US-based alcohol start-up Jinx Drinx has announced the official launch of its Boozy Punch in Las Vegas, Nevada with an in-built safety feature in its pouch designed by Zenpack.

Promoting responsible alcohol consumption, the patent-pending packaging has a sealed-in straw to mitigate drink tampering and drink and drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA).

Beverages contained in open drinkware or packaging can heighten the risk of tampering or spiking - adding drugs or alcohol to another person’s drink without their knowledge or permission.

Jinx cofounder Maddie Largey explained: “DFSA is a serious problem in the US and we believe Jinx can help 21 plus consumers, and Gen Z especially, enjoy their drinks without the fear of tampering."

The proprietary pouch recently received the 2024 iF [International Forum Design GmbH] Award for design excellence, with Zenpack stating: “We set out to create the perfect form and material for usability, straw access and production efficiency.”

The brand’s other founder Colin Michael previously designed an alcohol product for beverage giant AB InBev.

At the launch in Las Vegas, Jinx advisor and former vice-president at Heineken and Breakthru Beverage commented: "Jinx is truly changing how consumers view drinking occasions.”

Johnson Brothers Liquor Company western regional president Gary Charmel added: "In the competitive wider beverage alcohol landscape, it's difficult to find a truly unique business like Jinx.”

The global alcoholic beverages packaging industry achieved a volume of 443bn units in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of more than 2% from 2023 to 2028.