84-Proof DORITOS Nacho Cheese Spirit shakes up the snack and alcohol world

Doritos, everyone's favorite nacho cheese chip, is taking a wild leap into the world of spirits with an 84-proof alcoholic beverage. In a bold collaboration with Empirical, the PepsiCo-owned snack brand is introducing the Empirical x Doritos Nacho Cheese Spirit, an innovative concoction that promises the iconic Doritos flavor in a drinkable form. Set to hit the shelves in select locations in New York and California, and available online, this unique spirit is priced at $65 for a 750-milliliter bottle. It's part of Doritos' broader strategy to reimagine the humble chip as more than just a snack – think culinary ingredient and now, a cocktail mixer.

The genesis of this nacho cheese booze dates back to 2017, when Empirical's CEO and Chief Distiller Lars Williams played around with vacuum distillation to capture unique flavors. The result? A spirit that tastes "incredibly, exactly like eating Doritos." This quirky collaboration is aimed squarely at Gen Z consumers who love experimenting with bold and disruptive flavors. And with the snack and alcohol industries both witnessing a surge in crossover drinks, this Doritos spirit is riding a wave of innovation, blending snack culture with sophisticated cocktail experiences.