The News
Rocket Vodka, made from 100% apples, has launched in Los Angeles and across Southern California through a partnership with Liftoff Brands. The expansion is timed to coincide with the upcoming LA28 Olympic Games and focuses initially on on-premise accounts before expanding into off-premise retail. Dariusz Paczuski, founder of Rocket Vodka, emphasized that Liftoff Brands' expertise in the region makes them an ideal partner for this launch.
The Takeaway
- Apple Vodka Trend: Rocket Vodka's use of 100% apples as a base ingredient highlights a niche but growing trend in spirits where alternative ingredients are being used to differentiate from traditional grain-based vodkas. This approach could appeal to consumers looking for something unique and artisanal.
- Olympic Opportunity: The timing of this launch, just before the LA28 Olympics, suggests that Rocket Vodka is positioning itself as a local spirit with cultural relevance in Los Angeles, aiming to become part of the region’s hospitality scene. This strategic move could help build brand awareness among both locals and international visitors.
- Brokerage Strategy: By partnering with Liftoff Brands, Rocket Vodka is leveraging an established brokerage firm's expertise and relationships to expand into Southern California. This partnership emphasizes a measured approach—starting with on-premise accounts before moving to off-premise retail, which could help build brand credibility in the region.
Added May 2026: This update provides additional context for buyers comparing Rocket Vodka's entry into Southern California with other regional spirits, highlighting the importance of local partnerships in building brand presence in competitive markets.
Original Press Release
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – March 3, 2026 – Rocket Vodka, the leading California vodka handcrafted from 100% apples, launches in Los Angeles and across Southern California with Liftoff Brands. This strategic partnership expands distribution and adds launchpads throughout Southern California, including Los Angeles and surrounding markets.
The expansion comes at a time when Los Angeles is preparing to host the LA28 Olympic Games, positioning Rocket Vodka to become part of the region’s growing hospitality and celebration culture in the years leading up to the global event.
The partnership marks Rocket Vodka’s first major expansion into Southern California and will focus initially on on-premise accounts, followed by broader off-premise retail distribution. Liftoff Brands will serve as Rocket Vodka’s exclusive brokerage partner for the region, driving sales, account development, and brand growth.
“We’re excited to launch Rocket Vodka from 100% Apples in Southern California with Liftoff Brands,” said Dariusz Paczuski, Founder and CEO. “Their expertise and relationships make them the ideal partner as we bring our distinctive, award-winning California spirit to one of the world’s leading markets before the LA28 Olympics.”
“We’re excited to partner with Liftoff Brands to launch Rocket Vodka in Southern California,” said Dariusz Paczuski, Founder and CEO of Rocket Vodka. “Their deep industry relationships, hands-on execution, and passion for emerging brands make them the ideal partner to expand into one of the most valuable spirits markets in the world—especially as Los Angeles prepares to welcome the world for the 2028 Olympics.”
Liftoff Brands is a Southern California beverage alcohol brokerage with more than 55 years of combined industry experience and expertise, specializing in connecting premium brands with both on-premise and off-premise accounts.
“We look forward to helping Rocket Vodka grow its brand and business in Southern California,” said Andrew Nicholl and Darryl Gebo, co-founders of Liftoff Brands. “Rocket Vodka is a unique, high-quality product with an authentic and compelling heritage story—and we’re excited to bring it to our customer network.”
Distribution will be supported by LibDib, providing Rocket Vodka with a scalable platform for logistics, compliance, and market access across Southern California. “Rocket Vodka is exactly the kind of innovative craft brand LibDib was built to support. Our platform makes it easier for emerging producers to access key markets like Southern California—and we’re excited to help Rocket Vodka grow its presence across the region,” said Cheryl Durzy, Founder and CEO of LibDib.
Rocket Vodka is handcrafted in California from 100% apples and Sierra Nevada mountain water, using a traditional Polish family formula. The vodka is naturally gluten-free, contains no added sugar or additives, and delivers a uniquely smooth finish with a subtle fruit character.
Rocket Vodka recently earned Best in Show Vodka and Platinum Medal honors at the 2024 L.A. Spirits Awards, further reinforcing its position as one of the fastest-rising craft vodka brands in California, the 4th-largest economy in the world.
The Southern California launch will initially focus on premium bars, restaurants, and hospitality venues across Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego, with expanded retail availability planned for later phases of the rollout as Rocket Vodka builds toward broader visibility ahead of the LA28 Olympic Games.
Source: BevNET