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Non-Alcoholic Beer, Wine & Spirits

Zero-proof drinks have come a long way. We carry non-alcoholic beer, red and white wine, and spirits. Here's a plain-language guide to the styles and the labels.

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Unlabelled bottles and cans of zero-proof drinks with glasses of sparkling and rosé-coloured drinks, lemons and mint

Whether you're driving, taking a dry month, expecting, training or just pacing yourself, there are more good non-alcoholic beer, wine and spirit alternatives than ever. City Liquor carries non-alcoholic beer, alcohol-free red and white wine, and non-alcoholic spirits. Selection varies, so ask us what's in. This page explains the styles so you know what to look for.

Non-alcoholic beer styles

Non-alcoholic (NA) beer is brewed like regular beer, then has the alcohol removed, or is brewed so that very little forms in the first place. Most of the popular beer styles now have an NA version:

  • NA lager and pilsner: crisp and clean, the easiest swap for a regular lager.
  • NA IPA and pale ale: hops give lots of aroma and bitterness, which makes up for the missing alcohol body. Often the most flavourful NA beers.
  • NA wheat beer: soft, hazy and fruity.
  • NA stout and dark beer: roasty, coffee and chocolate notes.

Alcohol-free and dealcoholized wine

Most alcohol-free wine is made as regular wine, then gently dealcoholized. Removing alcohol also removes some body, so the best bets are styles that rely on fruit and freshness:

  • Sparkling: bubbles carry the flavour well, which makes alcohol-free sparkling the most popular style. It's a great choice for toasts.
  • Whites and rosé: crisp, aromatic styles (think Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling-like) work better than oaky ones.
  • Reds: lighter and juicier than regular reds. Serve slightly chilled.

Zero-proof spirit alternatives

Non-alcoholic "spirits" are botanical distillates or infusions designed to stand in for gin, rum, whisky-style or aperitif-style drinks in a cocktail. They aren't meant for sipping neat like the real thing. Use them in long drinks with tonic, ginger beer or soda. Our cocktail recipes include two mocktails, and most highballs (a G&T, a mule, a mojito) work well with an NA base.

Reading the label in Canada

Canadian labelling terms matter if you need to avoid alcohol completely:

Label termWhat it means
Non-alcoholic / alcohol-freeAlcohol reduced to less than 0.05%
DealcoholizedAlcohol reduced to less than 1.1% (often around 0.5%)
Low alcoholLess than 1.1% alcohol
0.0%A declared alcohol content of zero. Check with the producer if exact amounts matter to you.

Source: Canadian Food Inspection Agency labelling requirements. Some imported or older products may still carry older wording, so always check the percentage on the can or bottle.

Hosting with great NA options

  • Plan at least one or two alcohol-free drinks per guest. The party drinks calculator includes them.
  • Put NA drinks out next to everything else, in nice glasses, so nobody feels singled out.
  • Mocktails with fresh citrus and herbs feel special. Try the cranberry ginger fizz or the cucumber mint cooler.
  • Designated drivers deserve something better than tap water. Make it easy for them.

Good to know

Retail liquor stores in Alberta are adults-only premises. Minors may only come in with a parent, guardian or adult spouse. Please bring ID if you look under 25. Not sure where to start? Tell us what you normally drink and we'll suggest an alcohol-free option in a similar style.

Photos are illustrative.

Please enjoy responsibly. You must be 18+ to buy alcohol in Alberta, and if you're drinking, plan a safe ride home.

Related pages

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do non-alcoholic drinks taste like the real thing?

The best are very close, especially NA IPAs, NA lagers and alcohol-free sparkling wine. Removing alcohol takes away some body and warmth, so hoppy, fruity and bubbly styles tend to work best.

Is non-alcoholic beer really alcohol-free?

Not always. In Canada, a beer can only be labelled "non-alcoholic" or "alcohol-free" if it has less than 0.05% alcohol. Beer labelled "dealcoholized" can contain up to 1.1%, and many are around 0.5%. Check the percentage on the can, especially if you're driving, pregnant or avoiding alcohol completely.

Source: Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Does non-alcoholic wine have alcohol?

Often a tiny amount. Wine labelled "dealcoholized" has had its alcohol reduced to less than 1.1%, and many bottles sit around 0.5%. Only wine labelled "non-alcoholic" or "alcohol-free" must be under 0.05%. Check the label for the exact percentage if you need to avoid alcohol completely.

Source: Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Do liquor stores sell non-alcoholic beer and wine?

Yes, most liquor stores now carry non-alcoholic beer, and many also stock alcohol-free wine and spirit alternatives. At City Liquor you'll find non-alcoholic beer, alcohol-free red and white wine, and non-alcoholic spirits alongside our regular selection. They're a good pick for designated drivers, dry months and guests who don't drink. Selection varies, so ask our staff what's in.

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