Kick off the new year and choose to sip lighter this season. Whether you’re participating in a specific challenge or considering a lifestyle change, finding ways to make lighter drinking decisions is a positive step toward being more mindful. Now is the perfect time to explore low, non-alcohol and low-sugar wine, beer and spirits at LCBO. Both online and in-store you can discover local and international beverages to suit any budget and taste to sip and entertain responsibly.
There are over 1,000 lighter beverage choices that can currently be found on LCBO shelves and at LCBO.com across the province. Find exciting, innovative and new wine, beer and spirits to explore with friends and family. Here is a quick guide with everything you need to know to shop, enjoy and entertain with low, non-alcohol and low-sugar products
How to sip ‘lighter’
The LCBO has launched a “Light & Easy” campaign this January. This campaign highlights and features low-alcohol, non-alcohol and low-sugar products which can be easily searched for on LCBO.com and can be found in stores. The LCBO makes it easy to find the perfect low/non-alc product that’s right for you and can help you find what fits you best.
Light, low & non-alcoholic wines
Regular wine typically contains 13% to 14% alcohol by volume, whereas wine labelled ‘light’ has 9% or less. Low-alcohol and de-alcoholized wines have 1.1% alcohol or less. Wine #ProTip: Cooler climate wines often have lower alcohol content so look for products from those regions as a great starting point.
Low, non-alcoholic beers
A light beer has 2.6 to 4% alcohol by volume, an extra-light beer has 1.1 to 2.5%, a low-alcohol beer has less than 1.1%, and a non-alcohol beer has less than 0.5%.
Low sugar wines
The LCBO has hundreds of wines under 5g of sugar per litre or less, look for the sugar content listed right on the shelf tag and LCBO.com
Mix ‘lighter’
When it comes to cocktails, here are a few great guidelines you can use to craft delicious cocktails or serve up something special to guests. Experiment with creating your low-alcohol or alcohol-free beverages at home. This allows you to control the ingredients and flavours. The LCBO has a great selection of lighter cocktail recipes and below are four ways to make more mindful cocktails at home:
- Substitute – replace those sugary syrups in cocktails with seasonal fruits, herbs, bitters and even sea salt or other tasty items. Get excited about being creative with garnishes and mixes.
- Serve Quality – choose smaller, more elegantly sized cocktails. Use glassware as inspiration and opt for smaller, more curated choices as vessels for your drinks. Make presentation a priority rather than quantity.
- Moderate Strength – with a splash or tonic/soda, add more ice or get crafty with Pinterest-inspired ice cubes to change up the strength of the cocktail
- Change it up – Reduce the alcohol you consume by choosing a no/low alcohol option – lower alcohol wine, zero proof spirits, extra light beer and/or use fresh and fragrant mixes to keep things exciting.
“Mindful” drinking
Always be sure to sip your drink slowly and savour the flavours. This not only enhances the drinking experience but also allows you to be more aware of your consumption. Embrace the growing variety of non and low-alcoholic wines, beers and spirits. Embrace the concept of “sipping lighter” and stay educated about the expanding options that are now available at LCBO stores across the province and online.
Our editors’ recos’
If I do say so myself. 😉 With over 1,000 products that are low sugar, low alcohol and zero proof in alcohol content the LCBO is the ideal place to start your sober curious journey or explore the growing category of sipping lighter. If you’re looking for a few great recommendations here is a link to an article with a few for you to consider (Insert link for View the Vibe article here).
No matter the ‘why’ or the ‘when’, turning to low-alcohol, non-alcohol and low-sugar options are helpful and conscious way to live a balanced lifestyle. Visit your nearest LCBO retail location or LCBO.com for low/non-alc options and pairing recommendations.
