For the Love of Music, Libations, and a Passion to Create.
WHO WE ARE
Rocktails Brands: An Amped Up Spin on Mixology was founded by mixologist entrepreneurs Mayalou Banatwala and Kristen Kreft who shared a dream of blending their creative talents, music expertise, and cocktail mastery. They first conceived the idea while working together as bartenders in a cocktail bar in Cincinnati in 2012.
Over five years, they developed their concept into a unique cocktail coffee-table book series inspired by musicians, bands, and song lyrics. In 2018, Banatwala and Kreft launched their Rocktails book series, introducing their imaginative concoctions to the world with a celebratory Bourbon toast.
Our story
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The success of their book series opened new opportunities for the duo, leading to partnerships with a range of clients. They began hosting pop-up cocktail events, curating cocktail menus, and providing bar services for weddings and gatherings for friends and family.
Banatwala and Kreft’s enthusiasm for the art of mixology led to collaborations with artists, designing themed drinks, and providing unique bar services for events.
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• Viral Nation and Vitamin Water Cocktail Creation for Cincinnati Pride and NYC Nail Salon
• A Rocktails-inspired fashion show at Urban Artifact Brewery with Kintimit
• A musical cocktail experience for Queen City Cabaret Cincy
• Interactive dinner theater events in partnership with ArtsConnect Springfield Township
• Musical cocktail tutorials for corporate functions with The Friends of Steely NKU Library, Emerge, the Entrepreneurs Organization of Cincinnati, and the Cincinnatus Association
• Interactive Cocktail Experience Collab with Smoke & Queers Burlesque Troupe
• A cocktail inspired by Doc Galahan's fictional character.
• Cocktail Consultation and Creative Bar Solutions for Keg Kraft at The Ferm
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Captivating audiences with their innovative concoctions, the duo’s work caught the attention of Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, leading to a two-year consultancy role and residency. They assisted with the grand opening, curated all bar menus, and provided bartender training. Their residency culminated in a memorable Candy Shop Pop-Up in partnership with East to Vest Productions.
As their journey at Hard Rock concluded, the opportunity to purchase Bars on Wheels emerged, propelling them into the full-scale beverage catering realm.
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In 2023, Banatwala and Kreft acquired Bars on Wheels, a well-established beverage catering business founded by Bruce Kennedy. Kennedy, ready to retire, sought a fresh approach to Bars on Wheels that would honor the integrity of the business in order to maintain lifetime relationships with clients while taking it to the next level. Banatwala and Kreft took a giant leap of faith and purchased Bars on Wheels on March 29, 2023.
Their acquisition of Bars on Wheels marked the beginning of their mobile bar catering venture, expanding their services to cater to a wide range of events.
In their first year, they serviced over 150 events, from private in-home functions, weddings, corporate events, and special events with guest counts ranging from 25 to 750.
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From humble beginnings with just the two of them, Banatwala and Kreft grew their team to over 30 employees, acquired commercial vehicles, and garnered new clients throughout the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area.
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OUR FOUNDERS
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Co-Founder / Mixologist
Mayalou Banatwala is a multi-talented musician, bartender, and music teacher specializing in ukulele and culture. Her passion for creating art in various forms drives her to explore new avenues, including launching Rocktails Brands: An Amped Up Spin On Mixology. Through this creative project, she combines her diverse skills to craft unique and innovative cocktail experiences.
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Co-Founder | Mixologist
Kristen Kreft is a versatile artist, juggling roles as a mixologist, musician, singer, songwriter, and teacher of music, dance, and theater. As a single mother, she finds inspiration in creating tangible and audible works that are both fun and inspiring. Rocktails Brands: An Amped Up Spin On Mixology serves as a platform for Kristen to weave together her many talents and passions.
