Brand offers THC- and CBD-infused mocktails as cannabis market to surpass $45 billion
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Consumers across the US decided to abstain from alcohol for a month in 2018. As they lighten up in 2025, some are thinking of keeping the spirits low in February and beyond.
Alcohol-free drinks include virgin mojitos and pina coladas, booze-free seltzer and zero-proof bottled mocktails.
One brand, Modern Alchemist, is taking consumption to a new level in the alcohol-free space by offering THC- and CBD-infused mocktails.
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Cousins Nathan Kelishek and Chris Zieber founded Modern Alchemist to provide consumers with a unique drink. (Modern Alchemist/Appalachian Mountain Brewery/Fox News)
“Having been in the beer industry for a long time, we’ve realized that not everyone is the same,” Modern Alchemist CEO Nathan Kelishek told FOX Business. “Not everyone wants to buy alcohol all the time.”
Each can is made with 5 mg of both THC and CBD from USA-grown hemp.
Kelishek is one of the founders of Appalachian Mountain Brewery, a North Carolina-based brewery.
“We don’t think there’s anything wrong with alcohol,” Kelishek added. “I think the modern person or the modern consumer wants to have more options and more control over how they want to feel the next day or so.”
In the year According to Statista, cannabidiol products will bring in $5.3 billion in 2021 and increase to $16 billion in 2026. CBD-infused beverages are a constantly growing category.
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Modern Alchemist offers consumers three flavors including Margarita, Jungle Bird and Citrus Spritz. (Modern Alchemist/Appalachian Mountain Brewery/Fox News)
This year, the cannabis market in the US is expected to exceed 45 billion dollars.
Started by Kelishek and his cousin, Chris Zieber, president of Modern Alchemist, the brand was built with the goal of being inclusive by meeting the diverse needs of consumers.
“We’re closing in on the cellstar trend that a lot of companies are getting into right now,” Kelishek said.
The modern alchemist offers consumers three flavors: margarita, with real lemon juice and agave syrup; wild bird made with fresh pineapple juice; and Citrus Spritz, made with yuzu, grapefruit and orange.
“They’re all for different occasions,” Kelishek said.
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Nathan Kelishek and Chris Zieber founded Appalachian Mountain Brewery, a North Carolina-based business. (Modern Alchemist/Appalachian Mountain Brewery/Fox News)
“You might have to shake the can a bit because we use such fresh, real ingredients,” he adds. “But most of the Hemp dried THC And CBD. What we use is lime and pineapple.
As for state laws and regulations, Kelishek said the brand complies with the laws and is respected in the legal landscape. US
“We have prison documents all the way up to the hemp plant and then all the way through the production of the products,” Kelishek said. Our advice is clear on where we can and cannot sell.
“If a state says buying is illegal, our website will automatically block them,” he added. “You can buy it online, but it’s only available in states where it’s legal.”
In the year By 2026, cannabidiol products are predicted to be worth $16 billion in the US (iStock)
Although the modern alchemist has recently started its journey, the brand is expecting more cheeky offerings in the near future.
“I think consumers want to try everything at the moment,” Kelischek said. “We have different packages.”
Kelishek said consumer feedback “doesn’t help” because sales of multipacks are consistently outpacing individual packs.
“This was our best seller,” he said.
