Luke Wilson didn't set out to reinvent the drink mixer — he set out to do it right. In this conversation, we sit down with the founder of Stir Sessions to hear the story behind one of the most flavorful American-made craft mocktail and cocktail mixes on the market. Real ingredients, real flavor, and zero compromises — whether you're mixing it as a mocktail or a cocktail. If you care about what's in your glass and where it comes from, this one's worth 20 minutes.
From Bartender to Founder
Stir Sessions is Luke Wilson's fourth venture — and his third in just the past few years. With his other American-made brands Canary (plastic-free toothpaste tablets made in Utah) and Bloop (laundry soap) already growing steadily, Luke and his longtime business partner wanted to build something fun. They grew up together skating, snowboarding, and going to concerts, and Stir Sessions was born out of that same spirit — friends hanging out, having a good time, with a great drink in hand.
Luke's background gave him a unique edge. He bartended in his younger years and professionally brewed beer in his 20s. When he and his partner looked at what was available in the mixer market — mostly liquid, syrupy, high-sugar, with questionable ingredients — they saw an opportunity. Stir Sessions set out to elevate the craft cocktail and mocktail space with premium, mostly organic ingredients and packaging to match.
The Name Behind the Brand
The name Stir Sessions is a nod to the founders' roots. "Stir" speaks to the drink, but "sessions" is a callback to skate sessions, jam sessions, surf sessions — any time friends come together. It's a brand built around those moments.
Nine Flavors, One Mission
Stir Sessions launched with nine flavors across three variety packs, and the response has been strong right out of the gate. Luke's personal favorites include the classic Paloma — crisp, grapefruit-forward, and perfect for summer — and the Piña Colada, which he recommends blending for a frozen beach vacation in a glass. The Espresso Martini has been a surprise hit, developed in partnership with a US-based espresso powder maker and perfect as a nightcap or iced coffee alternative. And for the non-alcoholic crowd, the Raspberry Lemonade has earned five-star reviews and is a favorite with Luke's three kids.
His eight-year-old son serves as the brand's number one taste tester — blending flavors together, refining sweetness levels, and helping narrow down what makes the final cut. Luke's wife, her friends, and his business partner round out the testing crew, usually gathered in their Southern California backyard on a warm evening.
Built for Every Occasion
One of Stir Sessions' biggest strengths is versatility. The powdered format makes it easy to take anywhere — the beach, camping, tailgating, airplane travel, backyard barbecues. For hosting, it's a game-changer: guests can each make their own favorite drink, mocktail or cocktail, without needing a fully stocked bar. Every flavor is designed to stand alone as a mocktail with enough depth and complexity that you'd never feel like you're missing out.
Why Made in the USA
Before founding Stir Sessions, Luke spent years working in supply chain for large brands, sourcing from manufacturers across Asia. That experience gave him a clear perspective: keeping production at home just feels right. It supports local communities, reduces environmental impact from long-distance shipping, and strengthens relationships with ingredient suppliers and employees alike. All three of Luke's brands — Stir Sessions, Canary, and Bloop — are made in America, and that's not changing.