Introducing

This Rum-Based Drink is NOSTALGIA in a Bottle.

By Debbie Hall Photos by Pennington Studios

Inspired by a favorite frozen orange treat, Sunshine Punch, a ready-to-serve orange, creme, and rum cocktail, has burst onto shelves. This nostalgic, adult twist on this popular frozen indulgence brightens up any gathering with its summer-ready, matte orange bottle design and smooth, citrus taste. Shareable among friends, the sun never sets on summer with Sunshine Punch. Beat the heat by sipping Sunshine Punch over ice, mixed into a favorite cocktail, sipped in a slushy, or enjoyed as a chilled shot.

Beyond the bottle, Sunshine Punch is rooted in friendship. What began as the go-to drink of their campfire jam sessions in North Carolina went through years of taste testing among friends to get the flavor profile just right. Founders Brian Thomason and Matt Hemmings are lifelong friends who bonded over a shared interest in creative pursuits, adventures, and a love of music. Inspired by sound and sun, the classmates who met in college 25 years ago teamed up with a band of friends to develop a unique drink designed to be savored. Today, Sunshine Punch is proudly blended and bottled in their home state of North Carolina, bringing sweet summer memories.

“There’s nothing like the feeling of reminiscing on the good times,” said Brian. “With Sunshine Punch, we’re proud to pour something that transports you to your sunniest memories.”

“Sunshine Punch is inspired by the mood, the moments that you’re always chasing and would like to push pause on when they occur,” added Matt.

“Ultimately, we wanted to throw ourselves into something that we and the entire team could be genuinely passionate about and have a lot of fun with. We’re excited to hear of all the ways and places you enjoy Sunshine Punch.”

A North Carolina native, Brian is a self-proclaimed recovering finance nerd. He began his career in mergers and acquisitions and corporate financial planning roles for large publicly traded companies. Brian then leaped out of the corporate world to start a technology firm focused on healthcare logistics.

With the successful exit of the software company, Brian began a boutique venture capital fund focusing on early-stage biotech, carbon-neutral solutions, and his favorite space of spirits. Brian now owns The Montana Whiskey Company, Sunshine Punch and Bartenders, Artists, and Renegades (BAR). The common theme for all of Brian’s approaches in spirits is creating a world-class brand that is unique and disruptive to the category they enter.

While always keeping creative pursuits in view, including culinary arts and music, Matt’s career developed throughout the business sector of home improvement retail. With progressive leadership roles focused on sales, marketing, and operations; Matt worked for or represented notable brands such as Bosch, Dremel, Skil, Rubbermaid, Coleman, and OXO/ Good Grips, among others. He was also instrumental in the line design and go-to-market strategy for several private label programs, including Kobalt & Allen + Roth within Lowe’s Home Improvement. After selling his stake in a successful rep firm, Matt aimed to pursue an opportunity that more closely merged creative passions with professional experience. The creation and launch of Sunshine Punch have fulfilled that passion.