Cheeky Cocktails & Sober Confidence: April Wachtel on Reinventing the Bar World

This week, Alysse sits down with cocktail queen, educator, and entrepreneur April Wachtel, founder & CEO of Cheeky Cocktails—the bold, minimalist, flavor-forward mixer brand changing how we drink (with or without booze). From 20 years behind the bar to launching a brand designed to make everyone feel included, April shares stories of creativity, visibility, Saved By the Bell aesthetics, brand-building in a sober-curious era, and that time she heroically saved an event from serving mojitos made with actual oil (yes, really) . Whether you love a zero-proof marg or just want better options at the bar, this convo is deliciously inspiring. Takeaways: Inclusion drives innovation. Cheeky was created after April repeatedly felt excluded in bar environments while not drinking—so she built mixers that work for everyone . Cocktails = connection. For April, flavor, hospitality, and celebration matter more than alcohol content. Constraints spark creativity. When COVID hit, she DIY’d her brand design in hours, then later refined it via agency work—scrappiness meets strategy. Pop culture always shows up. Cheeky’s bright vibe? Think Saved by the Bell meets premium minimalism. Taste everything first. Her wildest mishap? Discovering a kitchen had prepped oil instead of simple syrup at a major event—right before 400 guests were served. Hero status unlocked. Key Timestamps: [00:01:34] — Meet April Wachtel: founder, educator, and flavor-obsessed mixer magician [00:04:27] — April’s entrepreneurial spark + early beverage industry days [00:07:18] — Teaching 12,000+ students to craft balanced, beautiful drinks [00:08:00] — Being sober/NA in bar culture + why inclusivity matters [00:17:14] — The Cheeky brand aesthetic: color, culture, and DIY hustle [00:22:00] — The 818 Tequila partnership + surprising professionalism [00:27:08] — Cocktail catastrophes: the “oil mojito” close call Resources & Links: Cheeky Cocktails – https://cheekycocktails.co Follow Cheeky on Instagram: @cheekycocktails Alysse’s reference: BEATS WORKING podcast Pop culture mentions: Saved by the Bell, Gucci “The Tiger” short film -Meet the Contributors -Alcohol + Substance Use Disorder Guide -Recovery Nonprofit Resource Guide -LBGTQ+ Recovery Resource Guide Connect with Us: -Website: www.thesobercurator.com -Facebook: @The Sober Curator -Instagram: @thesobercurator -X: @thesobercurator -YouTube: @thesobercurator -Pinterest: @thesobercurator Follow & Subscribe: If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners. Plus, the first 50 reviews on Apple Podcasts can win a sleek, limited edition Sober Curator fanny pack! Send Feedback: If you have a story, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at [e-mail]. We’d love to hear from you! About: Sobriety isn’t the end of the party—it’s just the start of a better one. Hosted by Alysse Bryson, media powerhouse and sobriety’s ultimate hype woman, and joined by Sober Curator contributors, The Sober Curator Podcast* delivers bold convos, pop culture deep dives, and zero-proof living that doesn’t suck. Whether you're sober, sober-curious, or just looking for good vibes without the hangover, we’ve got you covered. Subscribe now—because getting sober matters, staying sober matters more. *The Sober Curator Podcast is a space for open and honest conversations about sobriety, recovery, and alcohol-free living. While we celebrate all paths to a sober lifestyle, some topics discussed may be sensitive or triggering for certain listeners. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. If you’re in recovery or exploring sobriety, please take care while listening and seek support from trusted professionals as needed.