Some of Hamilton’s best non-alcoholic beverage options

By now you’ve probably heard about the new guidelines on how many alcoholic beverages you should consume each week to reduce negative health outcomes. The Canadian Center on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) recommends a maximum of two drinks per week. Canadians across the country have been floored since those guidelines changed significantly from one drink a day to just two drinks a week.

We spoke to Shannon Crocker, MSc Rd, a Local Registered Dietitian, about what this new policy means and tips and tricks for making those daily changes.

Shares Shannon: “The new guidelines underscore that all levels of alcohol consumption carry some risk. The lowest risk is with two standard drinks per week or fewer.

“The more you drink, the higher your health risk, particularly the risk of cancer and heart disease. Drinking less alcohol is better for overall health and well-being. If you reduce or eliminate alcohol, you may see immediate benefits, such as sleeping better and having more energy.”

If you’re reading this and thinking that’s easier said than done, Shannon also shared her top four tips for reducing our alcohol consumption.

1. Get your partner or a buddy to do it with you — so you can support each other and plan activities that don’t involve alcohol.

2. Put your booze somewhere where you can’t easily see it – out of sight, out of mind.

3. Plan how to deal with the times when you usually have a drink. Have soft drinks or mocktails ready.

4. Tell your friends and family—this sets intent and can help hold you accountable.

Now that you understand the recommendations and tips, I’ve scoured the city for amazing bars and businesses offering amazing non-alcoholic options for your next celebration.

The soft drink market has grown quite a bit over the past 10 years and it’s exciting to see all the possibilities, especially for someone who doesn’t drink at all. Whether you want a fancy mocktail at a restaurant after a long day or a beer-like drink to unwind with, you now have more choices.

Free bar:

Free-Bar is a brand new business in Hamilton that curates and delivers quality craft non-alcoholic beers, ciders and ready-made cocktails. If you are local in Hamilton, they also pick up locally. Owner Dan Le Cute said: “We’re here to help you explore the alcohol-free space and find products that suit your tastes and lifestyle. Free Bar and our Discovery Boxes were born out of a desire to share the best products and support craft beer and cocktail makers.

“Hamilton is an encouraging place to start a business. Not only are there great non-alcoholic products being made by the local industry; There is a strong support system from fellow entrepreneurs.”

For more information about Free Bar and to order your own box visit here: https://freebarco.com/

Bar Sazerac:

Owners Kyle Ferreira and Jennifer Ferreira are well known in Hamilton for their delicious cocktails. But did you know that almost all of their drinks can be made non-alcoholic? When Jennifer was pregnant, she understood the importance of being inclusive and putting soft drinks on the menu. Jennifer told us, “We buy non-alcoholic spirits from a Quebec company called Distillerie Noroi (https://distillerienoroi.com/en/). But we do offer a selection of non-alcoholic spirits, beers and wines in Bar Sazerac.”

Jennifer recommends you try their mocktail called Midnight’s Children, which features a non-alcoholic rum that’s homemade, coconut emulsion, lime juice, bitters, and a homemade aperativo. If you’ve visited Bar Sazerac before, you know that their attention to detail in all of their drinks is truly inspiring. This also applies to their non-alcoholic selection. Find Bar Sazerac at 278 James St. N., Hamilton. For more information, visit their website here: http://www.barsazerac.ca/

The Capitol Bar:

Another popular spot for a drink in town is the Capitol Bar. When the Ticats are playing, this bar is packed with happy customers. “We have a full line of non-alcoholic beers at Capitol Bar,” said owner Derek Weening. Derek also recommends a non-alcoholic drink called Lavender Lemonade, which is a huge hit with his customers. There’s a lot going on at the Capitol Bar. So if you’d like to stop by for a home-cooked meal and drink, give them a call to reserve a table at (289) 389-1001. The Capitol Bar is located at 973 King St. E., Hamilton.

Merit Brewing Company:

Even if you go to a full-fledged brewery, you’ll find countless non-alcoholic options. Owner Tej Sandhu from Merit Brewing told us all about the soft drinks they offer at their brewery. Not only do they have a rotating selection of non-alcoholic beers from producers like Rally, Bellwoods and Gruvi, but they also have non-alcoholic wines from Gruvi, a seltzer from City Seltzer, kombucha from another local Hamilton company, Escarpment Kombucha, and juice boxes that not only suitable for children but for all age groups. To learn more about Merit Brewing, visit their website here http://www.meritbrewing.ca/. Merit Brewing is located at 107 James St. N., Hamilton.

This isn’t an exhaustive list of places in Hamilton that offer alcohol-free options, but it’s a start if you’re trying to limit your consumption. If your favorite bar or restaurant isn’t listed here, don’t hesitate to ask the bartender or waiter at the bar of your choice what non-alcoholic options they offer.

Joyce Leung is a food writer and blogger based in Hamilton. When she’s not eating out, she teaches Asian cooking classes across the city and tries out all of Hamilton’s delicious restaurants. Joyce will not write about organizations with which she has a separate business relationship. You can reach her at [email protected]

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