Zero-Proof & Flavour-Forward: Elevating Your Holiday Drinks in 2024

As we enter a more health-conscious era, the rise of mocktails and zero-proof alternatives is undeniable. With new brands and unique distillations emerging, the zero-proof market is evolving into a full-fledged industry. Gone are the days of simple de-alcoholized wines and coolers; today, you can find non-alcoholic versions of whisky, tequila, gin, and even bitters, vermouths, and aperitifs.

 

Three’s Company Mocktails | Photo Credit: Delixir

 

According to Adam Sammut, Lead Mixologist at DELIXIR in Toronto, spirit-forward classics like the Negroni and Old Fashioned can now be enjoyed without the hangover. This offers appeal not only to sober individuals but also to those who want to partake in holiday festivities without the post-party recovery. In this article, Adam, along with other experts, shares tips for creating a memorable cocktail experience, ensuring there’s something special for everyone.

Adam notes that the growing demand for zero-proof spirits will define the 2024 holiday season and extend into New Year’s celebrations, catering to both the sober-curious and those cutting back on alcohol. For guests who prefer their cocktails with alcohol, Adam suggests modern classics with a seasonal twist, incorporating warm, earthy notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, cacao, and ginger. These flavours evoke nostalgia and the festive spirit. Presentation matters, too. “We drink with our eyes first,” he emphasizes, highlighting how even the simplest drink can be elevated by thoughtful garnishes.

The Espresso Martini continues to shine among crowd favourites, and its endless variations will ensure its popularity in 2024. Adding a twist like Irish cream or vanilla liqueur or swapping vodka for spiced rum or tequila keeps this classic cocktail fresh and exciting.

 

Espresso Martini | Photo Credit: ClarkandCompany

 

This shift towards mindful drinking is echoed by industry planners. Emma Singh of Emma Singh Creative observes, “Reducing our alcoholic intake is evident across the world, so we are seeing the growing popularity of mocktails and creative non-alcoholic beverages. The ‘sober-curious’ community is a growing trend.” This movement isn’t just about abstaining from alcohol; it’s about offering guests thoughtful, alcohol-free options that are just as sophisticated as their boozy counterparts.

For a laid-back option, Adam recommends the modern Mule, which has evolved with seasonal flavours like cranberry, pear nectar, or apple cider. The Mule’s ginger beer and lime base provide a spicy warmth perfect for the season. Delixir’s signature Apple Butter Mule combines vodka, tequila reposado, or spiced rum with vanilla liqueur, apple cider, apple butter, lime, and spicy ginger beer—garnished with dehydrated apple chips, star anise, and a torched cinnamon stick for a festive flair.

 

Signature Apple Butter Mule | Photo Credit: Delixir

 

Rebecca Chan of Rebecca Chan Events Inc. agrees that presentation is key. “Smoke, bubbles, and flair bartenders with unique serving methods are always a hit,” she says, noting how these elements turn each drink into a memorable, interactive experience. Sarah Valencia of Our Jonrah Events also emphasizes the importance of creative flair, mentioning the growing trend of cocktail bubble air guns for a playful, sensory touch.

 

Smoke & Bubbles | Photo Credit: Delixir

 

As more guests seek non-alcoholic options, well-crafted mocktails have become essential for holiday events. Dwayne Rutherford of Debonair Corporate Events and Anita Carlyle of Moore Carlyle Consulting both stress the importance of making mocktails as creative and visually appealing as cocktails. “Mocktails are becoming more sophisticated, offering complex flavours and beautifully presented drinks that cater to all guests,” says Rutherford. By using seasonal fruits, spiced syrups, and fresh herbs, mocktails can stand out as a highlight of the beverage experience.

Incorporating warm drinks into the beverage menu is another rising trend. Adam suggests offering a hot cocktail option for winter events, such as spiced rum or whisky-based hot toddies. Jennifer Rabanillo of StyleWorthy Studio shares a similar idea, proposing a gourmet hot chocolate and spiced cocktail bar where guests can customize their drinks with syrups, whipped cream, and edible glitter, adding both fun and personalization to the event.

 

Edible gold and glitter whisky | Photo Credit: Delixir

 

Holiday-inspired | Photo Credit: Delixir

 

Balancing creativity with inclusivity is essential, as Adam advises. “It’s important to have a well-rounded menu that accommodates all guests,” he says, noting that hiring an experienced bartending service can help ensure a seamless experience. Sara Gundy of The Goods BMC reinforces this sentiment, highlighting that “equal drinks with and without alcohol that are beautiful create a welcoming environment where everyone feels considered.”

Creative beverage stations, as Adam points out, are an easy way to wow guests. By incorporating dehydrated citrus wheels, edible glitter, and eye-catching garnishes, even the most basic drinks can become a visual spectacle. And, of course, bubbly drinks like the Elderflower Spritz—a trendy twist on the traditional Spritz using elderflower liqueur—are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any event.

 

Elderflower Spritz | Photo Credit: Delixir

 

To capture memories, set up a mini Polaroid station where guests can snap photos of themselves with their drinks. Attach the photo to their glass with a mini clothespin for an extra personal touch. And don’t forget, a clever holiday-inspired name for your drink will make it a conversation starter at the party.

Whether it’s a mocktail, cocktail, or something in between, the 2024 holiday season is all about innovation, inclusivity, and creativity. As Adam concludes, “At DELIXIR, we specialize in experiential cocktail catering, offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options to ensure no guest is left out. The key is creativity—whether it’s alcohol or not, every drink should feel special.”

To learn more about DELIXIR, visit their website and follow their social media pages: