18 Celebrity Alcohol Brands That Took the World by Storm

In recent years, celebrity alcohol brands have exploded in popularity, reshaping the global spirits and wine industry. What once might have been viewed as a side business or marketing gimmick has now become a serious entrepreneurial pursuit for actors, musicians, athletes, and even directors. When you look closely, many celebrities are not just endorsing bottles with their names on them—they are deeply involved in creating, promoting, and building premium liquor companies that compete on a global scale. From George Clooney’s groundbreaking tequila venture to Ryan Reynolds’ witty promotion of gin, these star-backed alcohol brands have captured both consumer curiosity and serious market share. If you’ve ever wondered which celebrity alcohol brands are making waves, here’s an in-depth look at fifteen of the most successful, influential, and talked-about examples.

Tequila and Mezcal Dominated by Stars

George Clooney – Casamigos

George Clooney, along with Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman, founded Casamigos in 2013. Initially created as a private tequila brand for personal use, Casamigos quickly turned into a commercial success after friends and bartenders raved about it. Clooney and his team sold the brand to Diageo in 2017 for a staggering $1 billion, making Casamigos one of the most iconic celebrity alcohol brands in history. What made it special was the smoothness and drinkability, appealing even to those who usually avoided tequila.

Kendall Jenner – 818 Tequila

Kendall Jenner entered the tequila industry with 818 Tequila in 2021, named after her California area code. The brand quickly gained visibility thanks to Jenner’s global fame and social media following. While it faced some criticism for celebrity involvement in a traditionally Mexican craft, it also introduced tequila to a younger generation of consumers. The sleek branding and mass appeal have made 818 a commercial success in record time.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – Teremana Tequila

Dwayne Johnson, known for his charisma and larger-than-life presence, launched Teremana Tequila in 2020. True to The Rock’s personality, the brand emphasizes authenticity and accessibility. Johnson promotes Teremana personally, often featuring it in his social media posts and celebrating fans who enjoy it. In just a few years, Teremana has become one of the fastest-growing tequila brands in the United States, praised for its smooth taste and affordable price point.

Rita Ora – Próspero Tequila

British singer Rita Ora partnered with master distiller Stella Anguiano to create Próspero Tequila. Unlike some celebrity projects, Ora took on a hands-on role as the brand’s chief creative partner. The tequila highlights female craftsmanship in a male-dominated industry, with Anguiano’s expertise front and center. This partnership has given Próspero an identity rooted in artistry, authenticity, and empowerment.

Aaron Paul & Bryan Cranston – Dos Hombres Mezcal

Breaking Bad stars Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston teamed up again for Dos Hombres Mezcal, launched in 2019. Their friendship and fame helped the brand gain attention, but the spirit itself also won over mezcal enthusiasts. Dos Hombres focuses on artisanal mezcal production from Oaxaca, Mexico, highlighting smoky, complex flavors. Their storytelling approach, often tied to their shared history, adds a relatable, human touch to the brand’s image.

Whiskey and Bourbon Labels With Star Power

Bob Dylan – Heaven’s Door Whiskey

Legendary musician Bob Dylan co-founded Heaven’s Door Spirits, bringing artistry and music into the world of whiskey. The brand is known for its premium blends and striking bottle designs, which feature Dylan’s own ironwork sculptures. Heaven’s Door has become a respected player in the American whiskey market, balancing celebrity branding with genuine craftsmanship.

Conor McGregor – Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey

UFC champion Conor McGregor launched Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey in 2018. Marketed with McGregor’s signature bravado, the brand became a massive commercial success almost immediately. While critics debated its flavor profile, the whiskey’s popularity surged thanks to McGregor’s global fan base and aggressive marketing. In 2021, McGregor and his partners sold a majority stake for hundreds of millions, solidifying Proper No. Twelve as one of the most financially successful celebrity alcohol brands.

Matthew McConaughey – Longbranch Bourbon

Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey collaborated with Wild Turkey to create Longbranch Bourbon in 2018. Unlike some celebrity endorsements, McConaughey played an active role in developing the product, even traveling to Kentucky to work closely with master distiller Eddie Russell. Longbranch is known for its smooth, approachable flavor, filtered with Texas mesquite charcoal, a nod to McConaughey’s Texan roots. The combination of authenticity and storytelling makes Longbranch stand out.

