When Strongwater launched, it wasn’t chasing a trend — it was following a purpose. Rooted in herbalism, bartending culture, and a deep respect for ritual, the Denver-based brand quietly carved out its own lane with a line of craft mixers and bitters. But with the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards naming its Aperitif Spritz the Non-Alcoholic Product of the Year, Strongwater has stepped confidently into the spotlight. We spoke with Kyle West, Beverage Engineer at Strongwater, to uncover the story behind the win, the bold botanical approach behind the Spritz, and what it means to create drinks that aren't simply substitutes, but experiences in their own right.

Image: Kyle West, Beverage Engineer at Strongwater.

Congratulations on winning Non-Alcoholic of the Year. How do you plan to build on this momentum, both in terms of marketing and consumer awareness?

Winning Non-Alcoholic of the Year is a powerful validation of the vision we've had for Strongwater since day one. To craft elevated, botanically inspired beverages for every kind of drinker. We're using this moment to deepen our brand storytelling through strategic marketing campaigns that highlight the artistry and intention behind the Aperitif Spritz. From consumer tastings and social media storytelling to trade education and content partnerships, our focus is on celebrating what makes our Spritz unique while inviting new audiences into the world of sophisticated non-alcoholic sipping. We’re also investing in retailer and on-premise activations to drive trial and reinforce the message that non-alcoholic beverages can be just as nuanced, festive, and experiential as their traditional counterparts

Image: Aperitif Spritz, the Non-Alcoholic Spirit of the Year at the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards.

Where is the Aperitif Spritz currently available, in terms of retail, on-premise accounts, and online? Are there any key chains, independents, or restaurant groups you’re working with, and do you have expansion plans beyond the US?

Currently, the Aperitif Spritz is available nationwide online through our website, Amazon, and select e-commerce partners, including Faire Wholesale. We have retail placements in key independents and boutique bottle shops across the U.S., and we’re rapidly expanding into premium grocery chains and natural food markets. On-premise, we’re proud to be served in several forward-thinking restaurant groups and cocktail bars that are leading the charge in alcohol-free mixology, such as distributed by Classic Beverage CO (Colorado), Maverick Beverage Company  (IL), Bonded Beverage  (MO), Quench Fine Wines  (NE), Handcrafted Wine and Spirits (KS). International interest is growing, especially from markets like the UK, Australia, and parts of Asia where aperitivo culture is strong and non-alcoholic demand is rising. Expansion beyond the U.S. is definitely in the pipeline as we scale up production and distribution partnerships.

Who are you seeing as the core audience for this product? And how do you position the Aperitif Spritz to appeal to both sober-curious drinkers and the more traditional aperitif crowd?

We’re seeing a powerful convergence of audiences embracing the Aperitif Spritz. On one side, there’s the sober-curious and mindful drinking community seeking complexity and connection without the alcohol. On the other hand, a growing segment of traditional aperitif lovers who crave bold, bitter-forward flavors, whether it’s for a weeknight ritual or a celebratory brunch.

At Strongwater, we blend alchemy and artistry to craft drinks that make every moment worth celebrating. The Aperitif Spritz embodies this vision. A sophisticated, non-alcoholic option that delivers the same depth, nuance, and occasion as any classic cocktail. It’s part of our commitment to creating potions for the people—inclusive, beautifully made beverages designed for anyone, anytime.

Our mission is to create a ripple effect of revelry and rebellion, through drinks brewed for every moment. The Spritz isn’t just an alternative, it’s a statement. A drink that invites everyone to slow down, savor, and celebrate on their own terms.

Image: Aperitif lovers.

What role do your importer and retail partners play in your growth strategy? How do you support them in telling the Strongwater story and driving sell-through?

We are not currently working with any importers at this moment. However, we’re excited for those relationships to be right around the corner. Our retail partners aren’t just moving boxes, they’re moving the culture forward. They’re the gatekeepers, the matchmakers, the ones who help get the right potion into the right hands at the right time.

We give them more than a sales sheet; we hand them a story. Assets with attitude. Training that inspires. Tools that speak with swagger. We collaborate closely to make sure every shelf, every backbar, every point-of-sale moment whispers (or shouts), “This is something different.”

