Hooch was born from the minds of co-founders Lin Dai and Aleksey Kernes. For years, Dai worked in programming and development for entertainment companies like Alloy Entertainment, the producers behind Gossip Girl. Before that, he founded Kiwibox.com, an early social media website focused on teens that first launched in 1999. When Kernes, who had years of managerial experience at top bars and lounges throughout Manhattan, came up with the idea of a digital drink ticket app, Dai’s tech background made him the perfect partner. In conjunction with Jared Christopherson, co-founder of Yellowhammer Media, they created Hooch.

The app also offers a premium service called Hooch Black, which is an exclusive membership that gives members access to travel perks, preferred dining, celebrity-hosted member events, special cocktail experiences, and more. Approved members get these perks for $295 a year. Hooch Black members also have access to all base features, as well as high-end venues and drinks not available to most Hooch members.