Thirsty Thursday: A Hurricane in a Cup (Literally and Figuratively)

Welcome back to Thirsty Thursday, the weekly tradition where Jade Crider, Briar Swigert, and Kirby Hasseman bravely sip unknown liquids out of branded drinkware—all in the noble pursuit of better marketing.

This week’s episode brought a bold vodka, a color-changing party cup, and a quote from Jade that instantly entered the Thirsty Thursday Hall of Fame.

Let’s dive in.


The Drink: Sobiesky 100% Rye Vodka

This week’s mystery drink was Sobiesky 100% Rye Vodka, a spirit known for being clean, sharp, and—apparently—universally despised by the Thirsty Thursday crew.

Reactions were immediate and unanimous:

  • Jade: Hated it. Absolutely not for her.

  • Briar: Also hated it. No notes.

  • Kirby: Hated it and summed it up perfectly:

    “It’s a hurricane in a cup.”

But the best moment came when Jade tried to guess the drink and missed badly. Her response:

“I don’t know my vodkas, but I do know my husband.”
(Context: Johnny—her husband—was the one who picked this week’s mystery drink.)

Safe to say: Sobiesky is not making anyone’s top shelf around here.


The Drinkware: Mood 14 oz. Hurricane Cup

Now the drink was rough…
But the Mood 14oz Hurricane Cup?
Total redemption.

This fun, color-changing cup brought energy to the episode even if the vodka didn’t.

What the team loved:

  • Lightweight and durable

  • The classic hurricane-glass shape but safe for parties and events

  • Color-changing effect adds instant fun

  • Great for summer promotions, festivals, bars, events, and giveaways

  • Perfect imprint area for branding

  • Made even bad vodka look appealing (which is an accomplishment)

In short:
The drink got zero love.
The drinkware got all the love.


Why This Matters

Thirsty Thursday is always a reminder:  Even when the drink is a disaster, great branded merch still wins.

The Mood Hurricane Cup delivered:

  • Fun factor

  • Visual appeal

  • Practical use

  • Strong branding potential

If a cup can survive a Sobiesky taste test and still come out a hero… that’s a piece worth putting your logo on.


Want to Browse More Drinkware?

Check out our Thirsty Thursday shop for more pieces we’ve tested and approved: Just Click Here!


✔ Final Verdict

Category Verdict
Sobiesky 100% Rye Vodka Hated by all three. Strong, sharp, and not a vibe.
Mood 14oz Hurricane Cup Big win. Fun, functional, and perfect for events.

Another episode wrapped—full of laughs, strong opinions, and a drink we’ll never forget (even if we’d like to).

See you next week for another round of mystery drinks, merch testing, and the relentless pursuit of marketing joy.

And as always, we are here to help!  If you need help with branded merch, merch strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand or your team, let’s talk.  We’d love to help you. Get your TARGET Hiring Playbook here for free!

Written by: Kirby Hasseman

Kirby Hasseman is the CEO of Hasseman Marketing & Communications, a full-service agency specializing in branded merchandise, digital marketing, and content creation. A passionate entrepreneur, speaker, and community advocate, Kirby creates weekly content through his popular video and podcast series, including Delivering Marketing Joy, Better Merch...Better Marketing, and Monday Minute. He is the author of several books, including his latest, Hit The TARGET, a marketing framework to help businesses reach their ideal customers, as well as Fan of Happy, Delivering Marketing Joy, Think Big For Small Business, and Give Your Way to Success. Kirby speaks to audiences across the country on topics such as marketing strategy, leadership, company culture, and personal development. Known for his energy, humor, and practical advice, he’s dedicated to helping businesses and individuals grow by building strong brands and stronger relationships.