We were lucky to catch up with Nicole Slone recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Nicole thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Above Board Liqueurs: Reinventing Cocktails for a Health-Conscious World

Growing up in San Diego, with its vibrant culinary and craft cocktail scene, it was impossible not to be inspired by the artistry behind mixology. But for me, the excitement of a night out often came with a sense of deflation. Like many health-conscious individuals, I felt there wasn’t anything on the menu I could trust to enjoy without compromising my goals. The beauty of those cocktails often masked the reality: they were loaded with sugar, making indulgence feel more like a setback than a celebration.

Whenever I tried to ask bartenders for a “skinny” version of a cocktail, the results were often unbalanced. I couldn’t complain, of course—I had asked them to change the recipe. Still, the frustration lingered. Why wasn’t there a way to enjoy the craft and creativity of cocktails without the sugar overload?

That frustration turned into determination when I stumbled across Monkfruit and Allulose. These plant-based sweeteners with zero glycemic impact sparked an idea: there had to be a better way to enjoy cocktails. A way that honored the craft while catering to the growing demand for health-conscious options.

At first, the journey began with sugar-free cocktail syrups. I envisioned a direct-to-consumer product that home bartenders could use to mix their own guilt-free drinks. But as I grew deeper into the process, I realized there was an even bigger opportunity: the liqueur market. Why not infuse these syrups into a neutral grain spirit, creating a line of sugar-free liqueurs that could rival the classics?

And so, Above Board Liqueurs was born. It wasn’t just about creating a product—it was about redefining what a liqueur could be. Each bottle is crafted with Monkfruit and Allulose, ensuring not only a sugar-free experience but also a balanced, authentic flavor profile that complements any cocktail. Our range—including Coffee, Irish Cream, and Orange—pays homage to traditional favorites while paving the way for a new era of drinking.

Above Board isn’t just a brand; it’s a movement. It’s for those who love the artistry of a well-made cocktail but refuse to compromise their health to enjoy it. It’s for bartenders and mixologists who want to expand their menus without sacrificing taste or integrity. And it’s for the countless people who, like me, felt that frustration and knew there had to be a better way.

Today, we’re proud to be the first to market with a line of plant-based, sugar-free liqueurs. From the craft cocktail bars of San Diego to the home bars of enthusiasts across the country, Above Board is changing the way people think about liqueurs—one sip at a time.

The journey from frustration to innovation wasn’t an easy one, but it’s proof that the best ideas often come from solving the problems closest to your heart. Above Board Liqueurs is more than a product; it’s a toast to health, creativity, and the belief that everyone deserves to enjoy a cocktail that’s as good for the soul as it is for the body.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

From Escrow Officer to CEO: A Journey of Growth and Resilience

Before founding Above Board Liqueurs, I spent nearly a decade managing a strong unit as an escrow officer. My role required incredible organization, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize competing demands—skills that became the foundation for my success. After my divorce, I transitioned into a sales role as an escrow representative, helping to redefine the industry in San Diego. Traditionally, escrow officers had relied solely on their reputation for doing a good job to earn business. As one of the first representatives in the region, I helped pioneer a shift toward actively building relationships and marketing services.

This shift into sales was transformative. I learned how to approach potential clients, anticipate their needs, and communicate value—skills that have been directly applicable to growing Above Board Liqueurs. Selling escrow services taught me the importance of storytelling in building trust and forming connections. Those same principles have guided my efforts to share the story of Above Board with partners and customers alike. I came to understand that sales isn’t just about closing deals; it’s about building relationships, solving problems, and delivering on promises—an ethos that has carried into every facet of my business.

While the intensity of the escrow industry was challenging, it provided me with invaluable tools—discipline, problem-solving, and the ability to juggle multiple priorities—that I carried into my entrepreneurial journey.

My journey, however, didn’t start in escrow. After graduating from Point Loma High School in 1990, I moved to Santa Barbara to attend City College, working as a waitress and cocktail waitress to support myself. I eventually transferred to the University of California, Santa Barbara, where I earned a degree in Sociology and Communications. Those years in the restaurant industry taught me the importance of customer service, adaptability, and hard work—qualities that continue to guide me today.

Together, my experiences in escrow and hospitality shaped the foundation for Above Board Liqueurs. The meticulous planning and prioritization required in escrow prepared me to manage the complexities of running a business. Meanwhile, my time in the restaurant industry gave me an appreciation for the craft of cocktails and the importance of creating an exceptional experience for customers.

Founding Above Board Liqueurs allowed me to combine these strengths with my passion for health-conscious living. By identifying a gap in the market and taking the bold step to fill it, I’ve been able to create a product that not only resonates with customers but also reflects my own journey of resilience and reinvention. Above Board Liqueurs is more than a business; it’s a testament to the idea that the skills we acquire through life’s challenges can lead to unexpected and extraordinary opportunities.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

From Kitchen to Distillery: The Evolution of Above Board Liqueurs

The journey of manufacturing Above Board Liqueurs began humbly—in my own kitchen. Initially, I focused on perfecting sugar-free syrups, experimenting with Monkfruit and Allulose to create something that not only tasted good but could rival traditional sweeteners. As the syrups began to take shape, I realized their potential and decided to take the next step: infusing them into a neutral grain spirit to create liqueurs.

I knew I needed expertise, so I hired a food scientist to help refine the recipes and ensure they would translate seamlessly into a bottled product. From there, I reached out to every local distillery in San Diego, hoping to find a partner who could help me bring my vision to life. To my surprise, no one was available or willing to work with a startup at the time.

It wasn’t until I connected with Simon from Portuguese Bend Distillery that things began to move forward. Simon believed in the concept and was willing to collaborate, helping me infuse my syrups into an alcohol base. Sadly, Portuguese Bend Distillery later shuttered due to the aftereffects of COVID-19, but the lessons I learned during that partnership have stayed with me.

One of the most important takeaways from the manufacturing journey has been the importance of persistence and adaptability. Finding the right partners and resources took time, but it reinforced the value of building relationships and being flexible in the face of challenges. Manufacturing isn’t just about creating a product; it’s about ensuring that product aligns with your values and resonates with your audience—something we strive for every day at Above Board Liqueurs.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building a Reputation Through Transparency

What helped Above Board Liqueurs stand out in the market was our commitment to full transparency. This value is embedded in the name itself. We want people to know exactly what they’re putting in their bodies, and that’s why we made the bold decision to include a nutritional panel on our labels—something rarely seen in the alcohol industry. Since we make health claims about being sugar-free and plant-based, it was essential to back those claims with clear and honest information. This approach has not only built trust with our customers but also set us apart as a brand that prioritizes integrity and accountability. Transparency isn’t just a promise; it’s the foundation of everything we do.

Contact Info:

• Website: HTTPS://drinkaboveboard.com
• Instagram: @drinkaboveboard

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