San Diego's Crafted Cocktails

Who say’s a good cocktail is only for a Friday night after a long week at work? Crafted Cocktails is the secret key that should be in everyone’s alcohol repertoire.

Never sure what to bring to a party or can’t figure out what drinks to serve at you own get-together? Fret no longer! Crafted Cocktails has a whole line of mixers made with all-natural ingredients, including 100% agave nectar. Their mixers, along with the new line of Shrubs, can be added to any spirit to make a fabulous cocktail or your own soda. And get this: they’re low calorie! I got the chance to chat with founder, and local San Diegan Felicia Vieira, and she gave me the inside scoop on everything expertly Crafted (like a) Cocktail.

Can you tell me a bit about yourself and how you got started with Crafted Cocktails?

We use agave in all of my schemes... In mixology, most bartenders use agave because it is a light sweetener. It doesn't make any drink too sweet, and it holds the flavor profile and as a great compliment that mixes with any spirit. So, I set up my first recipe, which is the spicy watermelon, got the formula down, and [finalized] all of the art work...

We looked at the need out there regarding retail spaces and buyers, developing ever since. We have an agave line of six mixes. This most recent year, we've put out a line of shrubs that are also a part of our history––my grandmother actually developed shrubs many years ago––and have these recipes for mixologist as well.

What's the difference between cocktail mixes and shrub mixes?

Cocktail mixes are all-encompassing mixes. They actually have all of the product you would need in order to make a cocktail, and it's more of a streamlined product. We have a mule mix, so it's just like you would get a Moscow mule: it has fresh ginger, lemon, and line. It's a very easy additive.  

A shrub is categorized as a bitter, more simple syrup, and it is a concentrate derived from a vinegar. We use a champagne vinegar, fruit, and agave. It is very concentrated; all you would need is a capful of shrub to add into a cocktail, or you can make it into an all-natural soda, as well... Shrubs are great for home bartenders and mixologists.

What are your top three mixes out of your two different lines?   

I'm gonna say, because it's close to my heart, the Spicy Watermelon, because that's the one I created. I think it's the most complex. It’s funny, because most people gravitate towards our brands––I call them our baseline brands––used to make margaritas and Bloody Marys. I also like the Jalapeño Pineapple and the Mule mixer. And my Asian Pear Shrub––it's my favorite of the four shrubs.

What are some fun drinks that you can make in your kitchen?

The Spicy Watermelon is great; it's really versatile. If you put rum with it, you make a nice mojito. If you add in the Spicy Watermelon with a whiskey or bourbon, it's a really nice Old Fashioned.

The Ginger Shrub makes a really good skinny mule. Add in a capful of the Ginger Shrub along with a nice, clean vodka. Then [add] a little bit of soda water, and you're set!

The Asian Pear... I love a martini with that. It also makes some great, more tropical drinks, like [a] Mai Tai. 

What inspired you to start Crafted Cocktails?

It's the love of entertainment and a better quality of life. I know a lot of retailers, and I am a health conscious shopper. I wanted a simple solution with a high-level product. I wanted to understand and read all of the ingredients on the back––in its purest form, with natural ingredients, and low in calories. I don’t want to be drinking my calories! 

Would you consider this a dream come true?

Yea, it has been growing so fast. I have a great team behind me [in regards to] everything from PR to manufacturers to artwork and labeling. It really comes from my background. Both sides of my family were in the farming industry, so it's about having those natural products and trying to bring those products into the mainstream. It compliments my history. It's really neat to look back and my grandmother made shrubs. My father is a diabetic, and I think that's why I use agave––it's easier to digest for diabetics. I feel good about bringing products to market that are healthy, low in calorie, and natural... I absolutely could not have done it without the people behind me.