The holiday season is a time for festive gatherings, hearty laughter, and memorable toasts. But not everyone wants to indulge in alcohol—whether for personal preference, health reasons, or to keep the celebrations family-friendly. That’s where non-alcoholic cocktails, or mocktails, come in. These delightful, alcohol-free beverages are anything but boring, offering a perfect blend of seasonal flavours, eye-catching presentations, and celebratory spirit.
So, when we found the amazing non-alcoholic options from Cut Above, we just had to try them out for ourselves, and we were so glad we did. While we have to admit, a lot of the non-alcoholic options out there are often disappointing, some just feeling like costly flavoured water, after testing out the zero-proof Gin, Mescal, Whiskey, and Agave Blanco, we have to admit they make some truly amazing non-alcoholic spirits that, in turn, make some fantastic cocktails which come as no surprise from this award-winning premium selection creator of unique zero alcohol spirits, Cut Above.
In this article, we’ll share the best recipes and tips for creating non-alcoholic holiday cocktails that are as sophisticated and satisfying as their boozy counterparts, ensuring everyone at the table can raise a glass this holiday season.
We tested a few of Cut Above’s and our non-alcoholic cocktail suggestions to bring you our four favourite zero-proof cocktails for the upcoming holiday season. So, whether you’re looking for great drinks for yourself and your family or to be the host with the most this holiday season, we have four delicious cocktails that we know will be the hit of any party.
Party Punch
Ingredients
**Makes 10 Servings**
2.5 cups Cut Above Gin
1/2 cup Cut Above Mezcal
Four lemons
3/4 cup of sugar
1/2 cup raspberries
3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1-litre sparkling water
Glass & Garnish
Highball glass or Large stemless flute glass
Lemon wheel
Method
The Day Before Using a vegetable peeler, peel the zest from the lemons into strips and place them in a medium jar with the sugar. Seal and shake the jar to mix the sugar with the peels. Let the jar warm for 24 hours to infuse the sugar with the lemons’ oils.
Day of: Add the raspberries to the glass jar and muddle with the peels and sugar until the berries are crushed. Pour in the lemon juice and stir until the sugar dissolves. Pour the juice through a fine sieve into a bowl, pressing on the solids to extract their juices, and discard the solids. Stir in the Cut Above gin and Mezcal. Refrigerate the punch until ready to serve.
To serve, pour the punch into a 1-gallon bowl and stir in the sparkling water. Garnish with lemon or lime wheels.
We made this delicious Party Punch for our Friendsmas gathering this past weekend, and it was a massive hit. It’s sweet and a bit tart, and it’s the perfect way to welcome your guests since it’s all ready to go when they arrive. Pour, garnish, serve and enjoy!
Mezcal Mule
Ingredients
2 oz Cut Above Mezcal
.50 oz Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
.25 oz Simple syrup
4 oz Ginger Been
Glass & Garnish
Lowball Glass or Barrel Mug
Mint or Lime
Method
Add the Mezcal, lime juice, and simple syrup to a glass or mug and stir. Then add the ice and ginger beer and stir again until cold. Add a sprig of mint or lime, and serve.
Since this is such an easy drink and is super fresh and delicious, it makes the perfect second drink for welcome cocktails. So, I usually make a non-alcoholic punch (like the party lunch above) and have a second option of easy-to-make beverages. The Cut Above Mezcal Mule is the perfect option for the holidays and all year round; better still, it won’t leave you with a holiday hangover, just enjoying an excellent drink, company and evening.
Apple Cider Margarita
Ingredients
2 oz Cut Above Agave Blanco Tequila
1.5 oz spiced apple cider
3/4 oz fresh lime juice
1/2 oz agave nectar or simple syrup
Glass & Garnish
Lowball glass
Cinnamon sticks/apple slices
Method
Grab a lowball glass and add ice. Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake and double strain over the lowball glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, an apple slice, or both.
This cocktail couldn’t be any more perfect for the season. It’s got that holiday feel and spice and is the perfect after-dinner drink for you or those you are hosting through the holiday season.
Cold Brew Old Fashioned
Ingredients
1.5 oz Cut Above Whiskey
.75 oz Cold Brew concentrate
.25 oz Simple syrup
Glass & Garnish
Lowball Glass or Coupe
Orange Twist
Method
Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and strain over fresh ice into a highball or coupe glass. Pour the oil from the orange twist over the glass and rim. Garnish with an orange twist.
I have to admit, I’ve been making different versions of this over the years, and so has my other half, but when we made this in preparation for this and our holiday party, everyone who tried it was absolutely delighted by the taste and wanted more. It was the perfect way to wrap the evening, and I even made a batch of caffeinated and decaffeinated drinks for the crew. If you love coffee, this is the cocktail for you!
Non-alcoholic cocktails are the perfect way to elevate your holiday celebrations while ensuring everyone feels included. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner, a cozy gathering by the fireplace, or a lively New Year’s bash, these creative and flavorful drinks made with Cut Above add a touch of elegance without the need for alcohol. With endless options for seasonal ingredients like cranberries, cinnamon, and citrus, you can craft beverages that are as delicious as beautiful. So, raise a glass of holiday cheer—mocktail in hand—and toast to a season filled with warmth, joy, and inclusivity!
*Cut Above products provided for review.