Launched in 2022 by female founder and Hamptons local, Ruby Honerkamp, Talkhouse Encore ready-to-drink cocktails—which include freshly crafted spirits & sodas and an iced tea + lemonade vodka soda—channel the essence of Stephen Talkhouse, the Hamptons-based, one-of-a-kind dive bar and music venue known for iconic performances and its intimate ambiance.
RTD: Ruby, we're delighted to finally get a chance to talk with you. Please tell our readers more about you and your Talkhouse Encore seltzer style cocktails:
RH: My family owns the iconic East End venue, The Stephen Talkhouse, where I grew up surrounded by music, community, and dive bar culture. When the pandemic forced the bar to close, I felt a responsibility to preserve its memory and spirit. In 2022, with the support of my family, I launched Talkhouse Encore—a spirits-based canned seltzer line inspired by the same authenticity, energy, and connection that have always defined The Talkhouse.
RTD: Many new brands and products were born from the challenges presented by the COVID pandemic, and we love that you were inspired to find a positive out of it and keep the venue's spirit alive. Given that so many new brands entered during and since that time, please tell us some of the things that set Talkhouse Encore apart.
RH: At its core, Talkhouse Encore is just as much about authenticity as it is about taste. The Stephen Talkhouse has always been known for its fun, inclusive atmosphere—a place where people from all walks of life come together for great music and a good time. We want to bring that same energy into every can. That’s why we stick to real vodka or tequila, fresh fruit juice, and sparkling water—never malt bases, added sugars, or anything artificial.
What sets us apart in the RTD space is that commitment to authenticity. So many canned cocktails are overly sweet, use artificial flavors, or taste nothing like the drink you’d actually order at a bar. We wanted to change that. Our goal was to create something that tastes like the cocktail you’d order at your favorite dive bar, but with the convenience of a can. Even the design reflects the story and spirit of The Talkhouse, a nod to the legacy we’re so proud of.
RTD: And besides the pandemic's effects, was there anything else that motivated you to enter the highly competitive ready-to-drink beverage business?
RH: During the pandemic, when The Stephen Talkhouse had to shut its doors, I realized just how much the spirit of The Talkhouse was part of who I am, and I wanted people to be able to experience that feeling no matter where they were. On a personal level, I have celiac disease, so finding gluten-free drinks that weren’t loaded with artificial flavors or added sugar was always a challenge. I also loved the idea of consistency. A cocktail at a bar can vary so much from one bartender to the next, but an RTD cocktail gives you the same high-quality taste every single time. I chose to enter into the RTD space to bring the legacy and vibe of The Talkhouse into a format people could take home and experience for themselves.
RTD: What kind of challenges did you face along the way?
RH: Launching in an already crowded RTD market came with plenty of challenges, especially around distribution. One of the biggest hurdles was navigating the Tied House Laws, which limit how much control manufacturers and wholesalers can have over bars, restaurants, or stores that sell alcohol. I worked closely with Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. and Senator Anthony Palumbo and their teams to pass legislation that exempted Talkhouse Encore and The Stephen Talkhouse, which was crucial for getting the brand off the ground. On top of that, as a small brand, we don’t have the marketing budget or celebrity backing of the bigger players, so we rely on our flavor, quality, and story to connect with both retailers and consumers.
RTD: Besides launching during COVID and overcoming some other obstacles you just noted, what else would you consider your and your brand’s greatest triumphs to date?
RH: I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished so far! Year-to-date, our sales are up by 101%, which is a huge milestone for a small, family-founded brand in such a competitive market. We’ve also expanded our distribution beyond New York into New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, with more markets on the horizon. On top of that, we recently launched a new flavor, Tequila Pineapple, which has been a huge hit with our customers—people love the refreshing taste and the tropical twist. For me, the real triumph is seeing our vision come to life: creating a product that delivers the same energy, authenticity, and community of The Stephen Talkhouse in every can, and having people embrace it so enthusiastically.
RTD: Congratulations on those accomplishments! Sales and distribution growth is no easy feat, so we can certainly understand your well-placed pride. Did you have any mentors in the ready-to-drink cocktail industry before starting or since? If so, please tell us more about those relationships.
RH: We’ve been incredibly fortunate to have several seasoned experts invest their time and energy in shaping us into who we are today. From the very beginning, Joseph Kelly—founder of Spiritual Guidance Co.—helped us navigate the complexities of distribution with integrity and a deep understanding of how to position ourselves strategically in the market.
