CHARLESTON, S.C. (May 21, 2026) — Charleston-based Bittermilk Bottling Co., the family-owned company behind Bittermilk and Barcoop Bevy cocktail mixers, and Tippleman’s coffee and cocktail syrups, is expanding into a new 12,000-square-foot production facility in Ravenel as the company continues growing its national footprint while staying deeply connected to its Charleston roots.
Founded in 2013 by husband-and-wife team Joe and MariElena Raya, Bittermilk’s story is deeply intertwined with Charleston’s food and beverage scene.
MariElena Raya grew up in the kitchen of her father’s iconic Charleston restaurant, Robert’s of Charleston, where she started as a dishwasher before eventually working her way through nearly every role in the restaurant. Joe and MariElena later met while studying at The Culinary Institute of America in New York, before spending years working in restaurants around the country and eventually returning home to Charleston to help manage Robert’s together.
In 2010, the couple opened The Gin Joint, Charleston’s first craft cocktail bar, helping introduce the city to pre-Prohibition-style cocktails and elevated bar culture long before Charleston became the nationally recognized food and beverage destination it is today.
As customers continuously asked how to recreate the bar’s complex cocktails at home, the couple saw an opportunity to create something new. In 2013, Joe and MariElena launched Bittermilk cocktail mixers designed to help people make high-quality cocktails at home without needing an entire back bar of ingredients.
Over the last decade, Bittermilk Bottling Co. has continued expanding its portfolio with the launch of Tippleman’s syrups, Barcoop Bevy cocktail mixers and a growing list of custom beverage projects for like-minded brands and businesses.
Now, as demand continues to grow across retail, hospitality and direct-to-consumer channels, the company is preparing for its next chapter.
The company’s new facility at 5340 Savannah Highway in Ravenel will significantly increase production capacity while creating dedicated space for product development, storage, shipping and future expansion.
“We’re proud to continue growing Bittermilk in Charleston County, where our business began and where we’ve built strong roots over the past two decades,” said MariElena Raya, owner and co-founder of Bittermilk. “Being born and raised in Charleston, and growing up in the food and beverage industry here, has given us a deep appreciation for this community. It’s an honor to keep building our future here while continuing to make high-quality, American-made products.”
The move was driven by the company’s need for more room to grow while still remaining close to Charleston and key shipping routes. Bittermilk plans to begin a second phase of development in Ravenel that will include an additional building for future growth.
“As a family business, we’re building a legacy our children can grow into and a company that continues to support our employees, vendors and retailers,” said Joe Raya, owner and co-founder of Bittermilk. “Our new Ravenel facility gives us the space to expand production capacity, experiment with new products, and collaborate with other like-minded businesses on custom beverage projects.”
That growth includes several upcoming launches across the company’s expanding portfolio, including Barcoop Bevy’s new Skinny Margarita this summer and additional Tippleman’s coffee syrup flavors later this fall and a new seasonal Peppermint Chocolate Julep in time for the holidays.
Operations are expected to transition into the new facility throughout summer 2026, with the expansion expected to create an additional 12 new jobs in Charleston County within the first couple years.
For more information, visit www.bittermilk.com and follow on Instagram at @drinkbittermilk, or YouTube for cocktail recipes and tutorials.
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About Bittermilk Bottling Co.
Bittermilk Bottling Co. Family of Brands, includes Bittermilk and Barcoop Bevy cocktail mixers and Tippleman’s coffee and cocktail syrups. Each product is hand-crafted in Charleston, SC with all-natural ingredients and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring the highest quality standards. Founded by former bartenders and husband-and-wife duo, Joe and MariElena Raya met while both attending the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. In 2010, the Rayas opened The Gin Joint, Charleston’s first craft cocktail bar. Bittermilk Bottling Co. continues to set the standard for premium beverage experiences and has been recognized by the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2026 and 2024 Sofi Awards, the Good Food Awards and more.
Media Contact:
Ashley Mills
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