These relationships are how we grow, not by chasing volume, but by building belief. Because when your drink has a mission and your partners feel like co-conspirators… That’s when the magic happens.

Tell us a bit about the Spritz itself — what makes it stand out in a competitive non-alcoholic category? Are there any particular ingredients, techniques, or inspirations behind its creation that set it apart?

Let’s be honest: the non-alcoholic shelf is getting crowded. But the Aperitif Spritz doesn’t try to fit in. It was built to stand out. Bright, bitter, botanical, and unapologetically bold, all while being perfectly balanced. 

Inspired by our love for both a great Negroni before a memorable meal and an Aperol Spritz on a warm and sunny day. This isn’t a knockoff of either, yet a beverage that has blended the qualities of both and accompanies either situation perfectly. It’s a real potion with a real purpose. Starting with our re-mineralized water, we brew with intention and care, layering gentian root and bittering herbs with citrus, a hint of cinnamon, and a touch of capsicum. Finishing with a perfect amount of effervescence. Together, unfolding like a well-told secret.. The result? A drink that hits like golden hour in a glass. Bitter, bright, and begging to be sipped before the ice even settles.

Image: Strongwater Aperitif Spritz.

Strongwater has its roots in botanicals and craft mixers. How has the company evolved, and how does the Aperitif Spritz reflect your broader philosophy as a brand?

Strongwater started in the backroom, in the wilds, in the spaces between science and ceremony. We made bitters with purpose, mixers with a mission.  Potions that healed, stirred, and sparked conversation. Now? We’ve stepped into our own. The Aperitif Spritz is the next evolution — a ready-to-drink ritual that’s all grown up but still full of mystery. It’s a toast to our roots, a nod to our botanical obsession, and a celebration of what happens when herbal heritage meets modern-day revelry.

Through it all, our philosophy hasn’t changed: make it with intention, pour it with pride, and share it like a secret. We’re still crafting potions for the people,  just in bigger batches, with a little more swagger.

Sustainability is a key concern for many producers and consumers alike. What are you doing in this area — whether in packaging, sourcing, or business practices?

Here’s the thing: it’s not just about what’s in the can, it’s about how it got there. We think sustainability should be silent but steady, like a good base note. It doesn’t need to shout, but it should hold the whole thing up.

We made the decision to put a premium beverage inside an aluminum can for the infinite recyclability of aluminum. We keep packaging minimal, and source as locally and ethically as we can. The botanicals we love? We treat them like the rare treasures they are. And we partner with production teams who think regeneration is sexy. Because it is! 

At the end of the day, we’re not here for fast and flashy. We’re here to build a future,  one sip, one system, one small, smart decision at a time. Sustainability is just another word for respect,  for the earth, for the craft, and for the people we serve.

Finally, can you give us a glimpse of what’s next — either in terms of new products, markets, or innovations on the horizon?

We’re always evolving — not for the sake of trend, but in pursuit of purpose. What’s next? More drinks that do more. We’re expanding our lineup with seasonally inspired creations that speak to time, place, and mood — whether it’s a crisp herbal cooler for the late afternoon sun or something a little cozier to ease into the evening.

We’re focused on crafting low-sugar, botanically forward beverages that feel good in your body and even better in your glass. No filler, no fuss — just intention in every drop. These are potions designed to move with you: from morning ritual to nightcap, from workday to weekend.

Wherever your day takes you, we want to be in your bag, on your bar cart, and in your glass — a quiet companion or a celebratory centerpiece. Because at Strongwater, we don’t just make drinks. Because at Strongwater, we’re not chasing trends, we’re crafting potions for the people, ready for wherever the day takes you.

Image: Some of the winning brands from Strongwater at the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards. View all winning products.

Conclusion

Strongwater’s win at the Bartender Spirits Awards marks a defining moment in its evolution. The Aperitif Spritz reflects more than a successful product launch — it captures the brand’s commitment to thoughtful formulation, layered flavor, and an inclusive drinking experience. With new markets on the horizon and a continued focus on botanical innovation, Strongwater is building a category of its own, where every drink carries intention and every detail has purpose.

In conversation with Malvika Patel, Editor and VP, Beverage Trade Network

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