18.21 Bitters

What 18.21 Bitters does

18.21 Bitters is a craft cocktail mixer company founded in 2014 by Kristin Wingfield and Missy Koefod during Atlanta's Snowpocalypse. The company is headquartered in Tucker, Georgia, with products carried across 48 U.S. states and 6 countries after a decade of operation. It produces a portfolio of premium bitters (seven core SKUs including Barrel Aged Havana&Hide, Baltimore, Earl Grey, Grapefruit Lavender, Japanese Chili and Lime, Prohibition Aromatic, and Tart Cherry and Saffron, plus a limited-edition Bourbon Vanilla collaboration), drinking vinegars/shrubs, rich cocktail syrups, and concentrates such as Spicy Ginger Beer and Small Batch Tonic Syrup made with Peruvian cinchona bark. All products are handcrafted from fresh, natural ingredients and sold as concentrates designed for low dosage (approximately 32 cocktails per 4oz bottle). Distribution is dual-channel: direct-to-consumer via 1821bitters.com and wholesale to on-premise accounts, supplemented by a professional Cocktail & Menu Development service for bars, restaurants, hotels, and event spaces.

The business model combines one-time product sales (bitter, syrup, shrub, and tonic bottles priced $20–$25; themed gift sets from $45 to $140; $25–$100 digital gift cards) with a higher-margin professional services revenue stream from custom cocktail and N/A menu design and staff training. Customers split into two segments: a primary B2B segment of bars, restaurants, hotels, and event spaces seeking differentiated beverage programs, and a secondary DTC segment of home bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts; the company also layers a holiday gifting motion via spirit-themed and non-alcoholic gift sets. Marketing is content-led, centered on an extensive recipe library, an email newsletter, and Instagram presence, with early commercial traction won through in-person "suitcase sales" to Atlanta-area bars.

Operationally, the company has remained small (1–10 employees) and bootstrapped, with the only disclosed capital event being a ~$273,801 Kickstarter-style funding event recorded in December 2020. There is no evidence of institutional venture or private equity investment, parent company, or subsidiary structure, and ownership remains concentrated with the two co-founders who retain operational and brand leadership after ten years.

Name

18.21 Bitters

Legal name

18.21 Bitters

Website

https://1821bitters.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

18.21 Bitters is a craft cocktail mixer company founded in 2014 in Atlanta (now headquartered in Tucker, GA) that handcrafts bitters, shrubs, syrups, and concentrates for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, selling direct-to-consumer online and via wholesale to bars, restaurants, hotels, and event spaces across 48 states and 6 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Craft Cocktail Mixers

NAICS

Beverage Manufacturing (3121)

SIC

Beverages (2080), Miscellaneous Food Preparations & Kindred Products (2090), Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180)

akta.pro primary industry

Alcoholic Beverage Mixers & Cocktail Ingredients Brands (Non-alcoholic) (CRADAIAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cocktail Mixes & Alcoholic Beverage Bases (non-alcoholic mixers, RTD spirit bases) (AFAFAGAH), Beverage Concentrates, Syrups & Mixers Wholesale (AFAIAGAF)

Keywords

• Craft cocktail bitters
• Drinking vinegar shrubs
• Cocktail mixer syrups
• Ginger beer concentrates
• Non-alcoholic mixers

Headquarters

HQ city

Atlanta

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Direct Product Sales: Sells handcrafted cocktail bitters, shrubs, syrups, ginger beer, tonics, and gift sets directly to consumers through e-commerce website and wholesale to bars and restaurants
2. Cocktail & Menu Development Services: Provides custom cocktail and N/A menu development services for bars, restaurants, hotels and event spaces, including concept development, flavor innovation, and staff training
3. Gift Cards: Digital gift cards sold in denominations of $25, $50, $75, and $100 with no expiration

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

18.21 Bitters crafts and sells premium handcrafted cocktail mixers including craft bitters, drinking vinegars/shrubs, rich cocktail syrups, and concentrated ginger beer and tonic syrups, using fresh, natural ingredients with balanced flavor profiles. The company also provides professional cocktail and menu development services for bars, restaurants, hotels, and event spaces worldwide. Products are sold direct-to-consumer through e-commerce and via wholesale to hospitality operators.

