People are drinking less these days. Whether you’re totally sober or one of the many Canadians cutting back, that doesn’t mean you have to wallow in some self‐imposed isolation because your friends want to go to a bar. Just slip some polite venue suggestions into the conversation. And yes, you can still get a beer, it’s not just mocktail‐or‐nothing. It’s all the fun, and none of the morning‐after oh‐my‐god‐ why‐is‐the‐sun‐so‐bright agony.
If you’ve sampled just about all the non‐alcoholic beers you can stand, or you just want something different, Calgary’s non‐alcoholic scene has plenty to offer.
WILD FOLK
These canned mocktails come in all the flavours you know and love, including Aperol Spritz, Mezcal Margarita, and Vermouth Spritz (ABV 0%). Rather than using the traditional process of creating a non-alcoholic cocktail — which involves distilling alcohol and filtering it out — Wild Folk cocktails are infused with flavour without distilling for a drink that packs a punch. For a wicked night out, take in a comedy or drag show over at The Attic and sip on this tasty treat for $10. Wild Folk, drinkwildfolk.com.
QUENCH HOP WATER
Hop Water (ABV 0%) is a little bit like the bubly or La Croix of beer. It has that hoppy flavour but without the alcohol and calories. If that sounds about your speed, then you’re in luck, because you can find the stuff all over Calgary. Cabin Brewing Company makes Quench, so if you’re headed there to Sample Tuesdays, grab a Hop Water while you’re at it. It’ll only run you $3. Cabin Brewing Company, 505 36 Ave. S.E., cabinbrewing.ca.
CONFLUENCE DISTILLING
This local distillery is known for making classic liquors with a bit of a twist, and they’ve got a little treat for the sober folks as well. So far, Confluence has only made one non-alcoholic canned cocktail, but the raspberry lemon gin and tonic (ABV 0.5%) is killer enough that you won’t wish for other options. It’s got all the gin botanicals that the regular stuff has — a flavour combo that’s perfect for summer. If you and your pals are hitting 17th Avenue on your night out, order this one at the Ship for just $8. Confluence Distilling, 507 36 Ave. S.E., confluencedistilling.ca.
CLINK BEVERAGE CO.
This female-founded, Alberta-based brand is ideal for scratching that itch for a bubbly cham- pagne cocktail. They come in two flavours: head over to Born Brewing Company for a sip of their raspberry limoncello bubbly brut mocktail (ABV 0%) for $5.25, or hit up Bitter Sisters Brewing Company for the classic mimosa version for $7.25. Clink Beverage Co., clinkbeverageco.com.
