Whether you’re going for a Sober October this month, or simply in the mood for a booze-free bevvy, these sparkling waters and seltzers prove that alcohol-free bubbles are anything but boring.
What do they all have in common? They’re made by Canadian brands, packed with satisfying flavour combinations, and a couple of even boost a caffeine kick along with tingly carbon dioxide. Cheers!
Photography by Christie Vuong; food styling by Ashley Denton; prop styling by Christine Hanlon.
Le Seltzer Yuzu Blossom and Pomelo, $2 each
Nuanced floral flavours are balanced with gentle carbonation and a kiss of citrus in Le Seltzer’s yuzu blossom and pomelo sugar-free seltzer water. No added sugars in the recipe make it a feel-good pick.
Barbet Wild Card, $3 each
With the spicy heat of jalapeno complementing zesty blood orange, Barbet’s Wild Card strays from the standard fruit flavours with a sparkling that’s big on taste and light on bubbles. This is an excellent mocktail option with a lot of kick.
Daydream Cucumber Lime, $5 each
Daydream’s subtle Cucumber Lime sparkling water delivers a refreshing satisfaction that’s reminiscent of a gin and tonic, minus the buzz. It’s one of the most refreshing seltzers made in Canada, and a dream to drink.
Wake Water Grapefruit, $50 for 24
With its invigorating bubbles and green tea-derived caffeine, Wake Water’s tangy Grapefruit sparkling water perks up your palate in more ways than one. It’s easily one of our favourite unsweetened sparkling waters.
Sap Sucker Orange, $3 each
A base of tree water tapped from Ontario and Quebec maples adds delicate natural sweetness that enhances the Orange One’s throwback flavour and slight bubble. Carbonated water has never tasted so good.
Akwa Botanical Water, $10 for 6
This botanical sparkling water from Kingston, Ont.’s Spearhead Brewing Company gets a full, beer-like mouthfeel from citra and cascade hops.
City Seltzer Citrus, $10 for 6
This yuzu and mandarin-flavoured sparkler offers a citrusy zing that lifts up the seltzer’s crisp mouthfeel. The bold, all-natural flavours make it easy to take a break from alcohol (if that’s what you’re doing).
Geez Louise Grapefruit Basil, $4 each
Geez Louise’s sparkling seltzer sippers are blended with hints of herb to round out the fruity base notes of flavours like Grapefruit Basil and Cantaloupe Mint. It offers a fun, party-forward way to drink sparkling water.
Collective Arts Black Cherry and Vanilla, $2 each
The Hamilton, Ont.-based brewer’s Black Cherry Vanilla sparkling seltzer water nods to the nostalgic flavour and fizz of cherry cola but tones down the over-the-top sweetness.
GoodDrink Spritzer Granny Smith Apple, $3 each
The fruit-forward, juicy taste of GoodDrink’s Granny Smith Apple gives way to a bubbly, deliciously tart finish that lingers. This soda water impresses even the most finicky palettes.
Gldn Hour, $5 each
A touch of warm spice adds complexity to bright stone fruit flavours in Gldn Hour’s delightful Peach Ginger sparkler. It’s a brilliant booze-free alternative to the typical vodka soda—ideal for Sober October, Dry January and all the months in between.
Thirsty Buddha, $28 for 12
This sparkling spin on coconut water offers the electrolyte content that makes it a post-workout favourite, along with pleasant effervescence. It’s a fun, modern take on club soda and way beyond regular water in terms of taste. If you love fruit juice but want to switch to a lower-sugar beverage, this one’s for you.