Simplicity Cocktails: Experimentation Distilled

Since 2018, Simplicity Cocktails has lived up to its name by keeping it simple with no gimmicks—just quality, flavor and practical packaging for a customer base on the move. From their West Salt Lake production space dubbed The Lab, Simplicity’s staff develops canned cocktails and spirits with an innovative drive, offering unique packaging solutions and refreshing flavors. Experimentation defined the starting road for Simplicity, and founders Chad Linville, Chris Weed and Becca Weed collaborated tirelessly to grow their company into what it is today.

“For me, this journey started many years ago with the idea of building a brewery with Chris,” says Becca. “Then Chris and Chad met in Paris—it was the beginning of a new and fruitful relationship.” Part of the connection stemmed from the two men’s previous experiences in the world of distilling. “We both had experience homebrewing and have friends in the brewing industry, so a distillery seemed to check all the boxes from industry familiarity [to] personal and professional growth,” says Linville. After many drinks, they first decided to launch a gin distillery. However, in the process of piloting bottled gin cocktails, they discovered an underserved demand in the Utah market for canned cocktails.

Over the last three years, Simplicity rapidly evolved, fueled by a staff that was never afraid to strike out in a new direction. One of the biggest moves they made came when they decided to switch the production model, opting to distill, mix and can their product in-house at The Lab. “We’re constantly testing and adapting everything we do. This is part of the reason we call our facility ‘The Lab’,” says Chris. With The Lab at their disposal, the staff expanded their horizons, letting them concoct new cocktail options for a growing customer base.

“From packaging to product, every decision Simplicity makes revolves around meeting the needs of active, adventurous customers in a dynamic market.”

Simplicity offers a bar’s worth of quality cocktails canned and ready to be enjoyed anywhere. Staff-favorite classics include the Gin Rickey, Bourbon Mule and VodkaRita. Additionally, customers can try their selection of Vodka Sodas, the Cadillac Margarita and a new Mountain Mule collaboration with outdoor apparel brand KÜHL. Simplicity sells their potato vodka and bourbon whiskey in resealable, 12-oz cans and their vodka also comes in boxes and traditional glass bottles.

From packaging to product, every decision Simplicity makes revolves around meeting the needs of active, adventurous customers in a dynamic market. Someone can enjoy Simplicity’s cocktails and spirits in the comfort of their own home, but they can easily do so just about anywhere they can drink responsibly. Using cans and boxes in place of heavy, fragile glass bottles offers durability for a customer regardless of where they go.

This ethos brought them into working with KÜHL. “There is a natural overlap in our customer base, and KÜHL wanted a lighter version of a Moscow mule that had ‘less sugar and more kick’,” says Chris. To him and the rest of the team, KÜHL’s rugged, accessible design approach not only appealed to a similar clientele, but also mirrored the deep-rooted values that set Simplicity apart from other brands. A great relationship quickly sprouted.

“We’re constantly testing and adapting everything we do. This is part of the reason we call our facility ‘The Lab’.”

Looking ahead, the team at Simplicity expects to blaze new trails in the market while maintaining their sleek, no-frills approach that puts them on the map. “We’ve got more things up our sleeves than we have sleeves … We’re most excited about our Nitro Bourbon Sour … but in the mid-future term, we’re planning a gin before the end of the year,” says Chris.

You can find Simplicity Cocktails at your local state liquor store, but for the full Simplicity selection, visit The Lab at 3679 W. 1987 South in Salt Lake. For more information, visit their website  (drinksimplicity.com), Instagram at @drinksimplicity or Facebook page.