Weber Ranch 1902 Vodka just launched “Tex,” a chatbot meet-and-greet in your pocket who moonlights as a bartender. Built on OpenAI’s ChatGPT and available via SMS or web, Tex takes cocktail suggestions to the next level—delivering drink recipes tailored to what’s already in your fridge. Whether you’re planning a party menu or just wondering what to do with that sad bottle of Blue Curaçao, Tex serves up recommendations with a personalized spin, emoji-free but cowboy-approved.
Over 70% of Tex’s backend logic is powered by ChatGPT, from the conversational small talk to the actual recipe customization. Consumers can text #AskTex or hit the company’s website to start swapping ingredients and planning their cocktail menus. The bot isn’t just chatty—it can interpret photos of your pantry, make substitutions, and even plan big-batch cocktails. The brand’s president, Lee Applbaum, is already looking ahead, signaling future updates that could let Tex handle grocery deliveries or book a night out. It’s basically your personal bartender-slash-PA, minus the tipping guilt.
This move targets both the AI-curious and stay-at-home drinkers—especially the elder end of Gen Z, who aren’t frequenting bars like generations before. Built by Round 2 Spirits, Weber Ranch is doubling down on tech to stand out in a vodka category that’s performing well, even as the broader spirits market plateaus. Bonus pour: it’s made from agave, the spirits ingredient du jour.
Full story at Marketing Dive.