Chicago September 2025 ecoSPIRITS has teamed up with Hoste Cocktails and Apologue Liqueurs to launch Chicago’s first partner operated ecoPLANT™, which maximises the sustainability impact of the producer’s spirits packaged in ecoTOTE™ format, alongside commercial benefits. This activity, which kicked off earlier this summer, represents the start of a new relationship between ecoSPIRITS and the Chicago-based producer, with a number of Hoste Cocktails now packaged in ecoTOTE format for distribution to bars across the region. Big Star, a pillar concept of Chicago’s One Off Hospitality group, is the launch partner and Lagniappe is the first distributor partner for the project. Hoste is also piloting its Espresso Martini in ecoTOTE format at The Publican’s location in O’Hare International Airport. Chicago hospitality group 16″ on Center (160C) will also pilot the ecoTOTEs at both The Salt Shed and Moneygun. The team plans to expand into additional accounts across the Chicagoland area this quarter.
Brands such as Apologue’s Persimmon Bittersweet Liqueur, and Hoste’s The Martini and Perfect Manhattan, will now be available in ecoTOTE format.
Chicago is home to one of the country’s most vibrant and influential hospitality scenes, with a deep bench of bar talent, award-winning venues, and forward-thinking operators. The adoption of ecoSPIRITS by local industry leaders such as Hoste and One Off Hospitality, signals a growing commitment within this community to advance sustainable practices and reduce the environmental impact of premium spirits.
Chicago has a vibrant hospitality scene with a raft of award-winning venues.
The new ecoPLANT has been installed at Hoste’s production and event space in Chicago’s Pilsen neighbourhood, so that spirits can be dispensed into ecoTOTE directly from the production floor. Use of the ecoSPIRITS system will lead to an average reduction of 60-90% in the carbon emissions footprint related to premium spirits packaging and distribution, as well as a significant reduction in glass and cardboard packaging.
Jordan Tepper and Robert Haynes are the co-founders of Apologue Liqueurs and Hoste Cocktails.
Co-founders Jordan Tepper and Robert Haynes started Apologue six years ago, and soon after branched into premium bottled cocktails. The company now has two ‘arms’ of the business: Apologue Liqueurs, which are liqueurs crafted from non-GMO ingredients; and Hoste Cocktails, a line of premium bottled cocktails. The team is now packaging several drinks in ecoSPIRITS’ ecoTOTE format including Hoste house spirits (vodka, bourbon, and triple sec), and a number of cocktails from the Hoste portfolio, starting with the Espresso Martini. The company has always had a planet-friendly focus and has committed to being a Certified B Corporation to help make a positive impact on society, workers, the community and the environment.
Big Star’s three sites will be the first in Chicago to take spirits in ecoTOTE format.
The launch partner for the first ecoTOTEs in Chicago is Big Star, part of One Off Hospitality, a major Chicago-based Hospitality Group with a portfolio of dining and drinking concepts across the region. Big Star is a homage to taqueria bars found throughout parts of California and it is described as ‘Chicago’s bourbon and beer-focused, taco-slinging, honky-tonk hangout’. Big Star’s three sites will be the first in Chicago to take spirits in ecoTOTE format, starting with two pre-mixed Hoste cocktails: Mezcal Negroni and Espresso Martini.
Jordan Tepper, co-founder, Hoste Cocktails and Apologue Liqueurs
“Partnering with ecoSPIRITS is a meaningful step forward – not just for Hoste, but for the future of Chicago’s drinks industry. We are proud to help set a new standard for sustainability behind the bar.”
Zdenek Kastanek, managing director, ecoSPIRITS North America
“ecoSPIRITS’ ability to deliver on commercial and sustainability benefits, combined with the strengths of “local hero” distillers, creates a huge opportunity to drive the transition to circular technology and eliminate even more single use packaging. It’s a win-win situation. We are delighted with this partnership and with the initial interest and early success to date in Chicago.”
For media inquiries or general information on ecoSPIRITS, you may contact Sonya Hook, Head of Communications, via [email protected]. For more information about Apologue and Hoste Cocktails please contact Rachel Becker, via [email protected]
About Hoste Cocktails
Hoste is setting a new standard for bottled cocktails. By blending impeccable sourcing with world-class bartenders, Hoste delivers unparalleled, ready-to-serve cocktails that ship directly to your door. Designed to engage all your senses, each cocktail is paired with a custom atomizer zest that enables the perfect aromatic garnish. In 2024, Hoste was honoured with a “Double Gold” win at the San Francisco World Spirits Championships. And in 2025, Hoste opened a 15,000 square foot production and event space in their home city of Chicago, where all of their cocktails are now produced on-site. Hoste Cocktails are ideal for those who love to entertain or are looking for the perfect gift, and are available to be shipped to 46 states via hostecocktails.com
About ecoSPIRITS
ecoSPIRITS is a circular economy technology company that has developed the world’s first low carbon, low waste distribution technology for premium spirits and wine. Our patent-pending closed loop system nearly eliminates all packaging waste in the supply chain. By dramatically reducing packaging and transport, ecoSPIRITS provides a transformative carbon footprint reduction. Founded in Singapore in 2018, the ecoSPIRITS technology is now available in more than 28 countries across Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas. Nearly 3,000 leading bars, restaurants, hotels and retailers have adopted the technology, including Michelin-starred restaurants, World’s 50 Best and Asia’s 50 Best bars and iconic hotels. ecoSPIRITS is now rapidly building a global network of closed loop service, with coverage to grow further in 2025. Together with our brand partners, importers, distributors, wholesalers, venues, and retailers, we are already making a difference. Each year, ecoSPIRITS and our partners are eliminating hundreds of tons of single use glass waste, planting tens of thousands of trees, and inspiring others to change.
For more information, please visit: www.ecospirits.global