David Strasser, Managing Director at SWaN & Legend Venture Partners, took a meeting with us when our idea was still just a seed. To this day, he checks in annually to offer critical advice. Two of his guiding principles continue to shape us: always ask—the answer is always no if you don’t ask, and never jump at the first opportunity—be thoughtful with every decision. That wisdom was pivotal when we were exploring distribution; it gave us the confidence to step back from early offers and wait for the right opportunity, which ultimately allowed us to take a bigger leap forward.
We’re also deeply grateful to Frank Politano, VP of Sales at Kohler, our incredible New Jersey distribution partner. He took a chance on us when we were just beginning to expand outside of New York. Frank recognized our passion and hunger to grow, and has done everything in his power to set our brand up for success—with honesty, generosity, and integrity.
RTD: It's always good to have others to lean on, and it sounds like you've got some good folks behind you. Now that you've gotten your feet wet and have a team in your corner, what excites you the most about the RTD industry as a whole?
RH: What excites me most is how much it’s evolving and innovating. Consumers are increasingly seeking high-quality, authentic, and convenient options, which pushes brands to be more creative with flavors, ingredients, and formats. I love that there’s room for smaller, independent brands like Talkhouse Encore to carve out a space by offering something unique and authentic. There’s also a real opportunity to connect with people in new ways—through experiences, storytelling, and products that feel personal yet accessible anywhere.
RTD: And with evolving innovation and ever-changing consumer behavior, what trends do you see occurring within the ready-to-drink cocktail industry?
RH: I see a few major trends shaping the RTD category right now. First, consumers are increasingly looking for authentic, clean-label ingredients—real spirits, fresh fruit juice, and minimal added sugar or artificial flavors. Second, there’s a move toward premiumization: people are willing to pay for high-quality, well-crafted cocktails that taste like they were made by a skilled bartender. Finally, convenience continues to be key—RTDs offer the perfect way to enjoy a consistent, great-tasting cocktail anytime, anywhere, without sacrificing quality. It’s an exciting time because the category is expanding while still allowing space for innovation and creativity.
RTD: And now that you've got those types of insights and instincts, if you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself about the RTD cocktail business?
RH: I’m seeing a big shift in the RTD category, especially among Gen Z. Contrary to the idea that they’re drinking less, they’re actually drinking more intentionally—seeking clean ingredients, low ABV, and spirit-based options from brands that feel authentic and transparent.
To understand this better, we partnered with Panoplai, an AI-powered research platform using digital twins to model consumer behavior. The insights confirmed what we’ve seen: taste, balance, and health-conscious ingredients are top priorities, and many choose RTDs made with real fruit and minimal sugar.
Talkhouse Encore resonates with this audience because it delivers flavor, quality, and a genuine brand story. The trend is clear—people want convenience without compromise, and they reward brands that align with their values and lifestyle
RTD: If you could do it all over again, what, if anything, would you do differently?
RH: If I could do it all over again, I would have approached our variety pack and can design differently from the start. Our first design was fun and creative, but it didn’t translate well on the shelf—you couldn’t immediately tell what the product was. After listening to our customers, we redesigned our variety packs to be much clearer and more impactful at retail, while still keeping the spirit of the brand front and center.
On the business side, we also evolved how we measured success after our first year. At first, we focused heavily on cases sold, but we quickly realized the real traction came from the fundamentals—strong point-of-sale, tastings, and showing up consistently in stores. By flipping our KPIs to prioritize those building blocks, we were able to strengthen our foundation and turn the business around in a meaningful way.
RTD: Now that you have more knowledge and perspective about the business side of things, what do you feel the future holds for the RTD industry?
RH: I think the future of the RTD industry is incredibly exciting. Consumers are looking for high-quality, authentic, and convenient options, and that demand is only going to grow. I believe we will continue to see premiumization, with more brands focusing on real ingredients, clean labels, and unique flavor profiles. At the same time, there’s a real opportunity for innovation—functional ingredients, lower ABV options, and beverages that align with health-conscious, mindful drinking habits. The category is evolving rapidly, and there’s room for brands that can combine great taste, transparency, and a strong story to stand out.
RTD: And going a little deeper, what do you envision the future looks like for Talkhouse Encore?
RH: For Talkhouse Encore, the future is about growth while staying true to our roots. We plan to expand into new markets while maintaining the quality, authenticity, and community spirit that define our brand. We’re also excited to continue innovating with new flavors and products that resonate with our audience, especially for older Gen-Z consumers who value clean ingredients and meaningful brand stories.
RTD: Ruby, thank you for taking the time to share the story of Talkhouse Encore with us and our readers. Best of luck as your journey in the ready-to-drink cocktail industry continues, and we look forward to hearing more from you and Talkhouse in the future.
