BeatBox: Wine or Malt, Not Tequila
BeatBox Beverages are known for their vibrant colors, sweet flavors, and high alcohol content, but their composition is a common source of confusion. The ready-to-drink (RTD) company, which gained notoriety after appearing on Shark Tank, uses either a wine-based or a malt-based alcohol, depending on the product line. Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant, and it is not an ingredient in the standard BeatBox formulation.
The Two Alcohol Bases Explained
BeatBox offers different versions of its popular Party Punch and Hard Teas, which utilize one of two primary alcohol bases to achieve their intoxicating effect:
- Wine-Based: Some BeatBox products, particularly the Party Punch and some Hard Teas, are made using a neutral wine base. This wine is derived from fermented orange peels or other fruit residues, not grapes in the traditional sense, and can have a higher ABV than typical wine. The alcohol is then blended with water, fruit flavorings, and sweeteners to create the final product.
- Malt-Based: Other BeatBox beverages are created using a flavored malt beverage (FMB) base. This means the alcohol comes from fermented cereal grains, most commonly barley. The malt is processed to remove the traditional beer-like flavor, leaving a neutral alcohol canvas for the added fruit flavors to dominate.
These different bases allow BeatBox to navigate varying state liquor laws and offer a wider range of products. The ingredients list on the packaging will specify whether the beverage is wine-based or malt-based.
Comparing BeatBox and Tequila
Understanding the fundamental differences between BeatBox's base alcohol and tequila is key to clarifying the misconception. The comparison highlights why a party punch and a distilled spirit are not interchangeable.
| Feature | BeatBox Beverages | Tequila |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Alcohol Base | Wine (from fermented orange peels) or malt (from fermented barley) | Distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant |
| Flavor Profile | Fruit-forward, sweet, and often nostalgic (similar to classic fruit punches) | Earthy, herbaceous, and smoky notes, with variations depending on aging |
| Production Method | Blending of a pre-made wine or malt base with flavorings, water, and sweeteners | Distillation of fermented agave juice |
| Alcohol Content | Typically around 11.1% ABV for Party Punches, with some variations | Standardized to be between 35% and 55% ABV (70 to 110 proof) |
| Typical Use | Drunk straight from the container, frozen into slushies, or used as a mixer | Drunk straight, on the rocks, or as the base for cocktails like Margaritas and Palomas |
How to Create Tequila-Infused BeatBox Cocktails
While BeatBox is not made with tequila, the brand itself promotes mixing its products with other spirits to create customized cocktails. This is likely the origin of the confusion for many consumers. For those who want the best of both worlds, BeatBox has published several recipes combining their fruity punches with spirits like tequila.
Here are some popular ways to combine BeatBox and tequila:
- BeatBox Margarita: Add a few ounces of your favorite BeatBox flavor, like Pink Lemonade or Juicy Mango, to a shaker with tequila, lime juice, and ice. Shake well and strain into a salt-rimmed glass. This is a simple and effective way to use BeatBox as a shortcut for a flavored margarita mix.
- BeatBox Sunrise: Blend equal parts of BeatBox Fruit Punch and orange juice with a shot or two of tequila for a tropical twist on a classic.
- The "WAP" Cocktail: For a more complex and adventurous mix, BeatBox’s website suggests combining Fresh Watermelon BeatBox with watermelon chunks, tequila, lime juice, and seasonings like Tajin for a spicy, fruity margarita.
Conclusion
The straightforward answer to whether Beatbox is made with tequila is a firm no. The beverage is crafted with a wine or malt base, depending on the specific product, and blended with flavorings and sweeteners. The misconception likely stems from the brand's fruity profiles and the popularity of using its products as mixers in homemade cocktails, including those that contain tequila. For those who enjoy the flavors of BeatBox but want a tequila-based drink, the solution is simple: mix them together yourself to create a customizable and potent party punch.
Note: While some versions of BeatBox are labeled as "zero sugar" or "lower calorie," they still contain a significant amount of alcohol. It is always important to consume alcoholic beverages responsibly and be aware of their ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main alcohol in BeatBox? A: The main alcohol in BeatBox is either a wine-based or malt-based alcohol, not a distilled spirit like vodka or tequila.
Q: Is BeatBox a kind of wine cooler? A: BeatBox is similar to a wine cooler in that it's a flavored alcoholic beverage, but it often has a higher alcohol content (up to 11.1% ABV) than typical wine coolers.
Q: Can I mix BeatBox with other spirits? A: Yes, BeatBox can be mixed with other spirits, and the company's website provides several recipes for this purpose, including ones that feature tequila.
Q: How does the malt-based BeatBox differ from the wine-based? A: The malt-based version uses a fermented grain base (like barley), while the wine-based version uses a neutral orange wine base, with both being treated to have a neutral flavor for the added fruit notes.
Q: Is BeatBox stronger than beer? A: Yes, most BeatBox Party Punch varieties contain 11.1% ABV, which is significantly higher than the 4-6% ABV found in most standard beers.
Q: Are all BeatBox flavors available with both alcohol bases? A: Not all flavors or product lines are available in both wine and malt bases. Some products, like the 8% Party Punch, may only come in a malt base, while zero-sugar versions use a wine base.
Q: Is BeatBox gluten-free? A: While some wine-based versions of BeatBox are gluten-free, the malt-based products are not, as they contain barley. Consumers with gluten sensitivity should always check the label carefully.
Q: What is the origin of BeatBox beverages? A: BeatBox was founded by friends in Austin, Texas, who began by creating homemade cocktails. The company later gained a significant investment from Mark Cuban on the show Shark Tank.
