The News
The Original Southside, a premium RTD cocktail, has become the first ready-to-drink product to receive "Glyphosate Residue Free" certification from The Detox Project. This third-party verification confirms the product tests below detectable levels of glyphosate, a widely used herbicide. The brand, which uses USDA-certified organic ingredients and real lemon juice and mint, made this announcement in Manhattan Beach, CA on March 19, 2026.
The Takeaway
Clean Labeling Push: The Detox Project’s certification shows how drinkers are demanding more clarity on what's actually in their drinks. The Original Southside is using this as proof of its commitment to organic, real ingredients like mint and lemon juice, which sets it apart from many RTD brands that still use artificial additives.
Industry Transparency Trend: This move highlights a growing trend where consumers aren’t just looking for “natural” labels anymore—they want third-party verification. The fact that this is the first RTD to get glyphosate residue free certification shows how far the category has come, and it could push others to follow suit in the future.
Spirits Market Shift: With the Clean Alcohol Collective behind it, this certification isn’t just about ingredients—it’s a statement against the industry’s lack of transparency. The Original Southside is positioning itself as a leader in this movement, using real, organic components and proving that clean spirits can be both premium and responsible.
Original Press Release
Setting a new standard for transparency and ingredient integrity within the ready-to-drink category
Manhattan Beach, CA (March 19, 2026) - The Original Southside, the premium gin-based ready-to-drink cocktail advancing the clean alcohol movement, has become the first RTD cocktail to receive The Detox Project’s “Glyphosate Residue Free” certification, a third-party verification awarded to products that test below detectable levels of glyphosate, a widely used herbicide. The achievement marks a major milestone for the brand, following a period of accelerated growth and expanding distribution across both retail and on-premise accounts nationwide.
“As we continue to expand, it’s clear there is a growing appetite for transparency in alcohol, especially within the RTD category, where many products position themselves as ‘natural’ without fully disclosing what’s inside,” says Meredith Mills-Merritt, Founder and CEO of The Original Southside and co-founder of the Clean Alcohol Collective. “From day one, we’ve taken a different approach, using USDA-certified organic ingredients, real lemon juice and mint, and eliminating artificial additives. Achieving Glyphosate Residue Free certification allows us to validate that commitment and set a higher standard for the category.”
Certified “Glyphosate Residue Free” through The Detox Project, The Original Southside is the first RTD cocktail to earn this distinction, confirming the finished product tests below detectable levels of glyphosate.
Unlike many RTDs that rely on broad “natural” claims, The Original Southside pairs certified organic ingredients with full transparency, including clearly disclosed nutrition facts and ingredient panels on every 4-pack, helping to redefine expectations within the category defined by ingredient integrity, third-party verification, and a more honest approach to modern cocktail culture.
Beyond the product itself, The Original Southside is part of a broader movement toward transparency through its involvement in the Clean Alcohol Collective, an initiative focused on advocating for ingredient disclosure, higher standards, and greater accountability across the alcohol industry.
Driven by increasing demand for clean-label products, The Original Southside continues to expand its national footprint, with availability at key retailers including Whole Foods Market and Total Wine & More, alongside direct-to-consumer access.
Source: BevNET