Sunshine Punch, a ready-to-serve cocktail made from orange, creme, rum and vodka, bursts onto shelves in 11 states this week.  Additional states are to be added later this year, and it is to be available for direct to consumer on Aug. 1.

Former classmates Brian Thomason and Matt Hemmings teamed up with a band of friends to develop the drink which is blended and bottled in their home state of North Carolina.

Sunshine Punch (18% ABV) is rolling out now in 750ml bottles with an SRP of $24.95 at retail stores in the following states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Michigan,  Ohio, Louisiana, Texas, Alabama and Mississppi, with additional states to come later this year. Nationwide DTC availability is set for Aug. 1.