About
Jill Burns is the co-founder of Austin Cocktails, a woman-owned spirits brand that was inspired by her family’s farmland traditions, supported by angel investors, and acquired in 2022 by Constellation Brands the #1 total beverage alcohol company in the U.S.
After decades working in sports marketing and public relations, Jill teamed up with her sister, Kelly, to fulfill their dream of designing natural, bar-quality cocktails in a convenient can that would stand out among the artificial flavors and syrupy spirits dominating the market. They learned hard work and high standards by spending summers at their grandfather’s farm in Minnesota, values that continue to drive Jill’s business career and company today.
In its early days, Austin Cocktails was awarded one of the largest rounds of funding by Central Texas Angel Network and became the Ardagh Group’s first beverage investment. Constellation’s purchase of Austin Cocktails made it one of the few women-owned beverage brands fully to receive corporate venture funding that year.
Before launching Austin Cocktails, Jill led her own marketing firm, elevating and communicating on behalf of NFL stars, Olympians, innovative startups, and household-name brands. She began her career working with legendary agent Leigh Steinberg and for celebrated professional athletes at his premier sports agency,Steinberg and Moorad.
Jill serves on The United Way’s Women of Tocqueville Society, the board of YPO Dallas Gold, and is a former board member of the First Tee.
When she isn’t searching for a new flavor or spending time with her husband, two sons, she gives back by inspiring and mentoring the next generation of female entrepreneurs.
Jill graduated from Santa Clara university where she was captain of the women’s golf team.