Ian Blessing & Laura Silverman's Special Collaboration: Cherry Coffee Blast!
The nonalcoholic beverage industry is booming, but many consumers still struggle to find high-quality options that offer the same depth and complexity as traditional cocktails. At the same time, small, independent bottle shops face mounting challenges in competing with larger retailers and educating customers on the value of premium NA products. So, how can craft beverage makers and retailers work together to elevate the experience for NA drinkers while ensuring small businesses thrive?
Ian Blessing, a former sommelier, and Laura Silverman, a longtime advocate for NA options, share their expertise in crafting flavorful, sophisticated drinks that rival their alcoholic counterparts. Ian explains how incorporating ingredients like amaro and bitters helps create a multi-dimensional drinking experience with a beginning, middle, and finish. Laura discusses the importance of community-driven collaborations and the role of independent bottle shops in shaping the NA movement. Together, they emphasize supporting small businesses, experimenting with complex ingredients, and making intentional beverage choices.
In this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Ian Blessing, Co-founder of All The Bitter, and Laura Silverman, Founder of Zero Proof Nation, about the evolution of nonalcoholic beverages and their Cherry Coffee Blast collaboration. They discuss balancing flavors in NA cocktails, connecting consumers with NA-friendly retailers, the growing interest in mindful drinking, and the challenges of pricing NA products.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
[3:17] Laura Silverman and Ian Blessing discuss their first connection in the nonalcoholic beverage space
[6:32] How quitting alcohol led to the creation of All The Bitter
[9:09] Plans for the new All The Bitter Zero Proof Market and Lounge
[13:46] Addressing misconceptions about NA beverage pricing and quality
[17:21] How the Cherry Coffee Blast collaboration came to life
[28:04] Why Cherry Coffee Blast is exclusive to NA retailers and bottle shops
[32:38] Ian talks about balancing family, business, and self-care as an entrepreneur
[36:18] The commitment to giving back: Donating revenue to environmental and addiction recovery causes
[38:55] How to best support independent NA brands and bottle shops
[41:21] Laura reflects on 18 years of sobriety and the mission behind Zero Proof Nation
About Ian Blessing, Laura Silverman and Jeff Litcofsky :
Laura Silverman is the Founder of Zero Proof Nation, one of the only fully comprehensive global resource hubs devoted to a nonalcoholic beverage culture. She got sober at 24, and today, she's a mental health advocate passionate about nonalcoholic beverages. As a serial entrepreneur, Laura is also the Founder of Booze Free in DC, The Sobriety Collective, and LMS Designs and is a Non-Alcoholic Drinks Industry Advisor at The Spearhead Group, Inc. In addition, she is a Web Manager and Podcast Producer at American Purpose.
Ian Blessing is the Co-founder of All The Bitter, a company specializing in handcrafted, alcohol-free cocktail bitters. With over 15 years in the food and beverage industry, he served as a sommelier at renowned establishments such as The French Laundry and Opus One Winery. In 2019, Ian and his wife, Carly, chose to abstain from alcohol, leading them to explore nonalcoholic beverage options. Under his leadership, All The Bitter has won 30+ major spirits awards, including IWSC's No/Low Spirit Producer of the Year, and is featured in top US bars like Death & Co, Trick Dog, and The Violet Hour.
Jeff Litcofsky is the Partner and Chief Operating Officer at Brandartica, a full-service product brand identity agency that delivers distinctive branding and marketing solutions. With decades of experience in the consumer electronics industry, he has expertise in global brand strategy, product marketing, direct-to-consumer sales, and operational management. Before joining Brandartica, Jeff held significant roles in the consumer electronics industry, including Global Brand Marketing Manager at Boston Acoustics and Director of Marketing & Communications at AudioXperts. He co-hosts 1seventh the podcast, where he engages with business leaders on unconventional approaches to success in both business and life.
Resources Mentioned in this episode
Quotable Moments:
"A good drink has a beginning, a middle, and a finish — it should never just flatline."
"You don’t have to have alcohol to have that finish. That’s a big misconception."
"We didn’t start this business to make money. We started it because it felt right."
"This collaboration is by the community, for the community — supporting small businesses and independent retailers."
"Spend your money locally. Find people making cool stuff in your community and buy from them."
Action Steps:
Support independent NA retailers and bottle shops: Shopping at small, independent stores helps sustain businesses that are essential to the growth of the NA beverage industry.
Experiment with complex NA ingredients: Using bitters, amaro, and other depth-enhancing elements helps create nonalcoholic cocktails with a beginning, middle, and finish.
Prioritize mindful drinking choices: Whether cutting back or going fully alcohol-free, intentional beverage choices can improve health and social experiences.
Collaborate within the NA community: Partnerships between brands, retailers, and advocates strengthen the entire industry and create innovative, high-quality products.
Educate consumers about NA beverage pricing: Helping consumers understand the costs behind production ensures appreciation for the value of well-made NA options.