Cut Above 2024: Shaken Not Stirred

Andrew Solis, founder of Cut Above, is an entrepreneur dedicated to creating innovative solutions for mindful drinking. Driven by his passion for spirits and cocktails, he collaborated with mixologists and flavor experts to develop a zero-proof spirit that delivers the authentic taste and experience of premium cocktails. Solis aims to empower consumers to enjoy sophisticated drinks while choosing how much alcohol to include, promoting inclusivity and balance. His vision combines artistry, inclusivity, and a commitment to redefining the cocktail experience. DeliveryRank brings you an exclusive interview.

What inspired the creation of Cut Above Spirits, and how does your mission of "Inclusive Hospitality" shape your approach to non-alcoholic beverages?

The idea for Cut Above came from a personal journey during the early pandemic when I wanted to reduce my alcohol consumption without entirely abstaining. I wanted to enjoy sophisticated drinks socially, but existing options didn’t fully replicate the true cocktail experience I sought. Over two years, I worked to develop four unique expressions that embody the flavors and sophistication of cocktails—minus the alcohol. The brand emphasizes inclusivity, normalizing the choice to drink less or abstain, and ensuring everyone feels considered in social settings, whether choosing low or no-alcohol options.

Your spirits are designed to replicate the taste and sensory experience of alcoholic drinks. Can you explain the process of "Distillate Replication" and how it differs from traditional distillation methods?

At Cut Above, we’ve developed our products without relying on traditional distillation, barrel aging, or adding neutral alcohols. Instead, we focused on blending natural ingredients to replicate the authentic reactions and flavors found in distilled spirits, like the complexity of gin or the richness of aged whiskey. Maintaining a healthy, clean profile was essential, so we avoided artificial colors or flavors. By leveraging this distillate replication process, we created a sophisticated, alcohol-free alternative that upholds the integrity of traditional cocktails.

Cut Above offers a unique approach with its Zero, Cut, and Classic cocktail options. How do you see this flexibility empowering consumers in their beverage choices?

At Cut Above, we believe in empowering people to create their own adventures when out for an evening. Imagine you’re attending an important celebration at a restaurant but have a busy day ahead tomorrow. Our products offer flexibility—perhaps your first cocktail of the night is a traditional Old Fashioned made full-proof, but your second is a "Cut Cocktail," blending half whiskey and half Cut Above for a lower-alcohol option. For your third, you might go completely zero-proof, using only Cut Above.

This approach allows you to enjoy the same classic flavors without compromising on your alcohol intake preferences. By supporting choice and respecting how individuals approach their consumption, we ensure everyone can have a cocktail in hand, tailored to their needs.

What challenges did you encounter while developing the flavors for your non-alcoholic spirits, and how did you ensure they deliver the complexity and warmth of traditional spirits?

Finding the perfect balance of ingredients was one of our biggest challenges. For instance, achieving the ideal juniper note on the palate often disrupted the balance of citrus on the back end, requiring countless adjustments. Imagine a control board where each flavor is a switch—we had to fine-tune each to harmonize taste and aroma. We also focused on mouthfeel and flavor longevity, incorporating xanthan gum for body and acidity to ensure the flavors held up, even as the cocktail was shaken, iced, and sipped over time.

As the only non-alcoholic spirit designed to mix with traditional spirits, how has this feature been received by both consumers and bartenders, and what impact has it had on your brand's growth?

Our approach with Cut Above emphasizes that non-alcoholic spirits are for everyone—not just for those abstaining from alcohol. It’s about creating flexibility and control over how much alcohol, if any, is in your drink, while still enjoying a quality cocktail experience. We extensively tested split-based cocktails, blending traditional spirits with Cut Above, to ensure the flavors complement one another seamlessly. This inclusivity broadens our audience, inviting even whiskey or cocktail enthusiasts to experiment on their terms, fostering mindful consumption without compromising taste or enjoyment.

Cut Above is available nationwide. If you would like to find out more about Cut Above, please visit https://drinkcutabove.com/