Holiday entertaining in the age of alternatives means hosts are looking for sophisticated, flavourful options to welcome every guest – whether they’re lactose-free, not drinking, plant-based, or have allergies.

Though hosting during the holiday season might look a little – or a lot – different this year, there are still fundamental principles of being a good host that can apply to a gathering of any size. With inclusivity in mind, below are some holiday hosting ideas to elevate the cocktail experience for all.

1. Stock your bar cart with Seedlip (or other non-alcoholic options)

While the holidays are synonymous with indulgence, it’s just good hospitality to have options on hand. Stocking your bar cart with Seedlip, the original distilled non-alcoholic spirit designed with the cocktail experience in mind. It offers guests who may want to avoid alcohol for an hour, an evening, or longer, an alternative beyond plain soda water.

Serve 2 oz Seedlip over ice with premium tonic so everyone is offered the flavour and enjoyment of a proper cocktail, without the alcohol.

2. Shop locally for ingredients

It’s something we recommend doing year-round, but plan to purchase as many ingredients (high-quality garnishes, pressed juices, shrubs) from farms and independent businesses near you. Create a stunning garnish station with herb bundles (mint, sage, and rosemary), DIY dried limes and oranges, and mini spice jars of star anise and cinnamon sticks to really wow your guests.

3. Bring low-alcohol cocktails into the mix

For the guests who prefer alcohol, a bottle of dry sparkling wine is a great addition to the party. Adding a splash (1 oz) to a non-alcoholic cocktail transforms it into a quick and easy low-alcohol option, especially for those looking to moderate throughout the evening.

4. Provide sweetener alternatives

Natural sugars like maple or date syrups, agave nectar, and coconut sugar add interesting dimensions and weight to non-alcoholic cocktails and are flavourful processed choices. Try the Apple Highball or healthier Alt Nog recipes below.

5. Make it easy!

Pre-batch non-alcoholic cocktails, like the Seedlip Grove CosNOpolitan, in mason jars or serve an alcohol-free punch bowl for low-maintenance entertaining.

Alt Nog

Ingredients:

Seedlip Spice 94: 2 oz

Oat Milk*: 2 oz

Coconut Cream: 1 oz

Date Syrup: ½ oz

Cinnamon: 1 pinch

Vanilla Extract: 1 drop [optional]

Method:

Add all the ingredients to a blender & pulse until frothy.

Serve cold or warm in a French wine class.

Garnish w/ freshly grated Nutmeg.

*Can be substituted w/ dairy free milk of choice.

APPLE HIGHBALL

Ingredients:

Seedlip garden 108: 2 oz

Unfiltered Apple Juice: 1 oz

Lemon Juice: ½ oz

Maple Syrup: ½ oz

Soda Water: 3 oz

Method:

Combine all ingredients except soda water in a cocktail shaker with ice.

Shake & strain into a chilled highball glass.

Top w/ soda water & add fresh ice.

Garnish w/ an Apple fan.

COSNOPOLITAN

Ingredients:

Seedlip grove 42: 2 oz

Organic Cranberry Juice: 1 oz

Lime juice: ½ oz

*Simple syrup*: ½ oz

Method:

Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker w/ ice.

Shake & strain into a coupe glass.

Garnish w. an Orange peel.

*Simple syrup: combine equal parts warm water & sugar. Stir to dissolve. Let cool.