Blackbird Specialty Beverage, based in Stevensville, Maryland, is an innovative beverage solutions company that manufactures and distributes premium craft cocktail mixes and flavor infusions. The company is renowned for its commitment to high-quality ingredients, creative formulations, and consistent flavor standards, serving a wide range of clientele including restaurants, bars, breweries, and hospitality groups across North America.
Company Overview
Founded with a mission to transform beverage programs into curated, high-margin experiences, Blackbird Specialty Beverage has become a trusted brand in the premium beverage enhancement space. Their offerings span from classic cocktail bases to adventurous flavor innovations used by bartenders, chefs, and brewers to create signature drink profiles.
Product Portfolio
Blackbird offers two major product categories:
- Craft Cocktail Mixes
- Bitters
- Citrus
- Espresso
- Frosé
- Ginger
- Margarita
- Mojito
- Neutral
- Piña Colada
- Sangria
- Spicy Margarita
These mixes are formulated for fast-pour applications, providing both cost control and consistent taste profiles for high-volume foodservice environments.
- Flavors for Beer and Specialty Beverages
- Apple Cider, Banana, Barrel Aged Maple, Basil, Bergamot, Birthday Cake, Black Cherry, Blackberry, Blood Orange, Blue Cotton Candy, Blueberry, Butterscotch, and more.
Blackbird’s flavor syrups are particularly popular with breweries, allowing them to create unique seasonal or limited-run flavors without altering core brewing operations.
Unique Selling Propositions (USP)
- High-Volume Formulas: Optimized for fast-paced service operations, ideal for restaurants and entertainment venues.
- Customization Capability: Offers white-label and custom formulation services for breweries and beverage brands.
- Flavor Consistency: Rigorous quality control ensures batch-to-batch consistency.
- Shelf-Stable: Products designed for extended shelf life without compromising taste integrity.
- Eco-Conscious Packaging: Bulk packaging options reduce plastic and carton waste for high-volume operators.
Market Reach and Clientele
Blackbird supplies beverage solutions to a diverse range of sectors including:
- Breweries and Taprooms
- Cocktail Lounges and Bars
- Hospitality Chains
- Catering Services
- Foodservice Distributors
Their products are available via direct B2B sales and through a network of regional distributors across the United States.
Operational and Financial Indicators
Although private and closely held, the following industry insights and public distribution partnerships reflect Blackbird’s robust operational footprint:
- Distribution Partners: Taylor Midwest and other national foodservice distributors
- Estimated Annual Sales Volume: 250,000+ units of cocktail and flavor syrups
- Product SKUs: Over 100 unique formulations
- Growth Rate: Estimated 15–20% CAGR in the last 3 years, fueled by demand for flavor customization in craft beverages
Capabilities
- R&D Team for Custom Flavors: Develops proprietary mixes tailored to client specifications.
- Packaging Versatility: Offers products in various formats including gallon jugs, 5-gallon boxes, and single-serve containers.
- Regulatory Compliance: All products are FDA-compliant, with appropriate nutritional labeling and food safety testing.
- Collaborative Brand Programs: Co-develops beverage profiles with breweries and restaurants for seasonal promotions and new menu rollouts.
Certifications and Compliance
- FDA Registered Facility
- SQF and HACCP Compliant Processes
- Nutrition Facts Certified
- Products meet U.S. foodservice ingredient safety standards
Customer Testimonials
- “Our bar program’s revenue jumped 22% after switching to Blackbird’s margarita and espresso bases. The quality and consistency are unmatched.” — Beverage Manager, Regional Restaurant Group
- “The butterscotch flavor syrup was a game-changer for our winter beer series. Customers are already asking when it's coming back.” — Head Brewer, Independent Brewery
Notable Achievements
- Featured in national bar programs including hotel chains and casual dining restaurants
- Provided mix solutions for over 1,000 beverage menus across the U.S.
- Developed exclusive flavors in collaboration with breweries for limited-release beers
- Published a comprehensive product catalog used by top-tier foodservice distributors: Blackbird Catalog
Blackbird Specialty Beverage continues to innovate within the craft beverage landscape, offering high-performing, customizable, and flavorful solutions that elevate the drinking experience from ordinary to exceptional.
