Meet the Founder
Ingrid Smith is the Founder & CEO of Nirvana, a premium coconut water-based RTD cocktail brand redefining modern drinking culture through what she calls “functional indulgence.”
After more than 15 years in the beverage industry working across global brands including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, MillerCoors, and Nestlé, Ingrid saw a major gap emerging in alcohol: consumers wanted cleaner ingredients, elevated flavor experiences, and drinks that aligned with how they actually live today.
Frustrated by a category dominated by overly sweet cocktails, artificial ingredients, and interchangeable hard seltzers, she launched Nirvana to create something different — a fruit-forward cocktail crafted with real coconut water, premium spirits, and intentional branding designed for the modern drinker.
Today, Ingrid is becoming a recognized voice in the evolution of the RTD category, contributing insights on premiumization, consumer behavior, and the future of beverage alcohol through industry publications, retail strategy content, and founder-led thought leadership.
Under her leadership, Nirvana has expanded into key retail and hospitality accounts including Total Wine & More and private club partnerships, while building a loyal community around the idea that indulgence and intention can coexist.
“I’m building the next generation of premium RTD cocktails through premium ingredients, lifestyle alignment, and category innovation.”
-Ingrid Smith, Founder & CEO
RTD Category Innovator -Curator of “Functional Indulgence”
What is Functional Indulgence?
Functional indulgence is the idea that modern consumers deserve products that align with how they actually live—balancing ambition, self-care, connection, and enjoyment.
For years, consumers have beentold they need to choose.
Choose wellness or enjoyment.
Choose discipline or celebration.
Choose responsibility or indulgence.
At Nirvana, we believe that's a false choice.
It's not about excess.
It's not about restriction.
It's about intention.
It's choosing ingredients you feel good about.
It's choosing experiences that elevate everyday moments.
It's choosing quality over quantity.
For us, functional indulgence is the future of beverage alcohol and the philosophy behind every can of Nirvana.
Why I Created Nirvana Coconut Water Cocktails
The RTD category is evolving beyond seltzers.
Consumers want flavor, transparency, and premium experiences.
Retailers need differentiated brands that create discovery.
Nirvana was created to own the space between lifestyle, indulgence, and modern convenience.