BITTERCUBE SERVING UP THE CRAFTIEST COCKTAILS
Milwaukee’s history may be steeped in beer, but thanks to Bittercube and like-minded businesses, its future is limitless. Bittercube is a nationally recognized artisanal bitters maker in a competitive global market. And it happens to be based here in the Uptown Crossing Business Improvement District of Milwaukee.
The business was founded by Ira Koplowitz (pictured here) and Nick Kosevich in 2009. Their mission: apply the principles of chemistry and great taste to blend botanicals and seasonings into distinctive cocktail bitters for bartenders and consumers.
“Think highly concentrated forms of liquid spice,” Koplowitz explained.
Bittercube’s evolution led Koplowitz to become sole owner of its manufacturing and retail operations in 2021. Kosevich took on the part of the business that also included consulting and created a new company, which is based in the Twin Cities.
Koplowitz’s team includes eight employees. They connect with farmers and botanical suppliers including local companies Rishi Tea and Colectivo Coffee. Using ingenuity, high proof spirits and magic, they turn the ingredients into products with enticing flavors and names.
Think Ginger Spiced Cherry Bark Vanilla Bitters, Lowlands Bitters Blend, Chipotle Cacao Bitters and more.
“All-natural, real ingredients like whole vanilla beans, fruits and aromatic spices — not extracts or artificial ingredients — make better bitters and are the hallmark of our brand,” Koplowitz said. “Our lineup is unique in breadth and covers a lot of bases for home bartenders, bars and restaurants.”
Where it happens
Bittercube’s Apothecary at 4828 W Lisbon Ave. is the locus for research and development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing. The 9,000-square-foot building is also home to the Bittercube Bazaar, a retail boutique with bitters and other specialty items for cocktail mixing and making.
Before Bittercube moved to the Lisbon and North Avenue hub in 2018, it leased manufacturing space in Madison and found success in Milwaukee with loaned kitchens, pop-up shops and a four-year lease at Lincoln Warehouse, a nexus for makers.
“Five years ago, we were looking for a larger space than the one in Bayview, where we could base operations and also have a bazaar and bar,” Koplowitz said. “A friend told us about this building. The first time I walked in, I could completely visualize how to use the space. It materialized in my mind.”
The Bittercube Bazaar is a known cocktail shop destination. Koplowitz is also a woodworker, and his work is a centerpiece of the Bazaar’s inviting tasting bar and retail counter.
“We get bartenders and cocktail nerds from all over the area,” Koplowitz said. “A cocktail nerd is a home enthusiast who makes great drinks and is excited about quality ingredients.”
When nerds and non-nerds visit the Bazaar and Bittercube.com, they find shop hours, the brand’s flagship bitters, special edition bitters, cocktail kits and supplies, and bitters subscriptions. At the shop, knowledgeable employees answer questions about products, tools, trends and resources for using bitters.
Old-fashioned kits, hot chocolate kits and Valentine’s Day kits have been big sellers in recent weeks. Cocktail recipes are also available, plus carefully sourced bar tools and glassware and recommendations for including bitters in baking and cooking.
“We update the Bazaar with unique products,” Koplowitz said. “It’s always evolving and fresh.
The Bittercube Bar is a central feature at the North Avenue Market, located at 5900 W. North Avenue, and it operates Mosler’s Vault, a speakeasy style bar that seats 11 in the market’s garden level.
How it happened
Bittercube’s quality products and panache captured regional attention among bartenders as well as restaurant and bar managers and owners early on. Media were quick to notice, too.
“In the early days, there wasn’t a lot of people in craft cocktails,” Koplowitz said. “That scene hadn’t made its way nationally. We were fortunate to get great press that helped us test our brand nationally — inclusion in major gift guides like the New York Times, Martha Stewart Everyday Food and Playboy in the same month.”
“It helped us grow our online business and find new distributors,” he said. By the second year, we were already expanding our product line and customer base, which has continued to expand and grow. In 2021, we did more than $1 million in bitters sales alone.
Over the years, the business has grown organically and hasn’t needed an infusion from investors. Innovation and relationships led to new products and partners. The bitters are now available in nearly 30 states as well as Canada, Italy and Australia.
Koplowitz doesn’t hesitate to credit his former partner for his role in the success.
“Bittercube wouldn’t be where it is without all the years Nick and I put into it,” he said.
North Avenue Market happening
Koplowitz is excited about his next adventure with Bittercube. Later this year, the team will open a new bar in the North Avenue Market at 59th Street and North Avenue. Construction has already begun, and marketing plans are in play.
Bittercube isn’t moving away from Lisbon Avenue, though.
“We really appreciate where we are,” Koplowitz said. “The building is a good place for us to continue to grow.”
The central location also makes it easy to take Bittercube’s products and expertise into the city for events at places like Vennture Brew Co. and the Washington Park bandshell for Washington Park Wednesdays.
“Milwaukee is home for us,” Koplowitz said. “We might be an international company and one of the larger craft bitters companies in the market, but we’re very aware that people in the city have always been supportive of our brand.”
Uptown Crossing residents, organization leaders and business owners will be among those watching for the upcoming opening of Bittercube in the North Avenue Market. Fans and friends alike will want to see what’s next for this intriguing company.