< Back to Community News

Golf Legend, Part-Time Tahoe Resident Sorenstam Launches Cocktail Line Born in Incline

December 19, 2022 | Member Submitted

Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune on 12/8/22. View the original article here.

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — Golf legend and part-time Lake Tahoe resident Annika Sorenstam has launched a new line of cocktails with the business idea being sparked in Incline Village.

Her line of vodka-based sparkling classic cocktails, called Fizzy Beez, a play on Sorenstam’s active busy bee lifestyle as well as a nod to the beverages’ use of ethically farmed organic honey in place of added sugars, are available at all 11 Raley’s in northern Nevada.

To celebrate, Sorenstam, an eight-time LPGA Player of the Year and part-time Incline resident for more than 25 years, will attend in-store tastings and sign autographs at two Raley’s locations — from 3-5 p.m. Dec. 21, at the Galena store in Reno, and from 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, at the Incline Village store, located at 930 Tahoe Boulevard.

“The idea for Fizzy Beez was actually born in Incline Village,” says Annika. “During the COVID lockdown my husband, Mike, and I began to experiment with different types of cocktails, as we were dissatisfied with the taste and artificial ingredients found in the standard, ready-to-drink options on the market. We couldn’t find anything we liked, so we decided to create our own that taste like homemade cocktails, but with only one-third of the calories of a drink from the bar.”

In addition to using ethically farmed honey, all Fizzy Beez flavors – Cosmo, Margarita, Mojito and Moscow Mule – are made with real fruit juice and use all natural, gluten-free and kosher ingredients. This approach yields a 5% ABV grain neutral, spirit-based beverage that is light, refreshing and only 140 calories per 12-ounce can.

Sorenstam owns Fizzy Beez with her friend, business partner and fellow Incline Village resident, Kathy Johanson, who brings 35 years of corporate experience to the company. Nevada joins Ohio and Tennessee as states where Fizzy Beez is currently distributed.

“The early buzz on Fizzy Beez has been really promising,” Sorenstam said. “Kathy and I are passionate about the product and, with the help of Raley’s, look forward to introducing it to our fellow residents.”

According to an article by VinePair, Inc., the sales of ready-to-drink cocktails increased by 91.8% in the United States during the first months of the pandemic. The vertical’s market size is projected to grow annually at more than 12%, from a value of $714.8 million in 2020 to an estimated $1.63 billion in 2027.

Sorenstam, always one of the favorites, has competed in the last two American Century Championship celebrity golf tournaments at Edgewood Tahoe and three overall. 

For more information about her cocktail line, visit http://www.fizzybeez.com.

< Back to Community News

New Business Feature: AAUW Tahoe-Nevada

April 24, 2021 | Madison Schultz

The American Association of University Women is a nonprofit organization that has been working to “empower women since 1881.” The organization’s local branch, better known as AAUW Tahoe-Nevada, directly focuses on breaking through educational and economic barriers to allow all females a fair opportunity. 

AAUW Tahoe-Nevada is a new member of IVCBA and works consistently in the North Lake Tahoe community to empower females through education. Janet Usinger, President of the AAUW Tahoe-Nevada branch states that AAUW is “incredibly concerned about the subject of higher education for women.” 

With this concern one of the main focuses of the organization, the women behind AAUW’s Tahoe-Nevada branch work towards raising scholarship funds year-round in the Incline Village/Crystal Bay community to help support young women who are in need of financial assistance for higher education. AAUW Tahoe-Nevada has a direct partnership with Incline High School to directly provide to local students who are in need. Normally, the organization works to fund one to two students annually, and the scholarship money that’s raised directly goes towards the students’ tuition. 

Alongside the empowerment of young females, AAUW Tahoe-Nevada also provides a rich variety of opportunities for members to learn, network, volunteer, lead, and socialize. The Tahoe-Nevada group also has special interest groups such as the Outdoor Enthusiasts (Hike, Kayak, Bike) Club, Book Club, Cooking Club, and even Bunco. 

To join AAUW Tahoe-Nevada branch, donate to the organization, or get further information on upcoming events, visit: https://tahoe-nv.aauw.net/aboutus/

Sign up for our weekly SnapShot newsletter

Translate