The sober curious and mindful drinking movements are sweeping across Vancouver, and a new business is catering to those looking to experience the social ritual of savoring a well-crafted beverage without the effects of alcohol. Meet Mocktails, the city’s first exclusively alcohol-free liquor store.
Located at 1250 Commercial Drive, Mocktails is the brainchild of Angela Hanson, who quit drinking herself about a year ago after struggling with unhealthy habits for much of her life. “My family has dealt with alcohol issues, and I decided it was time to make a profound lifestyle change,” Angela shares. “When I stopped drinking, I quickly realized how limited the non-alcoholic options were back then. There’s an amazing array of alcohol-free wines, beers, spirits and craft mocktails out there now that most people don’t even know about!”
This startling discovery inspired Angela to bring an elevated alcohol-free experience to Vancouver. At Mocktails, you’ll find a thoughtfully curated selection of non-alcoholic wines, beers, botanical spirit alternatives, bitters, aperitifs, mixers and more. The beautifully designed space even offers vintage glassware to recreate that classic bar ambiance.”Whether you’re sober curious or 100% committed to sobriety, our doors are open,” Angela states. “My goal is to make Mocktails an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome to explore mindful drinking without judgment.”
For the sober curious, Mocktails provides an opportunity to embrace moderation by alternating between alcoholic and alcohol-free beverages throughout the evening. And for those who have eliminated alcohol entirely, it’s a chance to rediscover the joy of finely crafted drink experiences minus the negative effects.
Angela acknowledges that taking that first sober step is immensely difficult, but encourages perseverance. “Some people get it right away, while others like myself go through many trials before reaching that mindful drinking mindset. My advice is never to stop trying if sobriety is what you want. Everyone’s journey is different, but you’ll get there.”
Of course, mindful drinking isn’t just about abstinence. It’s a conscious approach to assessing your relationship with alcohol and making intentional choices accordingly. “Don’t feel like you have to quit entirely,” Angela says. “For many, it’s about alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout occasions. It’s about being mindful of why, when, how much, and what you’re drinking.”
With businesses like Mocktails paving the way, Vancouver’s sober curious craving for an alcohol-free nightcap finally has a solution worth toasting to. Stop by and explore an extensive selection of alcohol-free sips while finding camaraderie and support in developing a healthier drinking lifestyle. An entirely new, mindful sipping experience awaits.