Elevated Mixers was established to enhance the cocktail mixer experience, dedicated to providing premium, all-organic mixers that revolutionize cocktail enjoyment. By employing the cutting-edge HPP cold-press technique, Elevated Mixers preserves the lively, genuine flavors of fresh ingredients. For all cocktail enthusiasts, this offers the ease of home preparation without sacrificing taste, ensuring you can savor professional-quality cocktails anywhere.
Sean Fitzgerald, a Houston native and master mixologist, has always been passionate about creating exceptional cocktails. Starting his bartending journey at just 18, Sean quickly developed a deep interest in mixology. He attended the European Bartender School (EBS) in Copenhagen to hone his skills, earning his certification and refining his craft.
From an early age, Sean became the designated cocktail maker at family events. Although everyone appreciated his carefully prepared drinks, he realized that the effort and time spent squeezing fresh juice and getting the ratios right often kept him from enjoying the festivities. This insight prompted him to develop batch margaritas, enabling him to uphold the same high-quality standards while saving time and relishing the moments. The positive feedback on his cocktails motivated him to share his creations with a larger audience, resulting in the launch of Elevated Mixers.
What inspired you to start Elevated Mixers? Was there a specific experience that sparked the idea?
The inspiration came from a passion for crafting great cocktails at home. I found myself frustrated with the lack of high-quality, natural cocktail mixers that complemented the premium spirits I enjoy. The idea sparked when I realized many mixers on the market were full of artificial ingredients and lacked the craft and complexity of a bartender-made drink. I wanted to create mixers that elevated the home bartending experience while being approachable for everyone.
What gap in the market did you identify, and how does Elevated Mixers address it?
There was a clear gap between overly sweet, artificial mixers and the high-quality, craft-focused drinks people enjoy at bars. Elevated Mixers bridges that gap by offering mixers made with real, organic ingredients and sophisticated flavor profiles. We aim to bring a craft cocktail bar experience into people’s homes in a way that’s effortless and approachable.
How did you come up with the name Elevated Mixers, and what does it represent to you?
The name "Elevated Mixers" reflects the idea of taking something ordinary and raising it to a higher standard. It embodies our mission to elevate the cocktail experience through thoughtful ingredients, exceptional flavors, and a commitment to quality. For me, it’s also about inspiring people to elevate everyday moments with better choices.
What was the process like for developing your mixers? How did you decide on the flavors and ingredients?
The process was a mix of research, trial, and a lot of tasting. I started with classic cocktail profiles but wanted to add a modern twist. For example, our HOPE mixer combines familiar notes like citrus and elderflower with the unexpected richness of honey and pomegranate. We focus on clean, organic ingredients that let the natural flavors shine, balancing complexity with ease of use.
The process of developing Elevated Mixers took about a year and a half and was rooted in a lifelong passion for entrepreneurship and cocktails. My journey began when I attended the European Bartender School in Copenhagen at 18, where I developed a love for crafting cocktails. Later, while studying entrepreneurship in college, I wrote a business plan for a cocktail company, which ultimately became the foundation for Elevated Mixers. After college, I gained valuable industry experience as a territory sales rep for a liquor brand, learning the ins and outs of the alcohol industry. Armed with this knowledge, I revisited my business plan and began building Elevated Mixers.
The development phase started with extensive research—examining cocktail trends, consumer preferences, and flavor innovations in both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage industries. This led to the creation of our initial lineup: five mixers, including three elevated classics (Old Fashioned, Margarita, and Classic Sour) and two unique “creations” (HOPE and Tropical Spice). Our classic mixers were designed to be elevated versions of well-loved cocktails, while the creations were crafted to pair seamlessly with virtually any spirit or non-alcoholic base like club soda, offering limitless versatility.
Once the flavors were conceptualized, I began developing the recipes in my kitchen, spending months perfecting them. When the recipes were ready, I partnered with a food scientist specializing in commercial beverage formulation to refine them for production. The result is the line of fresh, flavorful mixers our customers know and love today.
How do you ensure the quality and consistency of your mixers?
We use the High-Pressure Processing (HPP) method, which preserves the natural flavors and nutrients without heat or preservatives. This ensures a fresh, vibrant taste in every bottle. Additionally, we source premium, organic ingredients and conduct rigorous quality checks at every step—from sourcing to bottling—to maintain consistency.
Who is your target audience, and what strategies do you use to reach them?
Our target audience includes cocktail enthusiasts, home entertainers, and health-conscious consumers who value quality and convenience. We connect with them through social media, sharing cocktail recipes, behind-the-scenes content, and our brand story to build a loyal community. Sampling events and partnerships are also key to our strategy, helping us introduce the brand to new audiences.
As we grow, we’re preparing to expand into retail, making Elevated Mixers even more accessible. While we can’t share exact details just yet, we’re excited about the opportunities ahead to bring our mixers to shelves and into more homes.
How do you differentiate Elevated Mixers from competitors in the beverage industry?
Elevated Mixers stands out as the only cold-pressed organic cocktail mixer on the market. Our commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients ensures that every bottle delivers vibrant, natural flavors without preservatives or artificial additives. This focus on quality has earned our entire product line recognition from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), including our Old Fashioned Mix, which is the only cocktail mixer on the market to receive a Platinum award.
We also differentiate through versatility and craftsmanship. Our mixers are designed to pair seamlessly with any spirit or non-alcoholic base, allowing customers to create bar-quality cocktails at home. Combined with thoughtful packaging and a focus on innovation, Elevated Mixers truly elevates the cocktail experience.
What is one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry?
Start with a clear vision and a deep understanding of your market. Be prepared to adapt, but don’t compromise on your core values. Also, focus on building strong relationships—with your customers, suppliers, and partners. Success in this industry often comes down to authenticity and trust.
Are there any new products or expansions you’re currently working on or excited about?
We’re really excited about the recent release of our Manhattan Mix, which has quickly become one of our top-selling flavors. In addition to that, we've expanded our garnish line with the addition of our “Citrus Cherry Gems,” which complement our Manhattan and Old Fashioned mixes perfectly.
Looking ahead to 2025, we have some big plans in the works, including a number of limited releases that we can’t wait to share with our customers. These new products will continue to build on our commitment to high-quality, fresh mixers and bring even more innovative flavors to the market.
