Innovation is brewing in the restaurant and bar industry as establishments embrace and cater to a growing demand for healthier libations. Enter Above Board Liqueurs, the pioneering and award-winning San Diego brand that is revolutionizing the way cocktails are served by introducing the concept of sugar-free and low-sugar ingredients for cocktails that don’t compromise on taste.

We spoke with founder, Nicole Slone, and her husband and partner, Brent Slone, to learn the story behind this innovative brand and its mission to offer guilt-free indulgence for today’s health-conscious, active consumer — who still likes to celebrate the day with a cocktail in hand.

Above Board Liqueurs: A Journey of Passion and Purpose

Entering the spirits industry wasn’t merely a career step for the couple, it emerged from their desire to disrupt the market with groundbreaking products in a category that had long been stagnant.

They are the ideal customers for their own product: driven, hard-working, active, and unwilling to be forced to choose between having a great cocktail and their health goals.

Not finding what they were looking for at their favorite bars and liquor stores, the couple embarked on this adventure with a clear mission: to shake up the industry with a revolutionary product that would redefine how we think about indulgence.

At the heart of Above Board lies a simple yet profound purpose—to offer cocktail enthusiasts an alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste or wellness. 

Nicole began crafting their formulas in her own kitchen with her now-husband Brent, driven by a desire to enjoy delicious beverages without sacrificing health. 

By prioritizing quality ingredients and innovative techniques, they created a line of sugar-free liqueurs with no glycemic load, ensuring that indulgence doesn’t come at the cost of well-being. 

The result has been celebrated by consumers and peers in the industry, as reflected in the brand’s growth and awards.

Reflecting on her journey, Nicole shares, “Above Board Liqueurs wasn’t just a brand; it was the realization of years of research, experimentation, and unwavering dedication. I knew there had to be a way to create no and low-sugar cocktails with natural ingredients to create beverages that didn’t just taste good but also aligned with a healthy lifestyle.”

The Power of Partnership

It’s already well-known that it’s an incredibly stressful experience to start your own business. Going into business with a spouse adds many layers of complexities that most couples would not want to broach.

For Nicole, the decision to add Brent as a business partner was a natural one. Brent’s business acumen, entrepreneurship, and extensive background in technology played a pivotal role, both personally and professionally towards building the foundation of their venture.

Nicole expresses her gratitude, “I am immensely grateful for the invaluable contributions of my husband, Brent. His unwavering support, belief in our vision, and willingness to share the journey with me have been the pillars of strength that propelled Above Board Liqueurs forward.”

Challenging Norms and Redefining Expectations

Nicole is reshaping the spirit scene with a fresh twist: health-conscious cocktails that taste good. She’s uncovered a gap in the market where consumers crave quality and are ready to invest in it.

Research shows there’s a real appetite for delicious healthier drinks, and that people are willing to pay more for the right mix, but the usual ‘skinny’ options made with artificial ingredients just don’t cut it on flavor. Above Board is using this insight to lead the industry towards this untapped market, promising a win-win of satisfaction and revenue for everyone involved.

It isn’t just about cocktails; it’s about transforming perceptions and practices within the spirits industry. By prioritizing taste and health in their offerings, Above Board is setting a new standard that customers are equally embracing. Their approach is not only refreshing pallets, but also refreshing market strategy.

As they continue to innovate and cater to the sophisticated preferences of modern drinkers, they’re proving that the future of spirits is flavorful, health-conscious, and prosperous. Above Board is at the forefront, leading the charge and crafting the next generation of premium cocktails that don’t just meet expectations, they exceeded them.

Crafting a Healthier Future, One Sip at a Time

The timing couldn’t be better for Nicole and Brent: they truly believe that the spirits industry is ready for a paradigm shift towards meeting the changing consumer tastes and expectations for healthier alternatives. 

Above Board answers the call perfectly, with a brand and product that embodies a vision of indulgence without compromise, offering modern health-focused consumers a guilt-free option that aligns with their values and dietary preferences. 

As Nicole looks ahead, she remains committed to empowering Above Board’s customers to savor moments of indulgence without hesitation, knowing that they’re taking care of themselves in the process. 

To build on their momentum, they will be expanding Above Board’s offerings to include four new flavors, as well as a ready-to-serve line and cocktail syrup range, representing an exciting opportunity to further solidify their position as a leader in the industry.

“We’re eager to introduce these new offerings to our loyal customers and continue pushing the boundaries in this industry. Stay tuned!”

Join the Above Board Liqueurs Movement!

For Nicole, Above Board’s role in the spirits industry is not just a business but a canvas for creativity, craftsmanship, and community. 

“What I love most about the spirits industry is the sense of belonging and collaboration. It’s not just about competition; it’s about partnership and enhancing other brands with Above Boards offerings, and coming together as a community to support and uplift each other.”

Nicole and Brent invite you to join the Above Board Liqueurs movement and experience indulgence without compromise. 

Visit their website to explore their premium flavors and join the movement towards a healthier future, one sip at a time.

Connect with them on social media to stay updated on their latest news and innovations, and be sure to ask for their products at your favorite bar!