Rockaway Beach native launches Queens-inspired ‘better for you’ soda

Queens residents can now enjoy a soda that tastes like home.

ROCKAWAY, a better-for-you soda brand, hit local retailers’ shelves earlier this month. Founded by beverage entrepreneur and Rockaway Beach native Bridget Firtle, ROCKAWAY is available nationwide in packs of 12 for a suggested retail price of $35.99 at DrinkRockaway.com and Amazon, or in individual cans for $2.29 at local retailers.

The soft drink is inspired by the coast where Firtle grew up and is promoted as a brand made with real fruit juice and cane sugar. The soda line is available in four flavors – Berry Hibiscus, Lemon Lemon Grass, Pineapple Ginger and Watermelon Guava – with each 12-ounce can containing seven grams of sugar and a pinch of sea salt. Additionally, ROCKAWAY is a member of the 1% for the Planeta nonprofit organization that works with businesses to donate at least 1% of annual sales directly to environmental organizations

Firtle said in a statement that the soda is a response to soda shelves full of additives. “Plus, we don’t take ourselves too seriously. ROCKAWAY is for that feel-good moment when you grab a soda to treat yourself. This is for my home in New York and for those across the country who want to try a flavor,” Firtle said.

Firtle entered the American distilling market more than a decade ago after leaving her job as a corporate hedge fund investor to become an entrepreneur. She founded Owney’s Rum and sold the product in stores in 2020. Soon after, the Rockaway Beach resident was inspired to found ROCKAWAY based on her health-conscious lifestyle and love of New York City.