Q Drinks, a carbonated drinks maker, has raised $11m from an equity funding round that is led by US-based First Beverage Group’s private equity business First Beverage Ventures.

Q Drinks manufactures carbonated mixers using natural ingredients. The mixers are packed in custom bottles in order to maintain the carbonation level.

It intends to make use of the proceeds to build on its network at bars, restaurants and key retailers, and to enter into new channels as well as territories.

It also intends to invest in sales and marketing segments and to develop partnerships with liquor brands across the US.

Established in 2007 by founder and CEO Jordan Silbert, Q Drinks offers drinks in eight flavours such as tonic water, ginger beer, ginger ale, and club soda.

First Beverage managing partner Tom First said: "Q Drinks represents another investment into a highly differentiated, game-changing business plan for our private equity division. The Q Drinks team have built an incredible brand that’s poised for tremendous growth.

"The past decade has seen an explosion of higher-end spirits. Better mixers are next – they soon will make up the majority of sales by dollar volume in the category just like premium spirits and waters do in theirs.

"Q Drinks, with the best products in the market and a terrific management team, will be leader in this inevitable premiumization of carbonated mixers."

Silbert said: "People are drinking better spirits and they want better mixers to mix them with. We built an incredible foundation over these past eight years and have a line of truly superior products and a sterling reputation among thought leaders both on and off-premise. This round of financing will empower us to aggressively go after the enormous opportunity in front of us."