Ex-Diageo drinks scientist creates RTD line

Ghost Labs is a new line of ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails created by a collective of five creatives alongside former Diageo producer Anthony Wilson.

The brand was created by Steve Smith, the designer of architecture project Ghost House; Ed Williams, founder of Candy Kittens; Si Philby, co-founder of creative agency Background; Dan Flower, former global managing director of The Face magazine; and Stu Holt, founder design firm Javelin Block. Ghost Labs’ RTD range features five ‘design-led, remixed’ cocktails, all of which are colourless and low-calorie. Wilson, who spent more than 14 years in Diageo’s innovation team, worked alongside an ‘award-winning chef’ to create the range. Wilson said: “Using cutting-edge science, we break down the ingredients on a molecular level and rebuild them to create a final product that is completely clear while retaining its full flavour profile. “This allows us to deliver bold taste without the visual expectation –think of coffee extracts without the colour but with all the depth of flavour – resulting in a truly unique, multi-sensory drinking experience that stays true to the Ghost Labs brand.” The RTD range is currently available in the UK directly from the brand’s website, from delivery service Zapp and from Selfridges. The brand’s founders aimed to address industry pain points like long bar queues and inconsistent pours at venues, festivals, and events, and claim the range places equal emphasis on aesthetics and flavour. Smith said: “Ghost Labs is made for those who appreciate innovation in both taste and design. Our cans aren’t just packaging – they’re designed to house unique liquids without any of the nonsense. From the can to the community we are building around it, we are remixing drinks, design and modern culture to create something that’s more than just a liquid.” Each RTD expression is named after its base spirit, with Tequila being paired with grapefruit, maple and chilli, while Gin features grapefruit, lychee and cucumber. For whisky, Wilson added honey, pear and gingerbread, while rum is blended with coconut, passion fruit and vanilla. The final expression, Vodka, is made with espresso, cascara cherry and guarana. Williams added: “Ghost Labs is shaking up the drinks world in the same way Candy Kittens disrupted confectionery – bold design, rule-breaking creativity, and a fresh perspective that challenges the norm. It’s a brand that doesn’t just fit in; it deliberately stands out.” Each 300ml can is 5% ABV and contains 110 calories. A six-pack retails for £18 (US$23). During his time with Diageo, Wilson helped to develop non-alcoholic ‘spirit’ Seedlip, before moving on to create Spirited Euphoria and Quarter Proof.