Founded by sisters Livv and Lexx Mills, the Black woman-owned brand redefines zero-proof drinking with mixologist-crafted cocktails that put flavor first.
Baltimore, MD., (July, 2025) – running through July 25, the online pre-sale is now live at www.stursi.com. Early supporters will have exclusive access to Stursi’s debut mocktails before broader retail availability.
Stursi stands out in the $3.4 billion and growing non-alcoholic beverage market by focusing on what many brands miss: taste. Unlike competitors that rely on adaptogens or fizz to simulate a buzz, Stursi takes a Flavor First approach, centering balance, complexity and real cocktail satisfaction.
“What’s in the can tastes exactly like what I used to make behind the bar,” said Livv Mills, co-founder and Chief Creative Officer. A Certified Specialist of Spirits with over a decade of experience in hospitality, Mills spent more than a year developing the formulations in-house using a proprietary process and carefully selected botanicals.
The brand’s three launch flavors include:
- Reign – Lush pineapple with warm autumn spices
- Revvl – Purple papaya-berry with sweet ginger
- Debauchery – Dewy blood orange with cardamom-chili
All three offer a mixology-level experience designed for adults who value craft and want alcohol-free options that don’t compromise on taste.
“We’re not trying to mimic a buzz. Our drinks are for people who care about bold flavor and want a new way to celebrate,” said Lexx Mills, CEO and co-founder. “Stursi is rooted in culture, creativity, and care. It’s not a watered-down substitute—it’s a celebration in its own right.”
The brand’s origin story is deeply personal. After giving up alcohol due to health issues, Livv couldn’t find mocktails that matched the depth and satisfaction of a real cocktail. So she created her own. Recognizing a lack of quality and representation in the space, the sisters set out to build a brand that reflects their values: belonging, artistry, culture and joy.
They also did it without outside funding. Stursi was built from the ground up with no venture capital, relying instead on Livv’s formulation expertise and Lexx’s business acumen to retain full ownership. Lexx previously led economic equity initiatives at Johns Hopkins and holds both an MBA and a Master of Urban Planning from the University of Michigan. Together, the Mills sisters have already secured more than $60,000 in non-dilutive funding through grants and pitch competitions.
That independence allows Stursi to innovate rapidly. Unlike many beverage startups that rely on third-party manufacturers for formulation, Stursi develops everything in-house. This gives the brand the flexibility to experiment with limited-edition flavors, seasonal releases and ongoing refinements—all while maintaining strict quality standards.
Consumer response has been strong. In a recent taste test, 94% of participants said Stursi’s mocktails matched the complexity of traditional cocktails. And unlike most of the non-alcoholic options currently on shelves, Stursi’s drinks are not carbonated, intentionally designed to feel smooth, grounded and satisfying.
Beyond flavor, the brand brings something else to the table: representation. Stursi is one of the few Black-owned, women-led brands in the adult non-alcoholic beverage space, and it puts cultural authenticity at the center of everything—from its storytelling and aesthetic to the flavor profiles themselves.
“We didn’t see ourselves reflected in this category, so we created something new,” said Lexx. “Stursi isn’t just about what’s in the can. It’s about who gets to be part of the party.”
With global expansion in its long-term plans, Stursi aims to become a leader in the zero-proof category, starting with this summer’s direct-to-consumer launch.
The public pre-sale is active now through July 25 at www.stursi.com.
About Stursi
Stursi is a ready-to-drink mocktail brand founded by sisters Lexx Mills (CEO) and Livv Mills (Chief Creative Officer). The company operates in the $3.4 billion non-alcoholic beverage space, creating premium alcohol-free cocktails that redefine celebration and sophisticated drinking experiences. Livv Mills brings over a decade of mixology expertise and Certified Specialist of Spirits credentials to product development, while Lexx Mills applies strategic business experience from her role as Director of Economic Inclusion & Impact at Johns Hopkins.
For more information or media inquiries, contact:
Heather DeSantis Holmes heather@publicityforgood.com 1+ 828-332-5307
