Strongwater

The name comes from "strongwater shops," the historic term for establishments selling herbal preparations, and the range builds on that tradition. Products are made using whole-plant infusions of real fruits, vegetables, herbs and botanicals: gentian root, bittering herbs, citrus, cinnamon and capsicum are among more than 40 ingredients drawn on across the range. Rocky Mountain water, re-mineralised at source, serves as the base. The brand sources its botanicals as locally and ethically as possible and keeps packaging minimal.

Production takes place in a 5,000-square-foot facility in Denver. Syrups are made by balancing whole plant extracts with pure sugar in small batches; sparkling drinks are carbonated using a Charmat Tank to deliver champagne-like bubbles.

Strongwater positions itself as an apothecary for the cocktail-curious, aimed at drinkers who want more flavour, function, and presence from what they pour. The brand began as a hobby that found commercial footing after bartenders described the early bitters as some of the best they had encountered. The business has grown an average of a hundred percent every year for seven years and now counts more than 300 accounts in Colorado alone. Two of its drinks have picked up awards, and the brand backs its range with a 30-day money-back guarantee.