Oh Canada ... Our non-alcoholic drinks offerings just keep getting better
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Is it just us, or are there new, better and more accessible non-alcoholic drinks options springing up every week? As the “sober curious” movement goes mainstream and many of us are rethinking drinking for our physical, mental and emotional health, the market for low- and no-alcohol drinks options continues to boom - and Canada’s offerings are gaining momentum.
Here are a few new Canadian coast-to-coast favourites we’ve profiled since last Canada Day, to inspire some patriotic long weekend libations!
West Coast Wonder - Edna’s Cocktails
Vancouver brand Edna’s was profiled by contributor Joanna Piros in November. The ready-to-drink canned cocktails have a vintage vibe and a range of classic cocktail flavours including a mojito and a paloma. Incorporating drinking vinegars for acidity and layered flavours for depth, their range is designed to provide an elevated drinking experience sans booze.
Prairie Pick - Wildfolk
We profiled Wildfolk back in October, sharing the story of this uniquely prairie brand, with its emphasis on indigenous ingredients, many of which are hand-harvested. Their line of botanical cocktails includes a vermouth spritz and negroni, with layered flavours and subtle sophistication.
One from Ontario - Bellwoods Brewery
A mainstay of the Toronto brew pub scene, Bellwoods turned its attention to making alcohol free offerings last year. Their three non-alcoholic options were reviewed by contributor Antoine Tedesco back in February. Bellwoods co-founder Luke Pestl summarized their offerings this way: “If I had to distill it down to one point, I’d say that our NA beers taste just like beer beer.”
A “belle” choice from Quebec - HP Juniper
Touted the first non-alcoholic spirit from la belle province, HP Juniper is a relatively old player in the NA drinks space, appearing on the scene in 2020 (a timely launch, given the impact of the pandemic on Canadians’ drinking habits!). In the past year, they’ve launched several new products, that topped Sarah’s list of non-alcoholic whiskeys with their single malt offering, and won over the entire n/a tequila category with their HP Agave. With several gin options and ready-to-drink cocktails also on offer, it’s a brand worth investigating.
The County’s n/a star - Finally!
The Finally! brand has been under the radar, but it’s a small-batch startup from Prince Edward County offering a mojito and a margarita. Despite some operational challenges, founders Alex and Jenna are slowly ramping up their distribution outside of the county in the coming year.
East coast excellence - LaPiquette
LaPiquette was reviewed by us a little over a year ago, in March 2022, but LaPiquette’s latest offering, Pink Piquette is one of our most highly anticipated future sips of 2023. Produced at Benjamin Bridge’s rural Nova Scotia winery, it’s got the sophistication of a high-quality wine in the convenience of a single-serve can.
Outstanding Ottawa - Knyota Drinks
Lastly, a nod to our nation’s capital and it’s downtown non-alcoholic bottle shop, Knyota Drinks. Founder Benson Mutalemwa was Some Good Clean Fun’s first ‘inspiring man’ and shared his positive vision for offering inclusive, adult beverages for those choosing to drink less, or not at all. We’re excited to be partnering with Knyota Drinks for a summer cinq a sept event on July 5, 2023!
Wherever you are across Canada, we wish you a happy, healthy long weekend (and to those outside our borders, hope you’ll check out some of the incredible AF offerings Canada has to offer!).
