Modesto-based Gallo enters the spiked-lemonade game. Here’s what’s in the canned cocktails

E.&J. Gallo Winery is acquiring a pioneering brand of lemonade cocktails in a can.

The Modesto-based company on Monday announced its agreement with Fishers Island Lemonade. It joins a long list of liquor products under the Spirit of Gallo division.

Fishers Island mixes both whiskey and vodka into each of its lemonade products. They are based on a recipe from its namesake location between Connecticut and Long Island, New York.

The drink first was crafted at the island’s Pequot Inn, owned by the family of brand founder Bronya Shillo. She was working as a bartender when she got the idea of selling it in stores. The brand launched in 2014, early in the trend toward canned cocktails.

“Spirit of Gallo has a proven record of innovation and success in the (ready-to-drink) category,” Shillo said in a news release, “and there is no other organization I would trust to take Fishers Island Lemonade to the next level.”

Fishers Island offers four-packs of 12-ounce cans at a suggested price of $15.99. The options include cranberry and black tea flavors, along with a carbonated version. The alcohol levels range from 5% to 9%.

For now, retail sales are limited to 13 states on the East Coast and Colorado. But the products can be ordered online at www.filemonade.com.

Asked about potential sales in California, a Gallo spokesperson said by email, “We are currently assessing next steps in the distribution strategy and we look forward to evaluating the best places to take Fishers Island to next.”

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Shillo will remain the spokesperson for the brand under Gallo’s ownership.

“Having known Bronya for over a decade, I have watched her bring Fishers Island Lemonade from a concept all the way to its success as one of the highest-quality and best-tasting canned cocktails in the market,” said Britt West, senior vice president and general manager at Spirit of Gallo.

The winery has become the world’s largest since its founding in 1933. Gallo branched into liquor with brandy in 1975. It also makes or distributes vodka, gin, tequila, rum, whiskey and other drinks.

Gallo in 2019 introduced the High Noon line of canned seltzer, made with vodka and a choice of 13 fruit juices.