Charleston’s locally made beverage scene is growing, bringing premium drinks straight to your glass and filling the shelves of local stores and local restaurants. Get to know the brands that were born and raised in the Lowcountry, then find a new local favorite to add to your rotation.

Smiling couple pose together in front of a black metal wall, seated by a rustic barrel; woman in red sweater, man in cap, warm mood. — Co-founders Joe and MariElena met at The Culinary Institute of America. | Photo by Andrew Cebulka

Bittermilk Bottling Co. | “What we’re most proud of about Bittermilk is that it started right here in Charleston, rooted in hospitality and a love for great drinks,” said Joe + MariElena Raya, Co-Founders, Bittermilk Bottling Co.

Following their meeting at The Culinary Institute of America, Joe and MariElena returned to Charleston, where they launched The Gin Joint. The pair says guests were asking how to make the cocktails at home. They would try the recipes, but the drinks didn’t always turn out the same. The idea to help those guests became Bittermilk.

The brand has grown into a family of brands, including Barcoop Bevy and Tippleman’s syrups. The company sources local and regional makers whenever possible, including Bull Bay Sea Salt, Second State Coffee, and French Broad Chocolate. The company also supports small businesses through boutique co-packing for other brands and their beverage products.

Sunny patio table with a spicy red Bloody Mary, vegetable garnish, Charleston Bloody Mary Mix bottle, and potted plant. — The brand says the support from local partners and customers has helped shape the brand into what it is today. | Photo provided by Charleston Mix

Charleston Mix | Bring a taste of the Lowcountry to your home bar with Charleston Mix’s ready-to-pour cocktail mixers inspired by classic Southern flavors. “We started the company here, we still produce it here, and we created the recipe using staples you’ll find in Lowcountry kitchens and pantries,” said founder Ryan Eleuteri. You can find everything from brunch-time Bloody Marys to margaritas and mojitos.

Write-Off | Charleston’s newest canned specialty martini brand is officially on the market, and just recently launched this summer. Co-founders Lauren Duffy and Josh Reda are College of Charleston alumni. They say the brand aims to offer a cocktail experience at places where making a martini isn't always practical.

55th Avenue Cocktails | Ready to drink and oh so good. This award-winning cocktail brand is known for bar-quality cream-based martinis.

A chilled can of Betty Bene Summer Peach hard kombucha sits on a patio table, with a leafy garden blurred behind it, evoking summer relaxation. — The Summer Peach is the perfect way to end a warm August day. | Photo by Bevi Bene Co.

Bevi Bene Co. | This Charleston-born hard kombucha brand aims to create light, refreshing drinks. “At Bevi Bene, we believe great drinks bring people together. As a family-owned brewery, we craft every beverage in-house using thoughtfully sourced, real ingredients,” said Marissa Carlisle, Bevi Bene Brewing Co. Co-owner.

Tipsy Spritzers | This female-founded brand is churning out award-winning canned spritzers and wine cocktails. No preservatives, and no sickly-sweet glut of sugar — just sparkling mineral water, organic wine and juices, and a delicious experience. Helen Hall and Katie Shields launched their brand in fall 2021 and now offer refreshing spritzers in flavors such as blackberry, grapefruit, and the ever-popular limonata.

A locally made drink sounds great right about now. | Photo by Firefly Distillery

Firefly Distillery | Home of the very first sweet tea-flavored vodka. This Charleston hotspot’s portfolio also includes other tasty vodkas, a maritime-influenced bourbon, and a whopping 10+ flavors of moonshine. You can buy Firefly products retail or visit the distillery itself, where you can listen to live music and nosh on snacks while you sip.