We never set out to revolutionize how people socialize. In truth, GIÓ was born out of necessity—for ourselves. My name is Ouadie Akaaboune, and together with my dear friend and co-founder, Mark Mettauer, we spent decades mastering our crafts. With a PhD in accounting and over twenty years in the financial world, my days began before dawn and often stretched late into the night. Mark, a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon for more than twenty-five years, lived perpetually on call, holding hearts—literally—in his hands.

Our demanding careers left little space for foggy mornings or sluggish recoveries after social gatherings. We couldn’t afford hangovers or brain fog when clarity and precision were non-negotiable. Yet we are social beings—we love connecting, laughing, and celebrating life’s moments with the people we care about.

Mark often shared sobering stories from his operating room—patients whose hearts carried the long-term consequences of alcohol consumption. He had seen firsthand the toll drinking takes on human health, reminding us constantly that our social choices carried weight beyond the moment. For us, alcohol came at too high a cost. While it might bring a temporary sense of ease, it left behind headaches, fatigue, disturbed sleep, and harm to long-term well-being. We faced the dilemma of wanting to embrace the joy of socializing while refusing to compromise our health or our ability to perform.

The turning point came during a Mediterranean getaway with friends. Sitting on a sun-drenched beach, we laughed at the irony: we were accomplished professionals who became genuinely entertaining when we loosened up, but we rarely allowed ourselves that freedom. “You know what’s frustrating?” I said to Mark. “We’re actually more fun when we drink, but we can’t do it regularly without consequences.” Mark paused, his surgeon’s mind already working. “Why isn’t there something that gives you that same social ease and good vibes—but is actually beneficial for your health instead of destructive?”
 That question sparked everything.

On that beach we made a pact: to create something that didn’t exist. We wanted a beverage that delivered the confidence and joyful buzz of social drinking, without the health compromises or next-day regret. Mark brought his deep medical knowledge and understanding of human physiology, while I contributed resourcefulness and global connections from years of international business.

What followed were two years of relentless research and experimentation. We traveled widely, studied traditional medicine, spoke with neuroscientists, and tested countless botanical compounds. Most attempts failed—formulas that tasted terrible, combinations that had no effect, or blends that worked but carried side effects. Each failure was another step closer to success.

On that beach we made a pact: to create something that didn’t exist. We wanted a beverage that delivered the confidence and joyful buzz of social drinking, without the health compromises or next-day regret. Mark brought his deep medical knowledge and understanding of human physiology, while I contributed resourcefulness and global connections from years of international business.


What followed were two years of relentless research and experimentation. We traveled widely, studied traditional medicine, spoke with neuroscientists, and tested countless botanical compounds. Most attempts failed—formulas that tasted terrible, combinations that had no effect, or blends that worked but carried side effects. Each failure was another step closer to success.

At first, GIÓ was just for us—two busy professionals who wanted to enjoy social life without sacrificing our health or performance. But when we shared it with friends and colleagues, the response was overwhelming. Everyone wanted to know: “Where can I get this?”

We quickly realized this was bigger than us. We had discovered an answer to a challenge millions of people face: the desire to connect, celebrate, and enjoy life without compromising their well-being. That realization transformed a personal solution into a company—Drink GIÓ.

We believe everyone deserves to feel their best while enjoying life’s social moments. Whether you’re a surgeon who needs steady hands for tomorrow’s operation, an entrepreneur preparing for a crucial presentation, a parent wanting to be fully present, or simply someone who values health and performance—GIÓ offers freedom without compromise.
With GIÓ you can feel the perfect social buzz, connect authentically, dance until the music stops, and still wake up ready to perform at your highest level. No regrets, no recovery time, no health consequences—just pure, guilt-free enjoyment.

We created GIÓ for people like us: ambitious, health-conscious individuals who refuse to choose between having fun and feeling their best. Welcome to the future of socializing. Welcome to GIÓ.