WE ARE SECOND CITY BEVERAGE CO.

David Hopkins + Ray Carnes

co-owners of second city beverage co.

“There’s not a word yet for old friends who’ve just met.” – Jim Henson

Twenty years ago, Ray Carnes and David Hopkins met through mutuals, and some would say the rest is history. Ray and David became friends those twenty some odd years ago while both pursuing separate but similar passions in the entrepreneurial world. While David claims to have first been a fan of Ray’s entrepreneurial endeavors early in their friendship, there is no denying both gentlemen were bitten by the business bug long ago. With strong desires toward innovation, along with the mission to bring a sense of lifestyle to their products, Carnes and Hopkins partnered to bring together Durty Gurl Mixers in 2016. Having since successfully launched product after product, their partnership presented itself to 2nd City Distillery in 2020 and has now become a powerhouse in the spirit business.

Enveloping start to finish production of DG’s famous canned cocktails, such as the Transfusion and Vodka-rita, as well as 2nd City’s fan favorite drinks including, but not limited to Crooked Cow and Rabbit Spit, Carnes and Hopkins have found a way to capture a good time into their process, and 2nd City isn’t looking anywhere but forward. So if you find these friendly faces around the distillery, they are more than likely to be flanked by the team they consider the true success of their story. But you’ll know Hopkins, as he will likely be sipping on 2nd City’s Noble Jones Wheated Bourbon (on the rocks!) and Carnes – he's going to have a drink with 2nd City’s house Vodka. After all, raising a glass with a friend is really what it’s all about. Cheers!