Drinking without the consequences is becoming popular, as the sober movement rises.  In a world where craft drinks are now the norm and often the one chosen off the menu, it makes total sense that non-alcoholic spirits, wine and beer are not left in the dark.

Zero-proof alcohol is an industry that is currently on the rise.  There are hundreds of companies creating non-alcoholic drink options for people who choose to abstain from alcohol for various reasons.  So, what exactly is the fuss about?  Just ask anyone who orders a Sun-Brew Corona beer, the non-alcohol version of the traditional Corona, made by the same manufacturer.  

It’s got the same great taste, just without the alcohol.  It’s not just Corona doing this in the beer space, there are a ton of options for beer lovers out there, and many other major brands are also creating non-alcohol versions as well.  

This goes way beyond beer though.  You can shop for non-alcoholic (also known as N/A) wine, spirits, pre-mixed cocktails, elixirs, and more.  The options have increased over the past few years and the ways to purchase them have become more accessible.

With the sober movement on the rise for many reasons, with health being at the forefront, this is a huge win.  Alcohol damages our health in many ways both physically and mentally, and we live in a toxic society that has seemingly chosen to overlook this for many years.  

Having a drink option that does not contain alcohol and is more sophisticated than pop or juice is something that many people are eager to try.  Non-alcohol drink options are created to mimic the flavors you would find in a traditional alcoholic beverage and help to create a flavor profile that entices your senses, just as a regular cocktail would.

The main difference between a non-alcohol drink to traditional alcohol included is alcohol.  Some companies will remove the alcohol, and some will create the drink without alcohol ever meeting it.  Both ways of creating it end at the same result and both are safe to drink and considered non-alcoholic.  Someone who is pregnant would be fine to consume a non-alcoholic drink regardless of the process used to create it.  

It is common to see a label that says zero-proof, non-alcoholic, 0.00% or even 0.05%.  All of these are still considered safe, non-alcoholic drinks suitable for anyone choosing to abstain from alcohol. 

Non-alcoholic drinks are not a “one size fits all” on flavour and distillation process, so you will have to do your research on the company if this is of concern to you.  You may try a few and not care for them, but don’t close the door to this concept just yet.  There are a ton of great tasting options on the market in both Canada and the US and more are on the way.  

If you are still wondering why anyone would choose to drink these at all, consider the social aspect of what drinking traditionally means.  You may not want to mix these up on a quiet evening at home alone, but you might enjoy the feeling of sipping one at your next BBQ or social gathering.  What they provide is an option.  An option to choose how you want to show up, and to be inclusive of the situation you are in.  You won’t feel any effects that you normally would with alcohol, and you won’t suffer from any of the consequences that alcohol is sure to bring. 

There are so many health benefits to this choice, and no risk.  If you are seeking this as an option for good health, you will be happy to know that most will have reduced calories to their alcohol included counterparts, and you can also find options with low or no sugar.  

Whether you are a designated driver, have an early work meeting, are pregnant or just alcohol-free by choice, it is nice to know that the world we live in today, sees you.  With the younger generation taking the lead in making cleaner choices for their health and not seeking out alcohol the way the older generations do, the need will be on greater rise.

With so many options to choose from, you simply cannot get bored in this space.  One of the best things about non-alcoholic drinks is they taste a heck of a lot better without that after burn.  You can try vodka, gin, tequila, vermouth, triple sec, whisky and more.  There are hundreds of red, white, rose and sparkling wines to try.  If you are into beer, you have a plethora of options to try.  Keep in mind that just as your unique taste buds choose everything that you like by trial and error, you will need to do that here as well.  Just because someone else likes or dislikes something does not mean it applies to you.

Over time you will know what you like and can create a little bar cart at home if you choose.  You can order mocktails and N/A beer at most upscale restaurants and many of the bartenders are now trained in crafting superb mocktails.  Bonus, the cost is less.  If you are looking for recipes you can find thousands online, and you can also visit the website of most manufacturers for instructions on how to use their products well.  There are no rules, just mix up drinks and tweak them as you go.  Have fun with it!  Many people like to make simple syrups as well to enhance the flavor of their drinks.  

If you are hosting a party, consider having both non-alcohol and alcohol options so your guests can choose.  If you want to keep things simple, create a signature non-alcohol drink and offer it up.  You will be amazed at what providing guests with the option does.

For example, you could offer both alcohol and non-alcohol options for a gin and tonic.  You may be surprised who orders which option at your party.  Let’s start normalizing the right to choose without the peer pressure to do what everyone else is doing.  It’s 2024.  

If this is getting you even more curious and you wonder where to shop, you can buy non-alcoholic options all over the place now.  Most grocery stores will have some options, and there are now alcohol-free liquor stores. In Vancouver, we have a new store on Main Street called Mocktails.

If you don’t live in the Vancouver area, or if you prefer to shop an even larger collection online (from the comfort of your home) we like Upside Drinks. They offer free shipping on purchases of $150 or more.

If you are looking outside of Vancouver or Canada, there are still a ton of options.  The US is far beyond Canada in this movement and with a quick google search to your area, you should be able to find something.  You can also visit the websites of the brand you are looking for and shop directly.

A world full of possibilities with even more on the way.  Having options to live your life by your design is the goal here and it’s inspiring to see these products flourishing.  Over the next decade we can expect to see this industry growing rapidly, and it’s an exciting time.  We will see more of the major players in the alcohol space creating non-alcoholic options and many new brands will be born along the way.  

If you are brand new to sobriety and feel these products may be triggering, please use caution or consider waiting until you find your footing before exploring here.  Due to the flavour profiles being so close to the real thing, it needs to be noted that these products may not benefit you.  Use your own discretion and make a choice that fits your lifestyle and your needs.

RECIPE FOR A NON-ALCOHOLIC GIN & TONIC

2 ounces Hickson’s NA Gin

½ Premium tonic water

1 lemon slice 

3 cucumber slices 

Instructions:

Using a vegetable peeler, peel a cucumber down the whole length of the cucumber.  Do this 3 times and line the inside of the glass with the cucumber.

Add ice

Add 2 ounces of Hickson’s N/A Gin

Top with tonic water (or club soda for zero sugar & calories)

Squeeze the lemon into the drink and enjoy!