Sober Curator Podcast

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: 

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Send Feedback: 

If you have a story, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at thesobercurator@gmail.com. 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.