Inside MEDASE Cocktails: The Black-Owned Zero-Proof Brand Now in Every SoCal Erewhon

The zero-proof aisle has gone from novelty to necessity—and for buyers scouting the next breakout non-alcoholic brand, one name is already sitting on the shelves of the country's most trend-forward grocer. MEDASE Cocktails, a Black-owned premium zero-proof cocktail brand, is now available at ALL Erewhon locations throughout Southern California, timed to the momentum of National Black Business Month.

That placement is no small feat. Landing full distribution across a retailer as selective as Erewhon is a signal—both of product quality and of consumer demand for sophisticated, alcohol-free options. For operators, grocers, and procurement teams watching the better-for-you beverage boom, MEDASE is a case study worth understanding.

A Brand Built on Mindful Drinking

Founded by Howard University sorority sisters Monica Cornitcher and the late Inga Dyer, MEDASE is a multi-award-winning brand redefining mindful drinking with an elevated, authentic cocktail experience—without the alcohol.

The lineup features six ready-to-drink zero-proof cocktails inspired by classic favorites, including:

• Mojitos
• Lemon drops
• Margaritas
• Old fashioneds

What sets the range apart is what's inside. Unlike many alternatives on the market, MEDASE Cocktails are crafted with organic juices, organic agave, and premium ingredients—delivering a sophisticated, lower-calorie option for consumers who want to celebrate and connect without alcohol.

A Growth Story That Beats the Odds

This year, co-founder and CEO Monica Cornitcher was named to Inc.'s 2026 Female Founders 500, and the brand secured a strategic investment that unlocked access to capital capable of supporting more than $20 million in annual sales.

That milestone lands with added weight given the systemic funding barriers Black women founders continue to face—a reality that makes MEDASE's trajectory both a business win and a broader industry signal.

Why It Matters

The non-alcoholic category is one of the most durable growth stories in beverage right now, and MEDASE's Erewhon rollout underscores three practical takeaways for food, beverage, and hospitality decision-makers:

• Zero-proof is a menu and merchandising must. Premium, ready-to-drink alcohol-free cocktails answer real guest demand—from sober-curious diners to designated drivers and wellness-minded consumers. Operators who ignore the category risk leaving margin and covers on the table.
• Ingredient story sells. Organic juices, organic agave, and a lower-calorie profile are the kind of clean-label credentials that resonate with today's shoppers and justify premium price points—an easy pitch for grocers and beverage directors alike.
• Supporting diverse-owned brands is good business. National Black Business Month is a natural moment to feature Black-owned suppliers, but the strongest partnerships extend well beyond August. MEDASE's award recognition and distribution wins make it a credible, low-risk addition to a mindful-drinking program.

For buyers, the actionable move is simple: audit your non-alcoholic offering, ask whether it reflects the premium, better-for-you expectations of your guests, and consider whether diverse-owned brands like MEDASE belong on your shelf or beverage list year-round.

The Bigger Picture

MEDASE's rise fits squarely within the broader shift toward functional, mindful, and better-for-you drinks reshaping the beverage industry. As consumers rethink their relationship with alcohol, brands that pair craft-quality flavor with clean ingredients—and a compelling founder story—are the ones earning shelf space and loyalty.

Curious how the non-alcoholic and functional beverage wave is playing out across the industry? Explore more of our coverage of mindful-drinking initiatives and the latest in ready-to-drink innovation.

Is your operation stocking zero-proof cocktails yet? Are Black-owned and diverse-owned brands part of your beverage program? Weigh in and share your take in the comments.

Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.