A zero-proof wave has hit Vancouver’s drink menus, and it’s one that doesn’t skimp on taste or imagination. Here’s just a taste of some of the city’s best zero-proof cocktails.
1. Turkish Sbagliato from Meo
Meo’s just-bitter-enough Turkish sbagliato ($18) is made with rosewater and dealcoholized spirits by Sansorium, but it doesn’t take away from revelling in the joy of having a cocktail among friends in this stylish time machine of a bar (the schtick for this spot, designed by Ste. Marie Studio, is a vibey ’70s love motel). 265 E Pender St., meochinatown.com
READ MORE: Meo and Good Thief and the Rise of the Snack Bar
2. Hội An Nights from Good Thief
Several of the cocktails at Main Street haunt Good Thief can be made zero-proof; the signature Hội An Nights ($18) will transport you right to Vietnam (with alcoholic spirits swapped for Seedlip). This floral, tart and silky beauty is topped with a layer of purple ube foam and a beautiful matching pansy, but inside the glass you’ll find layers of mangosteen, lychee, lemongrass and cacao butter. 3336 Main St., goodthief.ca
3. Coconut and Smoked-Honey Spritz from Kavita
Over at Olympic Village’s newest Indian restaurant, Kavita, a mind-blowing bar program led by Kabir Sehgal will have you dreaming of mango trees in rural India—but its zero-proof options won’t leave sober sippers behind. The coconut and smoked-honey spritz ($14) is a refreshing take on a glass of bubbles that doesn’t sacrifice the tropical sensibilities of Kavita’s drink program. 250 W 3rd Ave., restaurantkavita.com
4. The Smoke Screen from Arc Restaurant
If the Fairmont Waterfront’s oceanfront destination Arc Restaurant does drinks with a little drama, they don’t lose that fire for their zero-proof options. The Smoke Screen ($15) gives a nod to the smoky nature of Mexico’s famous agave-based spirit, but here the mezcal is “undone,” paired with agave nectar and lime. 900 Canada Pl., arcdining.com
5. Virgin Mango Sticky Rice Cocktail from DD Mau
Chinatown’s DD Mau is known for its funky but casual approach to Vietnamese fare, and a menu like this wouldn’t be complete without a fun rotation of drinks to round it out. The mango sticky rice cocktail ($17) comes with a virgin option ($12): thick, creamy mango-flavoured coconut milk is mixed with velvety pandan and served with a rice crisp on top. 145 E Pender St., ddmau.ca
6. Miami Nice from Pax Romana
Commercial Drive’s Mediterranean tapas joint Pax Romana also makes nice with alcohol-free diners—and, by the way, it’s also perfect for a nosh and a quick gossip session with friends before the main course. The Miami Nice cocktail ($10) is a tropical, nectarous take on a whisky sour, with acidified pineapple and strawberry chai topped with a foamy egg white and toasted coconut in a stemmed glass. Now that’s class. 1670 Commercial Dr., paxromana.ca
