These are 3 Alcohol Alternatives to Enjoy these Holidays

There’s a quiet shift happening behind the bar cart, and it’s showing up big this holiday season. More than ever, Canadians are reaching for alcohol alternatives, not because they have to, but because they want to. Whether it’s for a celebration, a cozy dinner party, or an end-of-year unwind, people are rethinking the way they drink. And the numbers back it up. Between June 2023 and June 2024, the non-alcoholic beverage market in Canada surged to $199 million in total sales. This represents a 24% increase over the previous year. Reported by NielsenIQ.

Gen Z and millennials are leading the way, but this isn’t just a youth trend. A 2024 report by NIQ found that 75% of non-alcoholic beverage consumers in Canada also drink alcohol. It's not about quitting. It’s about creating balance. People want the ritual without the regret. The experience without the hangover. The cheers without the foggy mornings.

Add in a cultural shift toward wellness and more information about the impact of alcohol, and suddenly, the idea of celebrating with something fresh, bold, and booze-free doesn’t just make sense. It actually sounds better.

If you’re looking to switch things up this season or sip a little smarter, here are three alcohol alternatives we’d happily raise a glass to.

Mocktails That Actually Hit the Spot

There was a time when mocktails meant sugary juice blends or awkward soda water combos. Not anymore. Today’s mocktails are sophisticated, thoughtful, and totally celebration-worthy.

When you build with intention, a mocktail becomes more than a substitute. It becomes a ritual worth looking forward to. Here are the building blocks to keep in mind when you are mixing at home:

Sweet: Think real fruit, simple syrups, honey, or agave. A touch of sweetness rounds out bitterness and acidity, without turning the drink into dessert.

Sour: Fresh citrus is your best friend here. Lemon, lime, grapefruit, yuzu. These brighten any sip and bring a refreshing edge.

Bitter: Bitterness gives depth. Use non‑alcoholic bitters, tonic, or even a twist of citrus peel expressed over the glass to add complexity.

Botanicals + Aromatics: Herbs, spices, floral notes, fresh muddled fruit, or even tea infusions take a mocktail from “juice with bubbles” to “wow, what’s in this?”

Dilution and Balance: Ice matters. A shake or stir chills and blends flavors instead of watering things down. And if you top with soda water, do it lightly, a splash lifts the drink, but too much buries it.

Presentation: Glassware and garnishes make the moment. A sprig of rosemary, a citrus ribbon, or a salted rim sets the tone and signals flavor before the first sip.

Real Soda That’s Actually Made From Real Stuff

Let’s talk about soda. Not the overly sweet, artificial kind. The real kind. Say It Ain’t Soda is our answer to the question: What if soda could be better?

We make our drinks from real fruit and botanicals, steeped like tea and carbonated for a crisp finish. No flavorings, no added sugar, no weird aftertaste. Just bold flavor and a clean, fizzy sip that feels like a moment.

Our blends like Citrusy Symphony, Blossoming Orchard, and Trip to the Tropics bring big personality in every pour. They hold their own in a cocktail glass or stand out as a solo sipper at your next holiday hang. It’s soda made right and finally worthy of the celebration.

Non-Alcoholic Wines and Beers

There’s a new generation of non-alcoholic wines and beers that are changing the game. These aren’t your old-school zero-alcohol drinks that tasted like diluted versions of the real thing. They’re complex, well-crafted, and meant to be sipped slowly.

From hazy IPAs to chilled sparkling rosés, these options offer the full-bodied flavor and elevated experience people want during the holidays. They’re perfect for pairing with a big dinner, gifting to a host, or raising a glass with friends without needing to pace yourself.

The taste is there. The ritual is intact. And the next morning feel a whole lot better.

Where to Find These Alcohol Alternatives

We believe alcohol alternatives should feel just as special as their alcoholic counterparts. That’s why we’re excited to shout out our newest retail partner, Sobr Market. They’ve built their entire experience around the idea that choosing not to drink shouldn’t mean missing out.

Their curated selection brings together functional drinks, elevated non-alcoholic spirits, wines, beers, and of course, Say It Ain’t Soda. You can find us on their shelves and online, alongside a growing lineup of drinks designed for mindful sipping and genuine moments.

Want to find more places that carry us? Head to our Find Us Page to find your closest stockist.

Your Holidays, Your Rules

This season isn’t about what’s missing from your glass. It’s about what you’re choosing to include. Whether you’re mixing up a mocktail, cracking a cold can of real soda, or pouring a non-alcoholic wine, you’re still showing up. You’re still celebrating. You’re still raising a glass to something good.

So here’s to a season that’s full of flavor, full of intention, and entirely yours.