As self-proclaimed lovers of all things bubbly, finding three locally-available delicious non-alcoholic bubbles to enjoy with meals or with a snack, was worth cheersing. (Yes, that is a word now!)
Over the past 6-months, our team has diligently been taste-testing numerous alcohol-free bubbles (both purchased and gifted) to see how enjoyable they actually are and see if the taste evokes the original, measure the all-important bubble life-span, and then gauge the after-taste.
Most (but not all) alcohol-free bubbles start as sparkling (wine, prosecco, Champagne, ciders) and then technology is used to extract the alcohol leaving the flavour behind.
What the Health?
In addition to tasting great, our selections also have the added plus of being healthier than the original – all assisting in providing lower blood pressure, help with weight management, ability to reduce depression, and improve sleep.
This is because the health benefits of fermented beverages are associated with antioxidants called polyphenols. Fortunately, removing the alcohol from sparkling beverages does not affect polyphenols. You can enjoy their full potential just like you will when drinking a glass of your favourite bubbly.
A Trio to Try
EcoLuxLifestyle.co is pleased to share the following three delicious drinks that made the cut and we are proud to recommend them!
Top 3 Non-Alcoholic Bubbly Beverages to Enjoy
Grüvi (@GetGruvi), 60 calories/bottle
Grüvi began with brewing beer and has expanded the brand roster to include all kinds of wonderful bubbly offerings. Founded by Niki Sawni in Colorado, the spark for creating a product that used an arrested fermentation process (not beginning with alcoholized wine or beer) began in 2019 and quickly grew with retailers all across the US and Canada. Grüvi is about creating an inclusive community that is focused on making better choices. We enjoyed the Dry Secco and the bubbly Rose. They also sell non-alcoholic IPA, Stout, Pale-Ale, and Lager.
Enjoy Gruvi both cold and hot. Here is a recipe that we enjoyed in the middle of the last round of west coast rain!
Herbal Tea Mocktail Recipe
8-ounces of hot water
1 chamomile tea bag
1-ounce of lavender simple syrup
.5-ounces of lemon juice
Lavender Simple Syrup Recipe
3 tablespoons of dried culinary lavender
1 cup of sugar
1 cup of water
Instructions:
Make the lavender-infused simple syrup. Add all of the ingredients for the syrup together in a small saucepan and stir occasionally. Once it comes to a soft boil remove from heat and discard the lavender.
Mix up a mocktail. Add the tea bag to the hot water and let it steep for a few minutes. Remove tea bag and mix in Dry Secco, lavender simple syrup, and lemon juice. Garnish with lemon slices. Enjoy warm!
In Vancouver, find Grüvi at Legacy Liquor, The Gull Liquor Store in North Vancouver, Le Marche St George, Liberty Wine Merchants, and many Safeway‘s!
OPUS (@DrinkOpus), O Calories
We were introduced to and greatly enjoyed both flavours of Opus at last June’s Planted Expo. Creator by Vancouver mixologist Kristos Kalaitzis, this refreshingly light beverage comes in two flavours Aperitivo Spritz (grapefruit, rhubarb, and fresh Seville oranges) and Gin & Tonic (Spanish-style gin, fragrant bitters, blood orange citrus, mint leaves, and cucumber).
By combining high-quality ingredients and blending them into these delicious recipes, Kalaitzis has created two flavours that are strong enough to stand-alone (no need for a mixer), that are sugar-free, and gluten-free. The company is also planting a tree for every box of alcohol-free Opus sold this year!
This is hands down the best gin & tonic beverage in a can we have ever tasted. Last summer, so many G&Ts were purchased so many for outings, bbqs and patio parties, only to pour them down the drain. This summer will be so much different!
Find Opus at fine local grocers such as Nesters, Natures Fare, City Avenue Market, Stong’s Market, and others.
Sovi Sparkling Rose (@DrinkSovi), 25 Calories
Sovi got its start in California when founders Julia & Alex Littauer decided to step away from their day jobs in the wine industry in Napa. The dream was always to create a non-alcoholic wine that was high-quality, refreshing, and without compromising flavour. With no unnecessary sugars and no added flavours, the duo has captured rosé in a petite can that fits in your hand and handbag.
They start with red wine and remove the alcohol using a technology called vacuum distillation. The wine is heated to 85 degrees to gently boil off the alcohol while keeping delicate flavours and aroma intact. Then it is blended with a minimal amount of grape juice concentrate and canned. The recyclable cans are lined with BPA-NI which is the standard in California and indicates that there is no BPA in the manufacturing of the material.
With the fresh, crisp, taste of a high-quality rosé, Sovi may soon be your go-to for your get-togethers.
Sovi Sparking Rosé is currently available at AFBev in West Vancouver, in Alberta, and through their website here.
Author Profile
- Helen Siwak, Plantbased Food & Beverages
- Helen Siwak is passionate about plantbased culinary, promoting a vegan lifestyle, shopping secondhand, and supporting eco-activists. Her plate is full as founder and president of EcoLuxLuv Comms (Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, EcoLuxLifestyle.co). | helen@ecoluxluv.com.
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