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Meet the Maker: Tish Carless, Co-Founder of Picoso Drinks

Meet the Maker: Tish Carless, Co-Founder of Picoso Drinks

Picoso are a brand doing something genuinely different in the world of alcohol-free drinks — and we’re proud to have them on our shelves at Nought. Co-founded by friends Tish and Tom, Picoso is all about bringing people together over bold, flavour-packed sodas that just happen to be alcohol-free.

Their range includes two fiery standouts: Zesty Lime cut with Scotch Bonnet, and Tropical Mango cut with Habanero — both full of character, both impossible to forget.

We sat down with Tish to talk about where the idea came from, how they’ve captured that perfect balance of flavour and fire, and why a bit of spice can go a long way.

What’s the story behind Picoso — where did the spark come from?
The idea for Picoso came about at the beginning of 2022 when Tom and I both happened to move back to London from Madrid at the same time. I had given up drinking a few months earlier and, as we adjusted to life back in London, I quickly saw a gap in the market for exciting non-alcoholic drinks that weren’t sugary, childish, or trying to replicate alcohol - while Tom found the mixer market boring and behind the times. We wanted to create a drink that was flavour-forward, exciting and, most importantly, inclusive for drinkers and non-drinkers alike. We believe that drinks should bring people together -  not set them apart, and Picoso is here to do exactly that.

You’ve got this great mix of Madrid roots and Mexican influence. How do those two places come through in the drinks?
Good question! I’d say both places come through in different ways. Picoso’s flavours are very much influenced by Mexico - we did a lot of the flavour development out there, and I also lived there for four years in my early 20s.

In terms of the social aspect of the drinks and the kind of experiences we’re pushing for, these definitely come from Madrid, where drinks are seen as an enhancer of an occasion rather than the main event - and where there’s far less of a binge-drinking mentality. A perfect example of this is how much time people spend on terrazas in Madrid, enjoying drinks over an extended period while chatting with friends, playing cards and meeting new people.


You’ve said you wanted to bring some much-needed spice to the drinks world. What did you feel was missing out there, and how did you want Picoso to change that?

Spicy drinks are one of the decade’s biggest drinks trends, yet Picoso is the first ready-to-drink brand with spice as its main focus! As someone who doesn’t drink and struggled to find something exciting when socialising, Picoso bridges that gap. The spice is exciting, the capsaicin is addictive, and the burn replicates the feeling of alcohol - all while being low in sugar and containing electrolytes.

A massive part of Picoso is its versatility - we wanted a drink that could be enjoyed by both drinkers and non-drinkers, putting less importance on whether alcohol was being consumed and more on creating exciting flavours that everyone can enjoy, no matter their drinking preferences.

The balance of flavour and fire in your drinks is spot on. How do you decide what that perfect heat level is?
This was a tricky one - people have very different spice tolerances! While we knew we wanted the drinks to be spicy and deliver on our USP, we also needed to make sure they were commercially viable both on their own and as mixers. The drinks are definitely on the spicier side, but we made sure the heat builds as you sip - so while it’s noticeable on the first taste, it’s never overwhelming. People love spicy margaritas, and when someone can’t quite imagine what Picoso tastes like, we often use that as a good reference point for the heat level.

From our side at Nought, we love how Picoso brings a real sense of occasion - whether there’s alcohol in the glass or not. Was that intentional from the start?
Absolutely! Picoso was created to blur the lines between drinking and sobriety, putting a big emphasis on flavour with drinks that are bold and exciting. When I gave up drinking, I not only felt left out by the options available, but also felt like the fact I wasn’t drinking was made really obvious. Picoso was created to change that and promote inclusivity with flavours people actually want.

There’s clearly a lot of care that goes into your ingredients. Can you tell us a bit about where your inspiration comes from?
The inspiration for spice came from the need for excitement in the non-alc and mixer space. Having lived in Mexico City, I knew it was the perfect place to do our flavour development. Tom and I spent a lot of time over there, learning about different chillies, spices and fruit flavours. We then brought those insights to our flavour house in the UK and worked closely with their team to create the drinks. Several iterations later, we’re really pleased with the chillies and flavour combinations we’ve used - and the layering of spice that allows it to build as you sip.

How do you want people to feel when they take that first sip?
Is there a particular moment or mood you imagine when you’re creating new flavours?
The moment is definitely a social one. We love when people take their first sip, get excited and get it. People often find it hard to imagine what a spicy soda tastes like - but it all makes sense once they’ve tried it. I love when people immediately start thinking about who else would love it, how they’d drink it, and who they want to share it with!

You and Tom are friends as well as business partners. How does that dynamic play out when you’re developing new ideas —do you each have your own role, or is it more of a free-for-all?

This has definitely been a learning curve! Initially, it was more of a free-for-all, but over the last few months we’ve added a lot more structure to our roles, and it’s been working really well. Tom and I have been good friends for a long time, and that has made building a brand together so much more fun.

We talk a lot at Nought about celebrating without compromise.
What does that idea mean to you, especially in a world where more people are drinking more mindfully?
I love this! In a world where people are drinking more mindfully, I think it’s so important for there to be an option for everyone. Having inclusive and exciting non-alcoholic options gives people choice without feeling excluded. As mindful drinking becomes the norm, you’re pushing a really important message and showcasing amazing brands that bring that same sense of occasion - without the need for alcohol.


Huge thanks to Tish for chatting with us. Picoso is one of those brands that instantly makes sense once you’ve tried it — full of flavour, attitude and warmth.

You can find the full range at the Nought now, ready to crack open whenever the moment calls for a little heat.
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