Drake – Virginia Black Whiskey

Canadian rapper Drake co-founded Virginia Black Whiskey with spirits entrepreneur Brent Hocking in 2016. Known for its bold bottle design and smooth, rich taste, Virginia Black was marketed as a luxurious lifestyle product. Drake’s global fame gave the brand instant recognition, and it appealed to a younger audience drawn to sleek branding and celebrity culture.

Metallica – Blackened American Whiskey

The iconic heavy metal band Metallica launched Blackened Whiskey in collaboration with the late master distiller Dave Pickerell. Blackened uses an innovative process called “Black Noise,” where the whiskey is aged with low-frequency sound waves from Metallica’s music. This unique approach ties the product directly to the band’s identity, making it one of the most creative and distinctive celebrity alcohol brands in the market.

Vodka and Gin Ventures

Dan Aykroyd – Crystal Head Vodka

Actor and comedian Dan Aykroyd co-founded Crystal Head Vodka in 2008. The vodka is notable for its distinctive skull-shaped bottle, which quickly became iconic. Beyond the packaging, Crystal Head is known for being made with high-quality ingredients and filtered through Herkimer diamonds. Aykroyd’s quirky personality and creative approach have helped the brand carve out a unique niche in the premium vodka space.

Ryan Reynolds – Aviation Gin

Ryan Reynolds purchased a stake in Aviation Gin in 2018 and became its most visible ambassador. With his trademark humor, Reynolds turned marketing campaigns into viral sensations, often poking fun at himself and the industry. Aviation Gin grew rapidly under his leadership, and in 2020, Diageo acquired the brand in a deal worth up to $610 million. Reynolds still serves as the brand’s public face, and Aviation is celebrated for both its quality and its witty image.

Jay-Z – D’Ussé Cognac

Jay-Z co-owned D’Ussé Cognac, a brand produced by Bacardi. Known for its bold flavor and modern image, D’Ussé gained prominence thanks to Jay-Z’s influence in the luxury and hip-hop communities. While he has since sold his stake, his involvement helped solidify D’Ussé as a premium, culturally relevant cognac.

Kate Hudson – King St. Vodka

Actress Kate Hudson launched King St. Vodka, inspired by the idea of creating a spirit for gatherings and special occasions. The vodka is gluten-free and crafted in small batches, marketed toward modern, health-conscious consumers. Hudson’s approachable image and emphasis on lifestyle make King St. Vodka a brand that resonates with her fans.

Wine Brands That Became Bestsellers

Drew Barrymore – Barrymore Wines

Actress Drew Barrymore brought her charm and approachable personality into the wine business with Barrymore Wines. Focused on easy-drinking, affordable options, her wines are designed for everyday enjoyment rather than exclusivity. Barrymore Wines reflects her love of California living and has become popular among fans who value authenticity.

Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie – Château Miraval Rosé

Before their divorce, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie co-owned Château Miraval, a French estate that produces one of the most acclaimed rosé wines in the world. Miraval Rosé has consistently received high praise from critics and has become synonymous with luxury rosé. Even after their separation, Pitt has continued to be involved in the brand’s development, cementing Miraval as one of the most successful celebrity-backed wineries.

Francis Ford Coppola – Coppola Winery

Legendary director Francis Ford Coppola entered the wine business long before many of today’s celebrity ventures. Coppola Winery, based in Sonoma County, California, has grown into a respected wine empire. With a wide range of wines and a reputation for quality, Coppola’s brand demonstrates how a celebrity name can transition into a long-lasting legacy in the wine industry.

Cameron Diaz – Avaline Wine

Cameron Diaz partnered with entrepreneur Katherine Power to launch Avaline Wine, marketed as “clean wine” made with organic grapes and without unnecessary additives. Avaline appeals to health-conscious consumers who still want to enjoy wine without compromise. Diaz’s approachable branding and transparency about ingredients have made Avaline a standout in the crowded wine market.