Rachel D’Acquisto + Cocktail Lab AZ: A Local Business Built on Community Spirit

Southern Arizona
Written By Lori Cothrun

October marks National Women’s Small Business Month, recognizing the more than 14 million women-owned businesses in the United States and celebrating their contributions to the economic stability and growth of their local communities. One such business is Local First Arizona coalition member Cocktail Lab AZ, owned and operated by Tucsonan Rachel D’Acquisto. 

From a One-Woman Show to a Family Run Enterprise

Drawing upon her extensive background in hospitality and a passion for creating and sharing memorable experiences for patrons, Rachel launched Cocktail Lab AZ during the pandemic as a one-woman bartending and cocktail catering service. “Building my own business was something I’ve always wanted to do.” commented Rachel. “I even used to sell candy to classmates when I was in grade school. I went on to operate businesses for other folks and it felt like a natural progression.” 

Since that time, Cocktail Lab AZ has expanded, with Rachel’s husband and other family members joining the company to support their flagship product, Ray Ray’s Sonoran Spirit Tea. Developed by Rachel to fill a demand for something lighter, more refreshing and with less alcohol than most cocktails, Ray Ray’s was the first ready-to-drink cocktail to be produced in Tucson. Initially available only through Tucson-area restaurants, hotels and bars, Rachel partnered with Brick Box Brewery and is currently producing Ray Ray’s Sonoran Spirit Tea in batches of almost 500 gallons, with pallets of more than 4,000 cans regularly heading to Phoenix and points north.

Local First, Local Forever

The local community has been key to Cocktail Lab AZ’s success. Through organizations like Start Up Tucson, Local First Arizona and UACI, Rachel found the help she needed to build and grow her company. “My small business may not have x number of full time employees,” said Rachel, “but other Arizona businesses are the vertebrae of our company.” 

In fact, Rachel has been surprised at just how helpful the local business community has been. “Our local partners are incredibly supportive and proud to collaborate,” she stated. “I did not consider that support when pricing cardboard trays in Colorado vs. Tucson. We are able to visit the Tucson facility, make the tray template together and meet the people who are manufacturing and delivering the trays. Making those connections and developing genuine support for our product is very special.”

She’s equally supportive of other local businesses. “Building and contributing to our local economy is key,” she explained. “From packaging, manufacturing and production to marketing and everything in between, we use Arizona based business for the majority of what we do.” 

For Rachel, being part of, being connected to the community and receiving and reciprocating genuine support to one another is her favorite part about being a local Tucson business owner. “We have grown steadily and organically from Tucson out to the rest of the state. Every step of the way building and growing with the support and services of other local businesses. I grow, we grow.”

Shoutouts for Tucson’s Women-Owned Local Businesses

She especially appreciates Tucson’s women-owned small businesses and the unique contributions they bring to the city. “I love the intention at A Guided Flame Spa, the dedication to community with Ciao Downtown and Roux Events. The growth from Tap and Bottle,” she shared, adding, “There are just too many to mention.” 

Looking for local vendors and services to support your Tucson business? Check out the list below for Rachel’s recommendations:

Related Information:

Lori Cothrun
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