From Hospitality to Hooch Booch, Anna Zesbaugh Serves Up Success

In 2020, Anna Zesbaugh found herself at a crossroads. With a background in luxury hospitality and a career in events management, her life had been neatly mapped out. But when the pandemic hit, furloughs disrupted her trajectory, and Denver’s brief “prohibition” of liquor sales lit a spark in her entrepreneurial mind. The result? Hooch Booch, a Denver-based hard kombucha brand with a clever nod to both history and craft.

Zesbaugh’s journey to launching her business at the age of 24 is nothing short of inspiring. “I went to school for hospitality management, specifically focused in the event world, and thought I’d stick with that,” she said. “Maybe one day, I’d own my own business—but not that soon!”  

Instead, the pandemic became the unexpected catalyst. Denver’s temporary liquor store closures—nicknamed the “Denver Prohibition”—sparked the idea. Combining this historic reference with her love for kombucha, Zesbaugh set out to create something that was equal parts unique and refreshing.  

From Concept to Reality

The road to crafting Hooch Booch was anything but straightforward. “I reached out to probably 30 brewers in Colorado,” Zesbaugh recalled. “But I ended up walking into a brewery on South Broadway and pitching my idea to the owner [Judd Belstock]. He said, ‘Maybe.’”

That “maybe” turned into six months of hands-on learning. Zesbaugh spent her days at the brewery, absorbing everything from the art of brewing to the science of yeast and tea blends. “I went to homebrew stores, asked endless questions and really learned the process firsthand,” she explained. This determination eventually led her to a larger contract manufacturer, where Hooch Booch now comes to life.

Building a Brand

The journey to brand recognition was just as organic as the product itself. “For the first year or so, it was all about brand awareness,” she said. Events and tastings introduced Hooch Booch to the Denver community, while its placement in notable retailers like Whole Foods, Sprouts and Target cemented its reputation.  

Zesbaugh’s background in hospitality proved invaluable. “The business school gave me a foundation in accounting, finance and marketing, while the hospitality program taught me how to manage experiences,” she said. “I even took a class called Advanced Beverage, which helped me understand tasting profiles and pairings. That knowledge really shaped how we crafted our flavors.”

The Flavors That Started It All

When it came to launching her first flavors, Zesbaugh wanted something both familiar and fun. “The Old Fashioned and Bee’s Knees were inspired by classic cocktails,” she explained. The Old Fashioned features notes of orange and cherry soaked on oak chips, perfect with a splash of bourbon, while the Bee’s Knees—a blend of honey and lemon—pairs beautifully with gin.  

Her personal favorite? The Clover Club, inspired by the raspberry-and-lemon cocktail of the same name. “It rounded out the trio and gave people a fruity option,” she said.  

Evolution and Innovation

As consumer preferences shift toward mindful drinking, Zesbaugh has evolved her business strategy. In January 2024, she launched Corpse Reviver, a tea-based hydration drink that cleverly flips a classic cocktail name into a functional electrolyte beverage. “People are looking to consume alcohol less,” she noted. “Studies show it, and we see it at events.” The new product line has already gained significant traction, even securing placement in Walmart.

In August 2023, Hooch Booch found a physical home with The Blind Tiger Lounge in the RiNo Arts District. “So much of brewery culture is about sipping on-site and being able to see the facility,” Zesbaugh explained. “Consumers were asking for a place to experience the brand.”

The intimate space serves as both a testing ground for new concepts and a community hub, featuring local art and hosting regular events. This winter, visitors can experience the “Shred Shed,” an après-ski themed pop-up complete with Saturday night DJs. This physical presence reinforces the brand’s commitment to Colorado culture and craft beverages.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 

For women looking to break into the alcohol or kombucha industries, Zesbaugh has simple yet powerful advice: “Ask questions and be curious. I was constantly reaching out to people for coffee or quick calls. So many people are willing to give advice—you just have to ask.”

Hooch Booch isn’t just a product; it’s a testament to persistence, creativity and a willingness to learn. For Zesbaugh, the journey from hospitality to hard kombucha was an unexpected detour—but one she embraced with gusto. Denverites can raise a glass to that.