MEDASE Cocktails is a premium non-alcoholic ready-to-drink cocktail brand focused on delivering an authentic cocktail experience without alcohol, using high-quality ingredients including organic juices. Longtime friends Monica Cornitcher and the late Inga Dyer co-founded the brand, with Cornitcher serving as CEO. Pulse 2.0 interviewed MEDASE Cocktails Co-Founder and CEO Monica Cornitcher to learn more.
Monica Cornitcher’s Background
When asked about her background, Cornitcher shared:
My background is in mergers and acquisitions, so I come from a very structured, analytical environment where I spent years evaluating businesses and thinking about growth and scalability.
But MEDASE Cocktails really came from a much more personal place in my life. During COVID, I had just relocated to California from Atlanta after 24 years to be closer to family. Around that time, my relationship with my co-founder Inga became a lot closer.
We were talking every day, reflecting on life, our experiences, and what we wanted our legacy to be. That season of transition, reflection, and purpose ultimately led me down a completely different path.
How MEDASE Cocktails Started
When asked how the idea for the company came together, Cornitcher explained:
MEDASE Cocktails was born out of a real, lived experience. During those daily conversations, Inga opened up about her cancer journey, and it changed everything. We started thinking about wellness, intentional living, and the small moments we often take for granted, like sharing a cocktail together.
We realized there wasn’t a non-alcoholic option that truly felt elevated or tasted like a real cocktail. Everything tasted like sparkling juice or sparkling water with a splash of juice. It just felt like our options were compromised.
That’s when we saw the opportunity to create something that allowed people to still participate in those moments fully, without sacrificing quality or experience.
The name MEDASE, which means “thank you,” came from how we ended every conversation with gratitude. That spirit is at the core of everything we’ve built.
Favorite Memory
When asked about her favorite memory working for the company so far, Cornitcher reflected:
It’s hard to point to just one moment, but the most meaningful has been seeing the impact this brand has on people’s lives. Whether it’s someone navigating a health journey, choosing not to drink, or simply wanting to be more intentional. Hearing that MEDASE Cocktails allows them to still feel included in those social moments is incredibly powerful.
At the same time, continuing this journey after losing Inga has been one of the most defining parts of this experience. It’s no longer just a business, it’s a legacy.
Core Products And Features
When asked about MEDASE Cocktails’ core products and features, Cornitcher said:
MEDASE Cocktails is a premium, non-alcoholic RTD cocktail brand that focuses on delivering a full cocktail experience without alcohol.
We use high-quality ingredients, including organic juices, and prioritize flavor authenticity so it doesn’t feel like a substitute, it feels like the real thing.
But beyond the product, MEDASE Cocktails is about creating moments. It’s about connection, celebration, and intentional living.
Changing Perceptions Of Non-Alcoholic Beverages
When asked about recent challenges in the sector and how she has overcome them, Cornitcher explained:
One of the biggest challenges has been shifting perception. For a long time, non-alcoholic beverages have been seen as secondary or limiting. We’re working to change that narrative by creating something that feels aspirational and inclusive.
On a personal level, the most profound challenge has been continuing the business after losing my co-founder. There was a moment when I questioned whether I should continue at all.
But I had to remind myself why we started: to build something meaningful and lasting. That clarity helped me move forward with intention.
Product Evolution And Scalability
When asked how the company’s technology and product development have evolved since launching, Cornitcher noted:
Our evolution has really been focused on product refinement and scalability. Early on, it was about getting the formulation right, ensuring the taste truly matched the experience of a traditional cocktail.
From there, we’ve continued improving consistency, production, and how the product shows up in the market. It’s been a process of constant iteration and learning.
Key Company Milestones
When asked about some of MEDASE Cocktails’ most significant milestones, Cornitcher highlighted:
Launching MEDASE Cocktails was a major milestone, but one of the most pivotal moments early on was showing up at Expo West.
That experience opened doors, sparked meaningful connections, and ultimately helped us secure a strategic investment that unlocked access to capital capable of supporting more than $20 million in annual sales, positioning MEDASE Cocktails for its next phase of growth.
The investment has strengthened our ability to accelerate expansion across distribution, operations, and marketing as demand continues to rise for premium zero-proof cocktails.
We’ve also celebrated some incredible achievements along the way, including winning Bronze in the non-alcoholic category at the LA Spirits Competition for our Hey Big Dipper Old Fashioned.
Additionally, I was honored to be named to the 2026 Inc. Female Founders 500 list.
Customer Impact
When asked about specific customer success stories, Cornitcher shared:
We’ve had customers share that MEDASE Cocktails helped them feel like themselves again in social settings.
Whether it’s someone going through a health journey, pregnancy, or choosing sobriety, they’ve expressed that they no longer feel like they’re missing out.
That sense of inclusion, of being able to raise a glass and fully participate, that’s the impact we care about most.
Funding And Growth
When asked about funding and revenue metrics, Cornitcher said:
While I can’t share specific numbers, I will say that we’ve been very intentional about how we grow and scale the business.
Early traction, including opportunities like Expo West, helped us secure investment and validate what we’re building.
Total Addressable Market
When asked about the total addressable market MEDASE Cocktails is pursuing, Cornitcher explained:
MEDASE is pursuing a large and fast-growing total addressable market at the intersection of premium non-alcoholic beverages, wellness drinks, and modern social drinking.
Rather than competing only in the mocktail category, MEDASE is positioned to capture occasions traditionally owned by alcohol, including happy hours, brunches, celebrations, hospitality, wellness events, and social gatherings.
MEDASE’S strongest differentiation is its premium, organic, culturally connected identity that redefines celebration and connection for the modern consumer.
Competitive Differentiation
When asked what differentiates MEDASE Cocktails from its competition, Cornitcher said:
What sets MEDASE Cocktails apart is the intention behind it. This isn’t just a product, it’s a purpose-driven brand rooted in gratitude, connection, and lived experience.
We’re focused on delivering an authentic cocktail experience, not just creating a substitute.
And we’re building a brand that encourages people to slow down, be present, and celebrate life in a more meaningful way.
Future Goals
When discussing MEDASE Cocktails’ future goals, Cornitcher concluded:
Our goal is to continue growing MEDASE Cocktails into a leading name in the non-alcoholic space while staying true to our mission.
That means expanding our product line, increasing accessibility, and continuing to build a brand that resonates deeply with people.
