In this episode of Shopify Happy Hour, Dan sits down with David Fudge, co-founder and CEO of Aplós, a brand redefining non-alcoholic spirits and cocktails.

David shares the journey behind Aplós, from the art of mixology to crafting functional beverages that don’t compromise on flavor or experience. He dives into the growing demand for premium non-alcoholic options, why consumers are shifting habits, and how Aplos is positioning itself in this evolving market.

We also explore the challenges of building a beverage brand, including:
✅ Balancing D2C and retail—how Aplos approaches distribution.
✅ Marketing in a competitive space—strategies that work (and don’t).
✅ Post-purchase experience—why customer connection is key.
✅ Authenticity in branding—what makes a brand truly stand out.

If you're in DTC, retail, or just love learning from brand builders, this episode is packed with valuable insights on creating a premium product and scaling a brand the right way.

Brands mentioned:

• Aplós
• Lesse
• Adgile Media Group
• Mixology Masterclass
• Lynette Marrero
• The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
• Barney’s

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Aplos and Non-Alcoholic Spirits
01:15 Exploring Aplos Cocktails and Their Unique Ingredients
09:05 The Role of a Master Mixologist in Non-Alcoholic Beverages
14:29 Balancing Flavor and Functionality in Non-Alcoholic Spirits
18:34 Consumer Demand for Non-Alcoholic Options
24:44 The Distinction Between Canned Cocktails and Bottled Spirits
28:35 The Effects of Non-Alcoholic Spirits
30:03 The Inspiration Behind Aplos
34:43 Building a Brand: Early Strategies
39:13 Influencer Marketing and Authenticity
42:39 Marketing Strategies: Hits and Misses
47:30 D2C vs Retail: Growth Strategies
52:03 Connecting with Customers: The Personal Touch
56:08 Rapid Fire Insights