Unstoppable | A Conversation With Change Makers

On today’s episode, we welcome Meredith Mills-Merritt, Founder and CEO of The Original Southside — the premium gin-based ready-to-drink cocktail brand redefining what “clean” and “craft” mean in the spirits industry. Inspired by her mom Leah’s beloved gin, lemonade, and mint summer cooler, Meredith transformed a nostalgic family recipe into a fast-growing national brand. With a background in prestige beauty, she approached beverage the way few founders do — with precision around formulation, ingredient transparency, and sensory experience. The result is a 10% ABV cocktail made with certified organic, vegan, gluten-free ingredients, sweetened with 100% sugarcane, and crafted with a proprietary gin distilled in Vermont. Since launching in 2024, The Original Southside has expanded into 20+ markets and landed at retailers like Whole Foods and Total Wine — all while building a bold, vintage-meets-modern brand identity that stands out on shelf and at major cultural events. In this episode, Meredith shares what it