Mocktails: Vancouvers’ Newest Addition To The Non-Alcoholic Beverage Scene

Mocktails: Vancouvers’ newest addition to the Non-Alcoholic beverage scene.

The second offering of such locations here in Vancouver catering to alcohol free drinks and cocktails, or rather, Mocktails. What seems a small, but growing market.

Located at 1250 Commercial Dr. in East Vancouver, the store is reminiscent of “old-world” Victorian décor, warm and inviting, and certainly charming to be shopping in. An atmosphere they certainly accomplished in providing.

Wood shelves line the walls, lit by subtle cabinet lights that are soft and illuminating, not harsh and blasting like most grocery style liquor retailers. Lights are focused on inventory that’s’ bright and colourful, and rather beautiful. Bottles of varying shape, size and design line the shelves making for a very inviting presentation.

Available, is a selection of Aperitifs, Wines, Gin, Vodka, Whiskey, Beer, Bitters, and all other types of drink one would associate with alcohol based liquors. A wide variety for sale. The impression I get, will only grow in the availability and differing kinds as the store, or rather Boutique, establishes itself.

Another fun addition is the displays of vintage and antique glassware and drinking sets. They add another element of charm to the already inviting atmosphere….. and they are for sale. So for all you beverage and cocktail service ware aficionado’s, you may want to pop your head in.

The Process Of “De-alcoholizing” The Liquors

In conversation with Angela, the delightful, cheery and knowledgeable owner, I learned of the process of “de-alcoholizing” the liquors within each bottle. Feels rather odd saying that, liquor, since there is no alcohol in them.

Basically there are two methods used, vacuum distillation and reverse osmosis, so I researched it further. I wanted to be sure I fully understood this.

Vacuum Distillation

The liquid needs to be put in a strong vacuum. While in the vacuum, it’s gently heated to boil off the alcohol. The vacuum increases the boiling temperature so the liquid does not need to be heated as much.

If it were “cooked”, so to speak some of the flavours and aromas would dissapear with the alcohol. So keeping temperatures low, helps preserve the amount of flavours and body within.

Reverse Osmosis

The second method is called reverse osmosis, or filtration.

During this process, high pressure is used to force the liquid through a membrane, creating two solutions. One the drinking beverage, the other a combination of water and alcohol. Heat is then used to remove the alcohol in the “refuse” solution with the remaining introduced back into the concentrate.

Both processes have essentially the same result, with a few key differences. Reverse osmosis isn’t considered very eco-friendly because of the amount of water used. It’s the more expensive process and ends up with alcohol that’s generally discarded because it’s to diluted.

I was able to sample a few of the eclectic nectars; a lemon infused Gin, the fizzy version of the same Gin, a woody Whiskey, and the mixed Coke and Whiskey.

The Lemon Infused Gin had a smooth clarity to the taste and the lemon very pronounced across the tongue. Not to tart, but not sweet, and certainly without the “gin-bite” that the alcoholic versions give. The fizzy version was refreshing, and not sweet, not at all like a lemon seltzer I had half expected. It was delicious and void of that artificial sugaring synthetic taste that comes with sugar free corner store drinks.

These were delicious!

Light Weight Across The Tongue And In The Mouth

The Whiskey was smooth, and with a very distinct, what I would like to say, oaky cask like taste. Very clear and flavourful, a taste that was “light weight” across the tongue and in the mouth. Fragrant one might say. The mixed Coke and Whiskey was refreshing, and again with that oddly clear taste. I can’t truly describe it except as to compare it to that filmy feel you get in your mouth after consuming a pop. You just don’t have it after drinking this.

Both fizzy versions are drinks I could see drinking fast, because they are good, and refreshing, possibly in place of pop!

So for all you non-alcoholic drinkers out there, I would certainly recommend getting your shop on here. The same goes for all you others that quite possibly want to add a little extra zest to your other thirst quenching options.

A large variety awaits!