The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Spirits

Whether you're trying to be more mindful of your alcohol intake or you're just looking for a delicious mocktail, non-alcoholic spirits are having a moment. Once relegated to the "non-drinkers" section of the menu, these booze-free beverages are now being developed by major spirit brands and are appearing on the shelves of your favorite cocktail bars. Here's everything you need to know about this growing trend.

What Are Non-Alcoholic Spirits?

Non-alcoholic spirits are, quite simply, spirits that have had the alcohol removed. This can be done through a variety of methods, but the most common is distillation. By distilling alcohol out of a spirit, you're left with the essence of the drink—the flavor, aroma, and mouthfeel—without the buzz. 

Non-alcoholic spirits are often referred to as "spirituals" or "mocktails," and they can be enjoyed on their own or used in cocktails. While some people might think that non-alcoholic spirits are a recent phenomenon, they've actually been around for centuries. In fact, many of today's popular non-alcoholic spirits were originally created as medicinal tonics or health elixirs. 

Why Are Non-Alcoholic Spirits Popular?

There are a few reasons behind the growing popularity of non-alcoholic spirits. For one, more and more people are looking to reduce their alcohol intake for health reasons. According to a study conducted by IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, nearly 30% of global consumers say they're drinking less alcohol than they were just two years ago. And this trend is only expected to continue; IWSR predicts that by 2025, 38% of adults will be either abstaining from alcohol or drinking moderately. 

In addition to health concerns, many people simply enjoy the taste of non-alcoholic spirits and don't want the added effects of alcohol. Mocktails have come a long way in recent years, with bartenders getting creative with their ingredients and coming up with some truly delicious drinks. And since non-alcoholic spirits don't contain any ethanol, you can enjoy them without worrying about waking up with a hangover. 

Where to Find Non-Alcoholic Spirits?

If you're interested in trying non-alcoholic spirits, you'll be happy to know that they're widely available. A favourite of ours is Sobrii Spirits; a non-alcoholic spirit distillery based in Stratford, Ontario. Their non-alcoholic gin is the first of its kind in Canada and they have a delicious non-alcoholic tequila as well. We had the chance to craft some mocktails with their spirits, like a non-alcoholic Gin & Tonic made with our Indian Tonic or Pink Tonic, and a fresh non-alcoholic Grapefruit Paloma.

Many major liquor brands—including Bacardi, Diageo, Pernod Ricard, and Seedlip—have launched their own lines of booze-free beverages in recent years. And as demand for these products continues to grow, you can expect to see even more brands jumping on board.