BuzzBallz, a brand of alcoholic drinks sold in flavors and bright ball-shaped bottles, have become popular among Gen Z.

The details:

They contain around 15% alcohol by volume, more than double that of the average beer. They cost around $4 apiece and come in flavors like Strawberry ‘Rita and Peachballz.
BuzzBallz have been around since 2009, but they are ubiquitous today.
The BuzzBallz sold in liquor stores contain spirits, while BuzzBallz Chillers, available in gas stations and convenience stores, contain a base of wine.

Why it’s important: As the brand has grown, so have concerns that the drinks are intentionally positioned to appeal to minors (though the company says it is careful not to market to underage people and takes steps to prevent use by minors).

The drinks are portable, flavored, and cheap, making them appealing to young people.
The packaging is toylike and makes the product more closely resemble an energy drink than an alcoholic drink.
The drinks lend themselves well to social media. Several TikTok challenges have started (including one where people combine BuzzBallz with other beverages with high alcohol content), and the company sends free beverages to some people 21+ who post about the brand.
The company has done promotions and in 2024 announced partnerships with athletic programs at two universities to offer its drinks in stadiums.