New Hope, Minn. – When Johnna Rossbach became a mother, she decided to show her daughters that hard work and faith can turn a simple idea into a thriving business. Dissatisfied with store‑bought cocktail mixers, Rossbach teamed with designer Megan Sather to create Mixly, a line of fruit‑forward, alcohol‑free mixers made with real ingredients.
From hand‑squeezed limes to a national presence
The first night the duo began work, everything that could go wrong did. Their juicer broke, forcing them to squeeze limes by hand, and a faulty labeler meant they applied every label themselves. Rather than call it a night, they turned up the music and kept going until 3 a.m., cementing a partnership built on determination and a willingness to roll up their sleeves.
Based in New Hope, just outside Minneapolis, Mixly has remained a family‑run operation from the start. The founders self‑funded the venture, refusing outside equity to maintain control and ensure every dollar reflects their values. “We’ve put our own money, time and countless hours into Mixly,” Rossbach said, emphasizing the personal stakes involved.
Alcohol‑free for all occasions
Although the brand began as a cocktail mixer, Rossbach was pregnant during the early months and noticed a growing “sober‑curious” movement. The founders decided the product should serve anyone, whether adding a spirit or pouring over sparkling water. “Let’s make this versatile. Let’s make this for everyone,” Rossbach explained.
Mixly’s recipes rely on fruit, acidity, herbs and bitter botanicals rather than excess sugar. The Bitter Orange Cherry flavor, for example, uses gentian root to add a complex bitter note, proving that a good alcohol‑free drink does not need to apologize for what is missing.
Community feedback fuels innovation
Customers quickly found creative uses for the mixers: some added them to their children’s water for flavor, others used the syrups in cooking and marinades. When Rossbach’s daughters discovered a local dirty‑soda shop, they imagined Mixly flavors could enhance those drinks too. Today, the sisters run a neighborhood stand, showcasing the brand’s flexibility.
Rapid expansion without losing control
In June 2026 the company rebranded from Mixly Cocktail Co. to Mixly Beverage Co., reflecting its broader market reach. Five flavored syrups now appear in 685 Walmart stores, and two holiday kits launched in 1,300 Target locations and online. Mixly reports availability in roughly 4,600 retail locations nationwide, with plans to reach nearly 4,000 stores with its dirty‑soda line by the end of November.
Despite this growth, the founders continue to oversee manufacturing, a decision rooted in their desire to stay true to the brand’s original mission and to protect the family‑centric, faith‑guided ethos that sparked the business.
Looking ahead
Rossbach says the market is finally catching up to the brand’s vision of a flavorful, inclusive beverage that can be enjoyed with or without alcohol. The company remains focused on listening to customers, adjusting recipes, and expanding into new occasions while keeping the core values that inspired the midnight‑oil‑stained kitchen start.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