Product overview

18.21 Bitters is a craft cocktail mixer company that crafts premium cocktail bitters, shrubs, syrups, old fashioned tonic, ginger beer, and cocktail mixers using fresh ingredients and balanced flavor profiles. The company offers a portfolio of seven core bitter varieties (Barrel Aged Havana&Hide, Baltimore, Earl Grey, Grapefruit Lavender, Japanese Chili and Lime, Prohibition Aromatic, and Tart Cherry+Saffron), five drinking vinegars/shrubs (Apple Cardamom, Blackberry Peppercorn, Blood Orange+Ginger, Watermelon Mint, and Whiskey Soaked Cherry), six rich cocktail syrups (Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix, Holiday, Hibiscus, Jalapeno Lime+Cilantro, Lavender Sea Salt, Lemon Basil, Rosemary Sage), two carbonated mixers (Spicy Ginger Beer Concentrate and Small Batch Tonic Syrup), thirteen themed gift sets targeted at specific spirit preferences (whiskey, tequila/mezcal, vodka, rum, gin, and non-alcoholic), gift cards, and professional cocktail & menu development services. The company was founded in 2014 during Atlanta's Snowpocolypse and is headquartered in Tucker, Georgia.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Barrel Aged Havana&Hide Bitters Barrel aged in charred oak, these bitters deliver rich, earthy flavors evoking leather and cigar leaf with notes of sandalwood, chicory, clove, vanilla, and cocoa. Pairs with whiskey, scotch, and bourbon.
• Baltimore Bitters Celery-forward bitters inspired by crab boils and Old Bay seasoning, designed for cocktails calling for celery bitters and superb in a Bloody Mary.
• Earl Grey Bitters Bergamot-forward tea-flavored bitters with layers of vanilla notes. Excellent in gin, bourbon, whiskey, or amaro.
• Grapefruit Lavender Bitters Citrus-forward bitters with ruby red grapefruit peel for brightness and French lavender on the back end. Pairs with gin, vodka, champagne, and tequila.
• Japanese Chili and Lime Bitters The spiciest bitters with back notes of citrus and a smoky element. Designed for a spicy margarita or Bloody Mary.
• Prohibition Aromatic Bitters Classic aromatic bitters with warm baking spices including clove, allspice, and nutmeg, plus back notes of vanilla and black currants.
• Tart Cherry and Saffron Bitters Saffron-forward bitters with tart cherry on the finish and notes of honey. Versatile with both gin and whiskey.
• Limited Edition Bourbon Vanilla Bitters Limited edition collaboration with Edmonds Honor Bourbon paying tribute to Edmond Albius. Vanilla-forward with notes of bergamot and sarsaparilla for Old Fashioneds, Black Manhattans, and Agave spirits.
• Apple Cardamom Shrub Vinegar-based mixer made with apple cider vinegar, gala apples, and green cardamom. Pairs well with botanical gin, elderflower, and brandy.
• Blackberry Peppercorn Shrub Balsamic vinegar-based mixer with fresh blackberries and whole black peppercorn. Rich and earthy, pairs with darker spirits and works as a marinade.
• Blood Orange+Ginger Shrub Multi-vinegar shrub blended with fresh blood orange and spicy ginger. Complex and balanced, pairs with all spirits.
• Watermelon Mint Shrub White vinegar-based shrub with slightly sweet watermelon on the front and clean mint flavor on the back end. Pairs with both light and dark spirits.
• Whiskey Soaked Cherry Shrub Limited edition shrub made with white balsamic vinegar and cherries soaked in high proof whiskey. Pairs with all spirits, especially whiskey.
• Spicy Ginger Beer Concentrate Concentrate made with real ginger, cane sugar, citrus, and black peppercorn. Splash with soda water for fresh ginger beer or use as a spicy syrup.
• Small Batch Tonic Syrup Handcrafted in small batches with all-natural ingredients including real Peruvian cinchona bark for quinine, cane sugar, spices, and citrus. Bright amber color.
• Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix Blend of coffee, vanilla, and cocoa syrup with brown sugar base combined with Barrel Aged Havana+Hide bitters. Just add to bourbon, whiskey, or scotch.
• Holiday Syrup Rich and aromatic syrup with fresh cranberry, orange peel, rosemary, and clove for holiday cocktails and desserts.
• Hibiscus Rich Simple Syrup Jammy, slightly floral and tart syrup with back notes of fresh orange. Pairs with champagne, vodka, rum, and tequila; substitutes for grenadine.
• Jalapeño, Lime, Cilantro Rich Simple Syrup Spicy syrup with bold heat from jalapeños, finishing with bright citrus and cilantro on the nose. Pairs with gin, vodka, tequila, and mezcal.
• Lavender and French Sea Salt Rich Simple Syrup Unusual sweet, salty, and floral syrup that makes an excellent margarita and pairs with botanical gins and vodka.
• Lemon Basil Rich Simple Syrup Most versatile syrup, light and citrusy with aromatic fresh sweet basil. Pairs with all spirits, lightens bourbon in spring or creates a citrus-forward martini with vodka.
• Rosemary Sage Rich Simple Syrup Aromatic and herbaceous syrup for bourbon Old Fashioneds and botanical gin French 75 variations.
• Stock Your Bar Gift Set - Expert Premium gift set for cocktail enthusiasts with everything to make craft gin+tonics, mules, mezcalitas, daiquiris, spicy margaritas, southside, and other classics. Includes limited edition collaborative bitters with Edmonds Honor Bourbon.
• Ultimate Whiskey Lovers Gift Set Gift set for Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, and riffs on classics. Includes Limited Edition Whiskey Soaked Cherry Shrub, Lemon Basil Syrup, Prohibition Aromatic Bitters, and Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix.
• Tequila/Mezcal Lovers Gift Set Gift set for Spicy Margarita, Mezcalita, or Paloma. Includes Jalapeño Lime+Cilantro syrup, Blood orange+ginger shrub, Hibiscus Syrup, and Japanese Chili+Lime bitters.
• Stock Your Bar Gift Set - Classics Gift set for Old Fashioned, Spicy Margarita, Dirty Martini, Manhattans, and Sazeracs.
• The Ultimate Craft Cocktail Gift Set Complete set with syrups, shrubs, and bitters. Includes Blackberry Peppercorn Shrub, Lavender Sea Salt Syrup, Sour Tonic Concentrate, Ginger Beer Concentrate, and 3-1 oz assorted bitters including Edmonds Honor Bourbon Vanilla Bitters.
• Vodka Lovers Gift Set Gift set for Spritz's, Martinis, and French 75's. Includes Lemon Basil Syrup, Lavender Sea Salt Syrup, and Grapefruit Lavender Bitters.
• Rum Lovers Gift Set Gift set for Hibiscus daiquiri and Old Cuban. Includes Hibiscus Syrup, Rosemary Sage Syrup, and Prohibition Aromatic Bitters.
• Gin Lovers Gift Set Gift set for gin enthusiasts. Includes Lavender Sea Salt syrup, Watermelon Mint Shrub, and Tart Cherry+Saffron Bitters.
• N/A Herbal Gift Set Non-alcoholic herbal gift set with Rosemary Sage Syrup and Watermelon Mint shrub for cooking, baking, and N/A cocktails with recipe cards included.
• N/A Winter Spice Gift Set Non-alcoholic winter set with Holiday Syrup (cranberry, clove, rosemary+orange) and Apple Cardamom shrub plus N/A cocktail recipe cards.
• N/A Citrus Gift Set Non-alcoholic citrus-forward set with Lemon Basil Syrup and Blood orange+ginger shrub for cooking, baking, and N/A cocktails with recipe cards included.
• Three Pack 1 oz Bitters Box of 3-1 oz 18.21 Bitters including limited edition Bourbon Vanilla Bitters collaboration with Edmonds Honor Bourbon.
• Digital Gift Card Digital gift card that creates a unique code for the recipient to apply at checkout. Available in $25, $50, $75, and $100 denominations with no expiration.
• Cocktail & Menu Development Service Professional cocktail and non-alcoholic menu development service for bars, restaurants, hotels, and event spaces worldwide. Includes concept development, flavor innovation, and staff training.

