When Stursi, the sister duo of Lexx and Livv Mills, approached Savage Mill early this year to pitch their idea of a mocktail storefront, the interest was mutual. Savage Mill management knew that the mocktail and non-alcoholic market in the U.S. is expanding rapidly, driven by wellness trends, younger demographics, and menu innovation. Over months of conversation and negotiation, it became clear that Stursi’s vision and willingness to work with management on the look and layout of the space were a good fit in the unique venue that is Savage Mill.
Accepting the Mill’s invitation to attend several Mill-sponsored events as a pop-up vendor gave Stursi and the Mill the opportunity to “try one another on” to see if it’d be a good match. The sisters were intrigued by the Mill’s history as a cotton mill, by the rich mix of tenants (including a recent addition, Boyd Cru Wines), and by the individualized attention management provides to each tenant.
The duo’s business idea germinated in 2024. Livv, who had worked as a mixologist over a decade, had to stop drinking due to health issues. With her reputation for amazing cocktails, she began crafting mocktails out of a commercial kitchen for corporate clients. This set off a nearly two-year journey to figure out flavor profiles that would appeal to a large audience and stay true to taste when canned.
With their complex layers of flavor, Stursi’s mocktails have been recognized by some of the most respected voices in the beverage industry. They are adaptable, able to stand on their own or work mixed with other beverages such as sparkling water or alcohol. Stursi started with three founding drinks, each carefully curated for unique appeal:
Debauchery includes blood orange, cardamom, and chili. It’s like a spicy margarita, and can be paired well with tequila.
Revvl is a crowd-pleasing fruity drink, the papaya playing nicely off ginger. It can be mixed with a sparkling wine or clear liquor.
Reign contrasts the sweetness of pineapple with autumn spices. For an alcoholic version, try it with whiskey.
With support from their mother, Lexx and Livv made the decision to open a storefront they would name Mocktique. Despite their preparation and savvy planning, the decision to invest in a brick-and-mortar location isn’t easy, as opening a storefront requires an initial capital investment. Undeterred, Lexx and Livv set to work. Among the funding sources they identified, the sisters received $75,000 in grants and pitch competition awards.
A newly-renovated space in the Old Weave building, Mocktique opened in mid-July. It is a destination where guests can explore Stursi’s product line, attend guided tastings, learn the craft of cocktail-making, and discover seasonal offerings. The warm, beautifully curated environment is full of light and rich color, the creamy white tile flooring setting off a brick red accent wall with dark fixtures. Sunlight coming through windows high above complements the sleek lighting and brings the space alive.
A large wall decal brings the eye to the three signature flavors. The adjacent wall houses an enticing display of additional curated nonalcoholic beverages, while a large wooden table presents books, artisanal syrups, glassware, games, and other gift items. In the back, a custom-made bar will work as a flexible space, hosting workshops, meetings, and private events.
Stop by for a tasting of the founding flavors, check out the seasonal options, experience community events and local artists, and meet the family that is leading the way in showing that the best drinking experiences are centered around community.
Mocktique is open Wednesday-Saturday 10-6; Sunday 11-6.