Whether it’s for a celebration, a gathering or an evening to unwind, Canadians increasingly favour non-alcoholic options over beer, wine and spirits.
But while much of the narrative has focused on sober consumers, it’s also being driven by those who still consume alcohol.
“It’s definitely been a shift,” said Dan La Cute, founder of the Hamilton-based Free Bar, an online store with a curated selection of non-alcoholic drinks.
Over the last two years, he said, he has seen more health-conscious consumers who still want to have a ritual but don’t necessarily want to indulge.
“Previously, they would grab a beer or pour a glass of wine after a long day’s hard work, but now they’re potentially reaching for a non-alcoholic drink because they either don’t want the calories or they don’t want the hangover,” …