I Visited The LCBO To Explore Low-Alc And No-Alc Drinks To Start The New Year Off Light — Here Are My 18 Faves

New year, new drink!

Can you believe it? It's 2024! And with so many of us kick-starting our resolutions for the new year, I decided to try a light January and dabble in drinks that are low- or zero-alcohol. The LCBO actually has a ton available, so here are some of my picks this January:

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1. First up, this Guinness is an alcohol-free option that will please anyone looking for a delicious dark beer.

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They brew this just like regular ol' Guinness — followed by removing the alcohol through a cold filtration method. The result is a really smooth beer that has all the hallmarks of a classic Guinness.

Alc./vol: 0.05%

Get it here for $12.95.

2. While this Ace Hill Carb-Free Light Beer isn't completely non-alc, it's still completely delicious.

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I've been a big fan of Ace Hill for a few years now, so I was excited to try this carb-free option. At only 80 calories and 4% alc./vol: per can, this drink still delivers the flavour. If you like a good lager beer, this is a great option for you. 

Light beers are less than 4% alc./vol, while normal beers can range from 5–6%.

Alc./vol: 4%

Get it here for $14.95.

3. This Illuminate Sauvignon Blanc by Kim Crawford has fruity flavours and only 7% alc./vol:.

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New Zealand's Kim Crawford is at it again with this easy-drinking and light sauvignon blanc. It's packed with flavour, even if it is a lighter option with notes of kiwi, citrus, and gooseberry. Goose who?

When it comes to lighter wines, we're looking for less than 9% alc./vol (alcohol by volume), when normal wines can range from 13–14%. 

Alc./vol: 7%

Get it here for $21.95.

4. Take a trip to Italy with Peroni's non-alc option that tastes remarkably similar to their regular lager.

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If you're a Peroni lover, you'll no doubt fall in love with their non-alc option. It's crisp, refreshing, and a delicious option after a long day of skiing or snowboarding!

Alc./vol: 0.01%

Get it here for $12.95.

5. And not to be outdone, Heineken has entered the chat with their very own alcohol-free lager.

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On a trip to Amsterdam, I toured the Heineken Experience and learned how much love and craft they put into a bottle of their legendary beer. This alcohol-free option is no different. The taste is so incredibly similar to a regular Heineken that it would be hard to tell the difference if blindfolded. That's pretty spectacular!

Alc./vol: 0%

Buy it here for $12.95.

6. This lighter pinot grigio by Peller Family Vineyards is anything but light on flavour.

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I really loved the subtle fruit flavours in this pinot grigio by Peller. It's slightly sweet and contains flavours of biscuit, melon and pear.

Alc./vol: 8%

Get it here for $11.95.

7. This non-alc pale ale by Libra is refreshing, crisp, and fruit-forward.

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Hailing from PEI, this light pale ale is so refreshing that I absolutely did not miss the alcohol. It's slightly hoppy, which I enjoyed, and has a malty and citrusy flavour profile. Plus, 1% of profits go to ArtHaus, which helps artists and musicians, so it's a win-win all around.

Alc./vol: 0.04%

Get it here for $10.95.

8. And another light pinot grigio option by XOXO that's the perfect addition to any meal.

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If you prefer a pinot grigio that's fruity and light, this one from XOXO is the way to go. The floral, melon, and honey flavours paired magically with my pasta dinner!

Alc./vol: 8%

Get it here for $11.95.

9. This rosé by Mindful is a drier, lighter, and incredibly flavourful choice.

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I love a good rosé and prefer a drier wine — so when I saw this bottle by Mindful, I said, "Sign me up!" This rosé really checks all the boxes and delivers a full-flavoured taste with notes of cherry and raspberry.

Alc./vol: 8%

Get it here for $13.95.

10. This micro pale ale by Collective Arts Brewing is not only fun to look at, but it tastes pretty darn good too.

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Brewed in Hamilton, Collective Arts is known for their incredible can artwork, and this can of Beyond Reason is no different. Not only that, but the beer is really tasty too! 

Alc./vol: 2.9%

Get it here for $3.25.

11. This Ceder's Classic is a great substitute for any gin-based cocktails you might want to enjoy.

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Ceder's boasts so much flavour with 0% alc./vol:! I made a mocktail with mine featuring 50ml of the Ceder's Classic, 50ml of a sparkling rose lemonade, and 50ml of the Luna De-Alcoholized Rosé (which you'll see coming up below) and it was bubbly, smooth, and perfect for when you want the taste of a cocktail but in mocktail form.

Alc./vol: 0%

Available at the LCBO in January.

12. This sauvignon blanc by Tarapaca says "no thank you" to alcohol!

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If I'm being honest, I didn't know that de-alc wine was a thing. But I'm glad I found this. This 0.5% alc./vol: beverage is perfect for a weeknight drink when you're just looking for a bit of a treat!

Alc./vol: 0.5%

Get it here for $10.95.

13. And this de-alc sparkling rosé by Luna De Murviedro which is such a good rosé alternative.

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Thanks to its robust strawberry taste, this easy-drinking rosé is such a good alternative. Don't be confused — this isn't the canned sparkling water you usually drink. This definitely has the flavour of prosecco or champagne but without the alcohol.

Alc./vol: 0.01%

Get it here for $9.95.

14. You'll also love this cabernet sauvignon by Jackson-Triggs, which embodies the robust flavours of a good red wine.

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Reds are a go-to during the winter season, so this wine is perfect for January, February, or any day of the year. The lightness of the drink really works well here and is super smooth. I had it with a bit of steak and it was *chef's kiss*.

Alc./vol: 8%

Get it here for $11.95.

15. Don't forget to ring the cowbell, because you'll enjoy this Smooth Sailing Light Lager too.

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Hailing from right here in Ontario, any lager lover will enjoy Cowbell's light beer option. The tasting notes are that of "lemon rind, cereal, and baked tortilla," which is quite a roller coaster for a beer — but it works so well! Light, crisp, and delicious.

Alc./vol: 4%

Get it here for $3.50.

16. This non-alc IPA by Partake Brewing will give you all the hops you know and love.

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If you're looking to partake in an IPA-style beer with no alcohol, you'll really enjoy this brew by Partake Brewing. Brewed in Alberta, it's got a hoppy, fruity flavour that'll please all your taste buds. Highly recommend!

Alc./vol: 0.3%

Get it here for $2.00.

17. And this ready-to-drink gin and tonic by Spiritliss that's sugar-free, non-alc, and actually incredible to drink.

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Another Ontario-created drink, this is a great mocktail option that you don't have to mix. It comes ready to drink! It's got some tasty floral notes (from the gin and hibiscus) and is gently sweetened with cranberry-like flavours. Love it.

Alc./vol: 0.5%

Get it here for $2.75.

18. And finally, this Micro IPA by Bobcaygeon Brewing will have you dreaming of warm, dockside hangs.

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A little hoppy, a little peachy, and packing tons of delicious flavour, this light beer is made in Bobcaygeon and is a total showstopper! With only 2.5% alc./vol:, it's incredibly light without sacrificing anything.

Alc./vol: 2.5%

Get it here for $3.50.

If you're looking for a lighter January, check out the LCBO for low- and no-alcohol options for any mood you're in!