It’s reported that millions of people are participating in Dry January—a total abstention of alcohol for the first month of the year. I am not one of them. I have been happily enjoying a glass of wine occassionally during these grey, frigid days (what else to do with the rest of the Sauvignon Blanc after making risotto?).
And yet, I’ll just as often reach for something with all the complexity, but none of the booze. Why? Simply because I’d like an indulgent beverage without any concern for how it will affect my energy the next day, or a fancier-than-average Tuesday dinner demands something greater than water. Additionally, the new zero-proof options steadily appearing on market shelves are delicious! The options below, all made in Canada, are smooth sippers that I crave regularly.
This list includes a casual bubbly, an upscale wine alternative, and a versatile cocktail base that’s just as good on the rocks or with a dash of tonic. Reach for any of these during a Friday night dinner party, weekend brunch, or simply to power through the last of your emails on a Monday afternoon.
At 11g of sugar per bottle, it’s sweeter than my usual wine selections, but with a subtle flavour that evokes honey and rose, it’s a delightful and indulgent post-work treat.
It’s perfectly carbonated, so the bubbles don’t interfere with its smooth flavour. This is a budget friendly option too that’s in-line with your favourite kombucha! Try it with a few dashes of pear bitters for an extra bit of brightness.
GTA-based Acid League has been taking the culinary world by storm with their innovative approach to fermentation and layering flavours. Their proxies showcase this exceptional balance of adventure and skill by bringing teas, spices and other ingredients into perfect harmony that makes for an incredibly fun drinking experience! I recently tried two of their red blends.
- Nightshade: I couldn’t help but jump into the bottle at room temperature as soon as I brought it home. The flavour was lush and lingered nicely. It was the sweetness of the rooibos that was dominant on my palette, but with a pleasing complexity from the sundried tomato and other savoury additions. When slightly chilled, as recommended, the savoury and spicy notes were more pronounced.
- Velvet: As the name implies, this is one smooth sipper. Rich red fruits punch through, grounded by the coffee and peppery notes. This will definitely be my go-to Proxy from here on in.
Unabashedly my favourite on this list. It’s crisp, refreshing and incredibly versatile. I’ve enjoyed it on the rocks, with a touch of tonic and lime, and in a Passeggiata cocktail with Seedlip Grove. I’m excited to restock and try it in even more concoctions—Chef Luke Hayes, who created the elixer based on a secret family recipe, provides excellent ideas and inspiration.
It’s the lemongrass and sarsaparilla that hook me in, then soft vanilla amidst a pleasantly bitter backdrop keeps me coming back. What’s more… many of the 89 ingredients contain immunity-boosting and adaptogenic properties. There’s never been a better reason to imbibe!
with abundance 