Introducing Milton Neighbor, Kristina Tsipouras: Creator of ZOOS Greek Iced Tea

This summer, iced tea loving Milton Neighbors are savoring the Greek beverage of choice, ZOOS iced tea, created by young entrepreneur and Milton resident, Kristina Tsipouras.

Kristina grew up in Newton, but as a child and well into adulthood, she spent most summers at her grandparents’ (Yia-Yia and Pa-Pou) in Thessaloniki, Greece. While there, she would feast on the rich, healthy Greek diet, and enjoy local, fresh “mountain tea.” She would always bring extra back to the U.S., as the tea was nowhere to be found stateside.

In 2007, Kristina graduated from Stetson University and dove into event planning  immediately following graduation. She started her career at Creative Events, Inc. in Boston, where she worked with many high profile clients ranging from President Bill Clinton, to Queen Latifah. In 2010, Kristina moved to New York City to fulfill her dream of specializing in the social events industry. She managed several multi-million dollar weddings, and hosted the largest wedding planning convention in Manhattan with Martha Stewart Weddings.

They say that necessity is the mother of invention. In Kristina’s case, burnout from her position at the Manhattan firm led her to a much-needed 2012 retreat to her second home in Thessaloniki Greece. There, she was able to relax, feasting on the fresh Mediterranean cuisine, and sipping mountain tea.

On one of the last days of her trips, she and her Yia-Yia were relaxing on the porch overlooking the mountains and enjoying their favorite tea. Yia-Yia would always put mountain tea over ice in the hot summer months. Dreading the return to her high-stress career, she looked at her Yia-Yia and had her A-Ha! moment: Greek iced-tea!

 “From Milton Marketplace to the neighbors on our block, the entire town is so warm and friendly. Milton really is a tight community.”

Later that year, she moved home to Boston and googled how to start a beverage company. ZOOS launched in stores in 2013.

When I asked, “Why Milton?,” Kristina responded, “From Milton Marketplace to the neighbors on our block, the entire town is so warm and friendly. Milton really is a tight community.”

Today, ZOOS is gaining traction while Kristina works on her new project, Busy Girl Brand. ZOOS iced teas are available at Wegman’s, Roche Brothers, and many independent stores. ZOOS comes in three flavors: original, lemon, and peach, and it has no additives, preservatives, or caffeine.