a go to name for one of the world’s most beloved cocktails: the Espresso Martini.
What Makes XXI Premade Martinis Different
So, with so many Espresso Martinis on the shelves, what makes XXI Martinis stand out? Two things: authentic espresso and a hint of cream.
Each 4 ounce pour delivers about 45 mg of caffeine—just enough to keep the night going without overwhelming the palate. And their flavor balance has impressed not only consumers, but the professionals behind the bar. Nearly half of all XXI Martinis sales come from on premise accounts, meaning bars and restaurants list XXI Martinis as their featured Espresso Martini.
“It’s amazing to walk into a restaurant and see our brand printed on the menu,” Shannon says. “That’s when it really hit me—we made something special.”
The Flavor Line Up: Innovation In Every Bottle
Building on the success of their Double Gold Medal winning Espresso Martini, the team expanded with more crowd pleasing flavors crafted with real ingredients and Angelo’s signature balance.
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Chocolate Martini – All natural chocolate flavoring, a touch of cream, and premium vodka create a smooth, velvety sip that defines comfort meets indulgence.
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Chocolate Peppermint Martini (seasonal) – A decadent blend of bittersweet chocolate and cool peppermint that’s become so loved, fans write asking for it year round.
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Peach Martini – Golden, juicy, and bright with all natural peach flavoring. Perfect for poolside afternoons or brunch.
- Raspberry Martini – Tart, sweet, and summer ready, offering ripe berry flavor with a premium vodka finish.
All XXI Martinis are a low proof 15% ABV, versatile enough to enjoy straight from the bottle or as a base for creative twists. Add a shot of tequila for a “margarita martini,” or top with prosecco for a modern bellini.
XXI Bottled Martinis: Looking Ahead
Despite industry challenges, Shannon and Angelo remain energized by the response. “There’s nothing like seeing a customer at the store with XXI Martinis in their cart,” Shannon says. “That’s what keeps me motivated—to grow this brand into one of the biggest names in the market.”
From a casino bar bet to a nationwide brand, XXI Martinis is proof that sometimes the best ideas are served late at night—with good friends, great flavor, and a dash of bold imagination.
To learn more about XXI Martinis, please visit their website at www.xximartinis.com.
