City Hive Releases Alcohol Shopping AI Assistant Tipsy Bot

City Hive, a digital commerce platform for the wine, beer and spirits industry, has unveiled Tipsy Bot, an AI assistant designed for the alcohol industry.

“The alcohol industry represents one of the last major retail categories to receive sophisticated AI-powered shopping assistance,” says Roi Kliper, CEO of City Hive. “We’re not just launching a product – we’re demonstrating how technology can strengthen rather than replace the local retailer relationship. Consumers get expert guidance and convenience, while independent stores gain access to sophisticated tools typically reserved for major chains.”

The platform is meant to serve four consumer needs: Party planners requiring multiple bottle selections for entertaining; Curious browsers seeking inspiration and education about wines, spirits and cocktails; Last-minute shoppers needing immediate local availability for gifts or recipes; and enthusiasts looking for hard-to-find bottles, craft spirits or quality alternatives for specific cocktails.

The timing reflects broader consumer behavior shifts toward AI-assisted shopping and growing preference for supporting local businesses, the company says. Wine and spirits purchasing often relies on personal recommendations and trusted relationships, particularly in categories where expertise, curation and recipe knowledge matter significantly.

“Traditional alcohol discovery has relied on fragmented experiences: review apps like Vivino provide wine ratings but no purchase path, while cocktail apps suggest recipes without sourcing ingredients locally,” the company says. “Major retailers offer limited selection focused on their own inventory. Independent wine shops and alcohol retailers, despite offering superior curation and expertise, have struggled to compete with the convenience and discovery tools available to larger chains.”

City Hive’s network spans independent retailers across 44 states. This system specifically supports independent wine shops, liquor stores and specialty retailers.

Planned developments include enhanced personalization, expanded product coverage and deeper integration with retailer operations, according to the company. The goal is creating a comprehensive ecosystem where AI sophistication serves both consumer convenience and independent business success. The launch timing ahead of the October-November-December peak buying season positions participating retailers to leverage AI-powered discovery during the year’s most critical sales period, from holiday entertaining to gift-giving occasions.

“We’re witnessing the intersection of two major trends: AI adoption in shopping and renewed appreciation for local business relationships,” says Kliper. “Tipsy Bot proves these trends can be complementary rather than competitive. Technology enhances rather than replaces the human expertise that makes independent wine shops special.”

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