Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Solis
Hi Andrew, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In 2020, the movement toward non-alcoholic beverages and a consumer shift toward moderation was just beginning. At that same time, I found myself in a similar pursuit—wanting to balance responsibilities and enjoying time socializing with friends and family . With full workdays, two young children, and a passion for skiing, climbing, and formerly running, Andrew simply wanted to “drink less.” But cutting back on alcohol proved challenging with the lackluster options for alcohol-free drinks.
Fueled by my love of spirits and respect for the art of a well-crafted cocktail, I spent nearly two years designing a true zero-proof spirit. Made from natural ingredients, free of excessive sugar, and delicious in cocktails, this spirit was created to bring choice, inclusion, celebration, and connection to both myself and future customers. Thus, Cut Above Zero Proof Spirits was born. Proudly from Houston—a city known for ambition, diversity, and opportunity—Cut Above is setting a new standard for the non-alcoholic experience.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The smooth stretches have been short, and the bumpy, winding roads seem to go on forever—startup life at its finest! Our main challenges have been growing and scaling in a way that’s sustainable. Developing and bringing to market a zero-proof spirit that could genuinely replicate the complexity of traditional spirits without alcohol has been no small feat. Finding natural ingredients that delivered on taste, maintaining a low sugar content, and ensuring the product felt authentic in a cocktail setting required extensive research, testing, and refining. On top of that, building a brand centered around choice and inclusivity meant being mindful of every detail—from ingredients to branding—so that Cut Above can truly resonate with customers seeking a meaningful, enjoyable alternative.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Cut Above Zero Proof Spirits, we specialize in creating premium non-alcoholic spirits that deliver the experience of a traditional cocktail, without the alcohol. We focus on quality, using natural ingredients and crafting each spirit to bring the same complexity and satisfaction you’d expect in a classic drink—without the extra sugar often found in non-alcoholic options.
What sets us apart is our commitment to choice, inclusion, and connection. We stand behind mindful drinking. We believe that everyone should feel included at the table, and our brand is built on that sense of celebration and community. Whether you’re choosing to drink less, not at all, or just looking for a flavorful alternative, we’re here to offer something exceptional.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of our dedication to quality and innovation. We put care into every bottle to ensure it aligns with what people genuinely want in a zero-proof spirit. From our Houston roots to our customer-first approach, we’re building a brand that supports balanced living in a meaningful way. We want readers to know that Cut Above isn’t just about making a drink; it’s about offering a lifestyle choice that feels fulfilling and true.
Cut Above Zero Proof Spirits offers a selection of award-winning, alcohol-free spirits that blend perfectly into your favorite cocktails as a one for one replacement to traditional spirits, allowing consumers to cut back on alcohol without sacrificing taste or altering your usual habits.
Named the 2023 U.S. Alcohol-Free Producer of the Year, Cut Above was crafted to give everyone the flexibility to control how much alcohol goes into their drinks, without settling for a dull alternative. We believe in inclusion and invite everyone, regardless of their alcohol preferences, to experience the best in non-alcoholic cocktails with Cut Above.
Our lineup includes Gin, Mezcal, Agave Blanco Tequila, and Whiskey, all of which have earned multiple gold medals and product-of-the-year awards.
Cut Above Zero Proof Spirit’s is available at Spec’s across Texas and other retailers and distributed in 16 states across the US plus Canada. We are also available online at www.drinkcutabove.com and find us on socials @drinkcutabove
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Taking risks is an essential part of our journey. We understand that innovation requires stepping into the unknown, and we’re not afraid to make bold moves to push the boundaries of what non-alcoholic spirits can offer. Each risk is calculated with our mission in mind, starting a challenger brand in a new business category is inherently risky, but for us, it’s about calculating and managing that risk thoughtfully. We’ve had to pivot multiple times to understand consumer preferences, find effective ways to bring our product to market, and operate with a leaner budget than our larger competitors. Yes, we’ve made mistakes, and we expected that—it’s all part of the process. We are deeply passionate about what we’re building and how it impacts people, and for us, that makes every risk we take absolutely worth it.
Pricing:
- $34.99 MSRP for our bottles
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.drinkcutabove.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkcutabove/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cutabovespirits
