Sipping Success: For Bitter For Worse joins Rev
Meet the New Rev Member For Bitter For Worse
For Bitter For Worse crafts bold, love-infused cocktails—without the alcohol. Through a unique “reverse bootlegging” process, they create rich, full-bodied flavors without relying on lab-made additives, keeping every sip natural and authentic. Not to mention, For Bitter For Worse was named both a finalist and a $250,000 prize winner in the 2024 Grow-NY competition!
What is the “origin story” behind your company?
I was always the “designated bartender” for my social crew. I had a neurological reaction to a whale-watching trip and was eventually diagnosed with a rare disease with a fancy French name: Mal Debarquement. I broke up with booze to protect my brain health, and that’s when I learned that most mocktails are weak, overly sweet, and full of sketchy ingredients. We launched For Bitter For Worse in Spring, 2020.
What customer need is your company attempting to address?
Having drinks is up there with breaking bread in our culture: it’s how we connect, celebrate, and commiserate. People who are abstaining can feel marginalized. For Bitter For Worse provides a delicious, occasion-appropriate, and healthful alternative to alcoholic beverages.
Do you have any recent company milestones or accomplishments you would like to share?
We recently hit $1.7M in total revenue since our 2020 launch. We also hit break-even!
Where do you envision your company a year from now? 5 years from now?
In a year I envision us as a vibrant contributor to the Finger Lakes community, building our brand and growing our distribution network. In five years, we’ll be a national brand with a flagship Ithaca distillery, tasting room, and event space.
How will Grow-NY impact your business?
The Grow NY pitch competition has helped me build relationships in the region and strengthen my pitching skills. Being a winner has opened doors to additional funding and introduced us to a community that is eager to help our business thrive in the Finger Lakes region.