Bar worker-turned-entrepreneur Crispin Shingler is hoping for a long hot summer to lick his innovative start-up business into shape. Bath-based Coba Cocktails makes and sells cocktail ice lollies – and Crispin is already gaining interest from wedding planners, party organisers, bars and corporate events for his unique products.
Crispin, a former event planner and mixologist, came up with his cool idea for frozen cocktails-on-a-stick while exploring new ways of serving the drinks. He realised that cocktails have been produced in the same way for decades – it can be time-consuming for bar staff and waiting customers and the outcome can vary depending on the skill of the cocktail-maker. 
Having experimented with several flavours and ingredients, Crispin has created a number of classic cocktails including cosmos, margaritas and white russians which Coba is now marketing in the Bath and Bristol areas. They are made in the traditional way using premium spirits and fresh fruit and frozen in the classic ice lolly shape on sticks.
He also makes cocktail ice pops, non-alcoholic mocktail lollies and will make bespoke cocktail lollies in corporate colours or to a favourite cocktail recipe for special events.
Crispin, who moved to Bath recently after working in London, said Bath was the ideal place to start the business.
After deciding to head west from London, he considered opening a bar in St Ives, Cornwall, but realised he wanted to do something more unusual – and was drawn back to Bath.
Speaking at the launch party held at Bath Cricket Club, he said: “It’s such a creative city and is open to new ideas. It’s also got a great bar and food scene and the business community are very supportive of small start-ups like me. We’ve had a great response.
“I came here with my fiancée Suzi and we fell in love with it so we’ve decided to base ourselves here and run the business.”
