Whether you’re getting together with friends, celebrating a special occasion, or relaxing on a patio, cocktail hour is a treat that many of us enjoy. But what if you’ve decided to reduce your alcohol consumption or cut it out completely?

Non-alcoholic spirits are an appealing option for those who don’t want to imbibe but also don’t want to miss out on the pleasures of a cocktail. But what are non-alcoholic spirits and how can you use them to have a healthy cocktail hour?

What are Non-Alcoholic Spirits?

Non-alcoholic spirits offer the flavour of liquor without the alcohol. For Sobrii 0-Gin, a Canadian-made, non-alcoholic spirit, this means using a distilling process modelled after the production of traditional gin. Sobrii is made at a craft distillery in Stratford, Ontario, where traditional spirits are also produced.

To create Sobrii, botanicals are soaked in alcohol using a technique called maceration. The liquid is then distilled several times. The alcohol content is removed from the liquid towards the end of production using a proprietary method. The result is a gin-like, non-alcoholic spirit with less than 0.5% ABV.

What does non-alcoholic gin taste like?

Sobrii features a traditional blend of botanicals, including juniper berries, coriander, allspice, star anise, and Canadian ginseng. It has the fragrant, herbal notes you might associate with traditional gin, but without the “burn” of alcohol.

You probably don’t often drink traditional gin straight. The same is true for Sobrii, which is best enjoyed by mixing it into cocktails. Sobrii is delicious paired with high-quality tonic to make a simple G and T, but you can play with incorporating it into any traditional gin cocktail.

Stir Sobrii with sweetened lime juice to make a non-alcoholic Gimlet. Try combining it with fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white, and club soda to make a twist on a Gin Fizz. You can also experiment with creating your own original, non-alcoholic cocktails.

What are the Benefits of Switching to Alcohol-Free Spirits?

The sober curious movement is gaining momentum in Canada as more of us reflect on the benefits of a life with less alcohol. There are many reasons why people choose to switch to non-alcoholic spirits. Most people, however, are motivated by the desire to take better care of their mind and body.

In the short-term, you might like the idea of a cocktail hour without the mental fogginess and potential hangover associated with drinking. Swapping non-alcoholic spirits into your drinks can also help you reach personal fitness and weight loss goals. The calories found in alcohol can add up quickly, particularly when you’re having multiple drinks.

Traditional gin, for example, averages around 100 calories per 45 mL, whereas Sobrii contains no sugars, sweetener, or calories.

Over the long-term, countless research studies link alcohol to an increased risk of high blood pressure, stroke, heart problems, certain cancers, and other physical health issues. Alcohol is also associated with various mental health disorderslik