Strongwater Cocktail Syrup
Strongwater is a Colorado-based maker of cocktail syrups, bitters, sparkling mixers and non-alcoholic drinks. The company was founded in 2014 by Nick Andresen, who began experimenting with botanical flavors in a garage. Drawing inspiration from his Norwegian and Korean heritage, Andresen combined elements of Scandinavian folk remedies and Asian herbal tonics to create Strongwater’s original line of bitters.
The name Strongwater was inspired by old-fashioned apothecary shops that sold herbal elixirs and medicinal tonics. That apothecary influence continues in the company’s use of herbs, roots, spices, fruit juices and other botanicals. Its cocktail syrups are made by balancing whole-plant extracts with sugar in small batches, rather than relying on artificial flavors or preservatives.
Strongwater’s products are handcrafted in Denver using Rocky Mountain water and flavors inspired by the founders’ travels. The syrups are designed to make well-balanced cocktails easier to prepare, but they can also be used in mocktails, coffee, tea, desserts and other recipes. Popular varieties include its Classic Old Fashioned, Smoked Old Fashioned, Demerara and Simple Syrups.
In 2026, Strongwater was acquired by The Perfect Purée of Napa Valley. The company announced that Strongwater’s products would continue to be manufactured in Colorado while gaining access to a broader national distribution network.
