Times are a changin' and the average Canadian's alcohol intake is getting lower every year. Sure, post-holiday-season self-induced guilt trips are a common catalyst for wanting (or needing?) to consume less alcohol, but what really keeps someone interested is the variety of drink options at their disposal.
From wines to non-alcoholic spirit alternatives, and of course, low-to-no-alch craft beer, 2025 has never been a better year to sip sober.
Here's a few products that have jumped out at us in recent months, all worthy of a sip or two...or maybe even three!
Partake Brewing's Hop Twist sparkling hop water
Both a leader and innovator in the non-alcoholic craft beer industry since launching in 2017, Partake Brewing is now a household name to folks seeking a quality brew without the buzz.
The brewery boasts a long lineup of popular options these days including its Pale, Juicy IPA, and Pilsner (all of which containing just 30 calories per can), but its newest beverage is the bright and fizzy Hop Twist. The hop-infused sparkling water is made with Citra and Mosaic hops and a little lemon juice.
It's the epitome of refreshing!
Thomson & Scott's Noughty Alcohol-Free Sparkling Rosé
If you're a lover of bubbly who's recently transitioned to a life of less (or no) alcohol, you'll know that sparkling juice is not a suitable swap for things like prosecco or cava.
You'll also know that a quality non-alcoholic sparkling wine is nearly impossible to find. We say nearly because UK winemaker Thomson & Scott is shattering preconceived notions with their wine brand Noughty.
This is largely thanks to organic grapes in its classic sparkling (chardonnay) and sparkling rose (tempranillo) and a dealcoholization process that creates an end product with true character. Couple that with a pretty sezy label design and you're left with a bubbly suitable for celebrations, get-togethers and the like.
Noughty is available a various liquor stores across the Canada,
In Calgary, you can find it at Vine Arts, Co-op Wine and Spirits, and more.
Seedlip's Notas de Agave
With a celebrated trio of non-alcoholic spirits, Seedlip recently launched its newest and fourth flavour in Canada. Notas de Agave is a agave-inspired non-alcoholic alternative, and the first new Seedlip product in five years.
With tasting notes of pear, lime, and agave, plus a little vanilla and peppercorn, this non-alcoholic spirit is great in Paloma-style and Margarita-style drinks, among many other things.
Notas de Agave is available to purchase across the country. Head to the Seedlip website for more information.
