Sparking Joy: A Conversation with Danni of Mindful Mixology

We love celebrating those who bring creativity, flavour, and thoughtfulness into everyday life, mixing up joy one drink at a time.

Today we’re chatting with Danni, the founder of Mindful Mixology, a brand committed to crafting cocktails that are balanced, thoughtful, and full of character. She believes a drink can be a small act of joy when it’s made with intention.

So, take a seat, lift your glass, and join us for a little sip of inspiration.

Lovely to meet you, Danni! We’re so excited to chat about all things cocktails and joy, which, let’s be honest, feel pretty synonymous. Here at Sponge, we’ve loved seeing your delicious tipples bring a little extra sparkle to orders, from whole cakes to cake cards. But today, we want to hear more about you, your story, and the magic behind Mindful Mixology. So, let’s dive in…

What first sparked your love of cocktails? Was there a particular drink, moment or experience that made you think, “This is what I want to do”?

Honestly, it was that moment when I realised cocktails could be so much more than sugary drinks on a night out. I tasted a perfectly balanced Bramble years ago - sharp, sour, simple - and it completely changed how I saw drinks. I loved the creativity behind it, the theatre, and the way a single cocktail can make someone stop and go, “Ooh!” That moment hooked me, and I’ve been obsessed ever since.

You founded Mindful Mixology with the idea of bringing balance and better ingredients to cocktail lovers. How does it feel to see people discovering joy in something that’s both delicious and a little more mindful?

It’s the best feeling. I wanted to prove that cocktails can still be fun, indulgent and flavoursome without being full of sugar. When someone asks about the stories and ingredients behind my cocktails, it feels like a little win. It reminds me why I started this brand in the first place.

You’ve created our Victoria Sponge Martini and Pink Gin Fizz and now some festive specials are on the way. What’s the most joyful part of dreaming up a new flavour?

For me, it’s that first spark - when a memory, ingredient or dessert makes me think, That would make an incredible drink. From there, it becomes a little adventure: experimenting, tweaking, balancing, tasting. The moment it all clicks into place and the flavour matches the feeling I had in my head… it’s a success!

Let’s talk about Christmas cocktails! What flavours, scents or memories instantly bring that festive sparkle for you?

Citrus and spice always bring Christmas alive for me. Oranges studded with cloves, cinnamon sticks, mulled wine bubbling away, fresh cranberries, a splash of something sparkling. And honestly, the smell of baking - vanilla, butter, warm sponge - instantly makes me think of Christmas at home. I love building those cosy, nostalgic flavours into cocktails.

Running your own business can be all-consuming. What everyday rituals, little moments, or ingredients bring you joy outside of work?

The simple things. Walking my dog first thing in the morning, a really good coffee, cooking something comforting, or going out for a meal somewhere new (there’s loads to offer in North Norfolk!).

We say at Sponge: “Here to bake your day.” If you could create a drink that makes someone’s day, what would it look and taste like?

I think it would taste like a hug in a glass; something creamy, soft, uplifting, with a bit of sparkle. Something like the Victoria Sponge Martini actually - a light vanilla and berry martini, topped with a tiny edible flower or sprinkle of edible glitter for Christmas. Familiar, nostalgic, and a little magical.

Your brand name says it all - Mindful Mixology. How do you find joy in the slower, more intentional side of creating, especially in a world that often wants everything fast?

I actually love slowing down - the weighing, tasting, adjusting, being present with ingredients. There’s something really grounding about giving a recipe time to evolve instead of rushing it. When I’m in that zone, everything else falls away. It’s like meditation with a cocktail shaker.

Finally, joy can be contagious. When do you feel that most? Through your work, your creations, or your everyday moments?

I feel it when someone tries one of my cocktails and their whole face lights up. That reaction never gets old. I’m doing Holkham Christmas Market again this year, and it’s so much fun! And I feel it in the everyday bits - good food, good music, good company. Joy shows up in the small moments, and I try to make space for them as much as I can.

As we finish our chat with Danni, it’s clear that joy, creativity, and a little sparkle are at the heart of everything she does. And just in time for Christmas, she’s created some festive magic with limited‑edition flavours: the decadent Chocolate Martini and the cosy, spiced Christmas Negroni. Sipping these is pure joy in a glass - a hug, a little sparkle, and a reminder that the best moments are the ones we share with good company.