Why am I doing this?
A Dash of Spice, a Pinch of Sweetness, and a Whole Lot of Passion!
While I may not have a fancy resume from restaurants or bars, I’ve always had a deep love for balance and flavor. Back in 2010, I took a detour to bartending school in Richmond, VA, and let me tell you—I was mesmerized by the magical world of mixology. I discovered that crafting cocktails isn’t just about shaking up ingredients; it’s a delightful dance of textures, colors, and flavors. It’s like a potion-making adventure where science meets artistry!
Fast forward to 2024, I had a lightbulb moment over a couple of spicy margaritas. What if I could whip up my own bitters to add a sweet and spicy twist to any drink? What if I could blend the vibrant flavors of my home country, India, into every sip and dish? And how could I sprinkle some of that mixology magic into the lives of my friends, family, and beyond?
So, I embarked on a flavor adventure. I grabbed a bottle of 100 proof white whiskey, threw in some dehydrated orange peel, star anise, cardamom, fennel seeds, cinnamon, and fiery red chilies (seeds and all), and let the infusion party begin! After three weeks of this flavorful fiesta, I added a touch of honey to perfect the sweet and spicy balance.
When I shared my first bitters with loved ones and mixology enthusiasts, the response was nothing short of enthusiastic. That’s when “Swicy Stuff” was born—my chance to scale up my flavor creations and share the joy with the world!
As I experimented with different high-proof alcohols, I realized that while it was fun for me to try these new concoctions, I was not able to share my passion with teetotalers (and most of my family, esp. kids). That epiphany made me change direction and I discovered that using high quality food-safe glycerin, I could achieve a similar result while making my bitters non-alcoholic, vegan, and natural. Learn more about bitters by clicking the link below:
What are Bitters?
Meet the team
Rahul Satya Chief Mixologist
Rahul is the Founder and Chief Mixologist of Swicy Stuff, where curiosity, craft, and a love of layered flavor come together. With a deep appreciation for ingredients and a penchant for experimentation, he creates concoctions that balance sweet, spice, and complexity with intention. Rahul approaches each blend like a story - thoughtful, nuanced, and meant to linger. At the heart of Swicy Stuff is his belief that a few well-crafted drops can transform the everyday into something memorable.
Swarna Bhagavan Chief Vibeologist
Swarna is the Chief Vibeologist of Swicy Stuff, where she brings the brand’s sweet-heat energy to life across every scroll, sip, and share. With a sharp eye for culture and an instinct for what feels good (and tastes better), she turns everyday moments into crave-worthy content. Equal parts strategist and storyteller, Swarna builds community by blending flavor, feeling, and fun. If Swicy Stuff has a vibe, she’s the one setting it. She makes sure the energy stays as bold, vibrant, and exciting as the bitters themselves.
Sankalpa Srikanth Chief Designologist
Sankalpa is the Chief Designologist of Swicy Stuff, shaping the brand’s visual world with equal parts intention, intuition, and imagination. A graphic designer and illustrator at heart, she blends structure with softness; letting color, form, and storytelling guide each creative decision. Her love of art galleries, slow walks, and experimental cooking fuels a design sensibility rooted in contrast, balance, and just the right amount of surprise. Sankalpa found a natural home in Swicy Stuff, collaborating on a brand crafted with depth, care, and quiet magic.