Zero-proof drink quality improving with bevy of options

Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 04/01/2025 (270 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Whether you’re doing a full-on Dry January, have resolved to scale back your alcohol consumption or are simply looking for low- or no-alcohol alternatives to wine, beer, coolers and spirits, there’s no denying the selection of products available to pop and pour (or shake and stir) is better than ever.

Since last writing about low- and no- alcohol options in (Sober) October, the selection of low- and zero-alcohol drinks at Liquor Marts, grocery stores and private wine shops has improved markedly, while more local producers have begun exploring how to engage with those who choose to skip the booze.

And while this change can be seen as a reaction to the general trend of people choosing to drink less (or not at all), locals can also raise a booze-free glass to The Sobr Market, a non-alcohol bottle shop on Academy Road that continues to offer an increasing number of tipples for those looking for alternatives to alcohol.

Thankfully, with an increase in options the quality level continues to improve for many of these drinks. Here are 10 products recently tasted for those dabbling in Dry January or who have committed to an alcohol-free (or alcohol-reduced) lifestyle. Because prices aren’t regulated for these products like they are with alcohol, they may vary; alcohol levels and availability have been noted as accurately as possible.

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Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc 0.0 (France — $1.99/330ml bottle, Liquor Marts, grocery stores, zero alcohol)

Medium straw and hazy, this wheat beer offers fresh grainy notes along with hints of orange peel and spice on the nose. There’s some sweetness on the light-plus-bodied palate, while the wheat and citrus flavours are a little more disjointed than the regular Kronenbourg. 2.5/5

Corona Sunbrew 0.0 (Canada — $2.29/330ml bottle, Liquor Marts, grocery stores, beer vendors, zero alcohol)

With this pale gold and clear offering, Corona’s done a decent job of mimicking the aromatics of its regular brew, with fresh malt, light herbal and subtle honeyed notes. On the light-bodied palate, it’s much of the same — not a dead ringer, but tasty enough to enjoy poolside (weather permitting) with a slice of lime. 3/5

Lake of the Woods No Wake Blonde Ale (Kenora/Winnipeg — $2.50/355ml can, brewery, Co-op grocery stores, Sobr Market, 0.5 per cent alcohol)

Pale gold in colour and slightly hazy, this Kenora-made blonde ale brings fresh malt and secondary caramel aromas. It’s light-plus bodied and dry, with robust malt flavours and just a touch of caramel in there as well. Also comes in a six-pack for $12-$14 and as a 24-pack, which is available at the brewery, located in Hargrave Street Market. 3/5

Low Life Barrel House Saint Organic Lager (Winnipeg/Toronto — $2.75/355ml cans, brewery, 0.5 per cent alcohol)

A collaboration with Toronto’s Harmon’s Brewery (where the beer is made), the Saint is pale straw and slightly hazy in appearance, with bright cracker and malt aromas. On the dry, light-bodied palate those same notes come through flavour-wise, making for a crisp, refreshing drink. 3.5/5

Lucky Saint Hazy IPA (London, England — $4.75/355ml can, Sobr Market, 0.5 per cent alcohol)

Medium gold and hazy in appearance, the resinous and grassy hop aromas show well with stone fruit and tropical notes. It’s dry and light-plus bodied, led by tropical flavours and a subtle grassy/herbal bite. Decent stuff. 3/5

Farmery Estate Brewing Co. Virgin Dill Pickle Beer Caesar (Neepawa — $2.99/500ml cans, brewery, grocery stores, 0.5 per cent alcohol)

While this pre-mixed cocktail is slightly lighter in colour than your typical caesar, it certainly smells like the real thing, with loads of spices, tart tomato and a sour pickle note. It’s beer-based so slightly carbonated, with the tomato-clam base and the pickle notes bringing savoury sourness along with the peppery spices. Would satisfy most looking for a non-alcoholic alternative to the real thing. 3/5

Dead Horse Cider Co. Cranberry Sparkling Apple Craft Soda (Winkler — around $4.50/355ml can, cidery, private wine stores, Sobr Market, zero alcohol)

Deep copper orange in colour and slightly hazy, the fresh apple, cranberry and spice aromas in this Winkler-made craft soda are quite appealing. It’s light-bodied and off-dry, with ripe apple and cranberry flavours working well together with medium acidity which keeps things lively. 3.5/5

Taurus Peach Bourbon Mocktail (Oak Bluff — $5/355ml cans, meadery, S0br Market, Co-Op grocery stores, zero alcohol)

Taurus is a new-ish line of mocktails from Bee Boyzz Honey & Meadery; this one’s a whiskey-flavoured peach tea blend that pours bright pink and aromatically offers candied peach, hints of black tea with lemon and an almost-woodsy note from the “bourbon whiskey flavouring” (again, there’s zero booze here). It’s light-bodied, off-dry and with lively bubbles, delivering fun peachy and cranberry notes with some tannin from the tea. 3.5/5

Zeno 2022 Alcohol Liberated White (Spain — $23, Sobr Market, 0.3 per cent alcohol)

Made from the Viura grape, this pale straw-coloured white brings bright grassy, lime, green apple and chalky aromas. It’s slightly sweet, light-plus bodied and viscous, with green apple, lemon-lime and chalky flavours, a hint of an herbal component and medium acidity that’s zippy and fresh. Very good and well worth a try. 4/5

Zeronimo 2021 Zweigelt (Neckenmarkt, Austria — $21.75/375ml bottle, Sobr Market, less than 0.5 per cent alcohol)

On the strength of the Zeronimo sparkling tasted in last week’s Uncorked, I figured I’d give this red a go. Aromatically it brings loads of cherry, plum and raspberry notes with a hint of spice; there’s a touch of sweetness on the medium-bodied palate that comes with the fruit flavours, and the grippy tannins work well. The best non-alcoholic red wine I’ve tasted to date. Also available in 750ml bottles. 4/5

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