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A Dublin entrepreneur turned a kitchen-table idea into an international drinks brand now stocked in Walmart — and she did it by skipping a planned backpacking trip. Laura McCarthy founded Drink Botanicals while at TU Dublin, and the company has since expanded from local off-licences to major online and retail channels.
How a student project became a business
McCarthy began experimenting with botanicals and flavour kits while still studying. Spotting a gap in the market for easy at-home gin enhancement, she assembled the first prototypes at her parents’ kitchen table using a hot glue gun, barcoded bags and small quantities of juniper and hibiscus ordered online.
A missed girls’ weekend inspired Laura McCarthy to create a thriving business
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She enlisted her cousin Aisling, a graphic designer, to help create an early packaging design. The pair took a dozen items to Redmond’s off-licence in Ranelagh; the owner, Jimmy Redmond, soon called back to say the initial stock had sold out. That early success convinced McCarthy to pursue the idea instead of travelling to Thailand with friends.
Building a product range
The company launched with a single gin-fusion kit and gradually broadened its offering. Today Drink Botanicals lists more than 70 SKUs, including Cocktail and Gin Fusion Kits and a line of natural-based syrups.
Products found early traction in Irish hotels such as Ashford Castle before the brand pushed overseas.
Growth in the UK and US
McCarthy chose the UK as the first international market, selling on Amazon UK and securing distributor relationships there. Demand grew quickly, prompting a move to larger premises.
In 2023 Drink Botanicals relocated its headquarters to Crumlin Business Centre in Dublin 12 to handle rising orders. The company later launched in the United States, where it has been ranked third in its category for consecutive years.
Retail milestones and recognition
A recent step in the firm’s international expansion was listing on Walmart’s e-commerce platform — a development McCarthy describes as a major milestone after starting from a single kit at her kitchen table.
Her progress has been recognised at home: McCarthy is one of 24 finalists shortlisted for this year’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year awards, with the ceremony scheduled for November.