Quantifiable outcome

• Each 4 oz bottle makes approximately 32 cocktails at recommended 1/2 oz serving size
• +1 more outcomes

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Edmonds Honor BourbonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLimited edition collaboration producing Bourbon Vanilla Bitters that pay tribute to Edmond Albius and his unique story of hand pollinating vanilla at age 12. These bitters feature vanilla forward notes with bergamot and sarsaparilla, designed for Old Fashioneds, Black Manhattans, and Agave spirits.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Bittermens Bitters: Small-batch craft cocktail bitters brand known for unconventional, chef-driven flavor profiles (e.g., Xocolatl Mole, Orange Cream Citrate). Closely matches 18.21's handcrafted, premium-positioning, flavor-forward craft bitters strategy for bartenders and enthusiasts.
• Powell & Mahoney: Craft cocktail mixer brand offering tonics, ginger beers, and cocktail mixers for retail and foodservice. Comparable to 18.21 on craft mixer product mix and multi-channel distribution into bars, restaurants, and grocery.
• Liber & Co. Austin-based craft cocktail syrup and mixer producer with a specialty focus on premium syrups, cordials and shrubs for bars and home enthusiasts. Directly comparable to 18.21 on the rich syrups and shrubs portfolio and the DTC-plus-wholesale GTM motion.
• Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. Charleston-based craft cocktail mixer brand offering small-batch tonic, simple syrups, and maraschino cherries with a heritage storytelling identity. Directly comparable to 18.21 on premium craft mixers, brand narrative, and DTC-plus-wholesale GTM into bars and specialty retail.
• Stirrings: Established craft cocktail mixer brand with broad SKU coverage including bitters, simple syrups, and rimmer products sold through retail and on-premise. Comparable to 18.21 on the multi-format craft mixer portfolio and bar/retail customer base.
• Fee Brothers: Rochester, NY-based manufacturer of classic cocktail bitters, syrups, and brines for professional and home bartenders. Directly comparable to 18.21 Bitters as a multi-format bitters and mixer brand serving the same craft cocktail use cases across bars and home consumers.
• Scrappy's Bitters: Seattle-based small-batch cocktail bitters producer focused on natural ingredients and aromatic, bartender-driven flavor profiles. Highly comparable to 18.21 on craft bitters craftsmanship, premium pricing, and professional bartender customer base.
• Hella Cocktail Co. NYC-based craft bitters and mixer brand built around "better-for-you" ingredients and a strong bar program heritage. Closely comparable to 18.21 on craft mixer positioning, B2B bar focus, and DTC consumer marketing.

Broad incumbents

• Angostura: Iconic bitters and rum producer with global distribution and dominant aromatic bitters share. Comparable as the broad incumbent defining the cocktail bitters category that 18.21 competes within across retail and bar channels.
• Q Mixers: Premium tonic and mixer brand with strong retail and on-premise presence and significantly more capital than most craft peers. Comparable to 18.21 on craft mixer positioning and bar/restaurant distribution, but operates at substantially larger scale and breadth.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/1821bitters
• Facebookfacebook.com/1821bitters
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/18.21-bitters

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about 18.21 Bitters