Where in the world do we even start when chatting about the zero-proof landscape and all the delicious options available to create something different, meaningful, and just genuinely tasty? Yes, there is an art to mixology, but removing the booze does not mean you cannot learn, play, or make something worth chatting about. It just means the approach shifts a little, and honestly… that’s the fun part.
This space is filled with brands that are deeply intentional about what they make. We truly believe this is why their blends and missions are so successful. They stand firmly behind why they exist and how they are created, which feels especially aligned with the heart of the zero-proof and sober curious movement. If you’re reading this and thinking you don’t really know where to start…
Hello, hi, hello. This is where we come in!
We not only want you to find your zero-proof match, but a collection of ingredients and products that you can explore, have fun with, and feel confident making your own. That discovery can start with our curated kits, not only for finding your perfect spirit or mixer, but for inspiration on how to enjoy them! Every month is a completely different experience, and we welcome so many ways to blend, experiment, and make the most of these ingredients. Let’s chat about some of the key players that make up this space and, in turn, lay the foundation for our lovely boxes.
Mixers
This category encompasses a lot. Tonics, sparkling beverages, bitters, sodas, syrups, juice blends, botanical concentrates, even brewed tea. Mixers can turn something as simple as sparkling water into its own refined cocktail. They are a perfect way to add balance or a kick of your favourite flavor, bringing everything together and marrying the ingredients into something complete. Sometimes we even find our inspiration from these bases and build the drink around them.
When it comes to syrups, Royal Rose and Portland Syrups are go-tos for us, and you’ll spot them in many of our boxes.
We also love Modica’s blends for an already complex option that pairs beautifully with whatever main spirit or liquid you have on hand. All the flavor is already built in, making them perfect for moments when you do not want to think too hard.
Sweet Haven Tonic, a natural shrub cocktail mix, is killer in recipes. It is driven by punchy flavor and natural ingredients. These shrubs can be used beyond cocktails too, like in baking, dressings, marinades and more. Sauvie Shrubs and Element Shrubs are two other brands we always keep on our bar shelves. These options have a key base of apple cider vinegar, which is perfect for zero-proof cocktail mixing, as the acidity and brightness they provide can really be the missing element in your mixes.
Bitters hit the aroma side of things, also adding complexity and depth to your mix. While many bitters are made with alcohol as a base, we exclusively souce non-alc bitters including options from Woodster Bitters and All The Bitter, which never disappoint. You can find them in our Shaken & Stirred and Road Tripping boxes.
Craft Cocktail Sachets
These are such an amazing option if you do not know where to start and just need a little nudge. They’re compact and incredibly versatile, easy to take on the go in your pocket, and they don’t take up much space in your kitchen or bar setup.
In just a tiny sachet, they pack so much flavor that you don't need all the extras to make something memorable. You can simply mix them with water or club soda if that is all you have on hand, or take it a step further by pairing them with the other options we outlined if you feel inspired and have the ingredients to play. It’s convenience in a packet, without sacrificing flavour. Truly!
There are so many great brands doing this to perfection. SaySo is one we love. We included them in our Shaken & Stirred box for our dirty martini, and the love you showed was unreal. Craftmix is another favourite, and we have loved collaborating with them on boxes. You can find them in our Marg box. We have also mixed with Leisurmann’s, which always hits the spot and has been showcased in past boxes, and we keep it on rotation at our home bars.
Spirit Alternatives
Yes, there are plenty of alternatives to “traditional” spirits. Non-alcoholic tequilas, spiced cane rum, gin alts and beyond. While we love recreating classic drinks and flavors you never thought you would enjoy again, the zero-proof landscape has also grown into something much bigger.
There is a whole category of non-alc spirits that are no longer just trying to replicate the originals but becoming their own thing entirely. Thoughtful, complex creations that stand confidently on their own and can be enjoyed by everyone. Many are works of art in their own right, both in flavor and design, and you will absolutely want to display them proudly on your bar cart.
Brands doing this beautifully include Ghia, Aplós, and Kin. You can find full bottles of these goodies in our one-time shop and in boxes like Road Tripping, Enchanted Garden, and our now sold-out Witch Sips box featuring Kin. That box is still available with Tilden, which fits perfectly into this conversation. Tilden can be enjoyed on its own or used in a blend. Their Lacewing has hints of Szechuan pepper and cayenne provide a unique finish that many of our members still talk about.
Ready-to-Drink
We love a solid RTD option. We hear from you all the time that this part of the box is especially appreciated mid-week, when time and brainpower are low but you still want something layered, sophisticated and delicious to sip on.
Beckett’s does an incredible job and is featured in our Dry Jan box with two of their different flavors. Herb & Orchid offers a gorgeous wine-alternative sip with a balanced, crisp, smoky profile. We still hear from members raving about Lyre’s Dark & Spicy from our Tiki box.
And then there is our limited-edition, exclusive Cosmo made with our incredibly talented friends at Devil’s Foot for the Witch Sips box. We still cannot believe that happened. An iconic drink with iconic makers.
A Love Letter to Pantry Staples
Pantry staples are iconic. We said it. ICONIC. Sometimes they are the most important ingredient in the entire recipe!
We absolutely love mixing with brewed, chilled tea. It works beautifully as a mixer, and most of us already have some on hand. You can choose from so many flavor profiles and experiment with what you already have. Spiced blends, refreshing spearmint, herbal florals - the possibilities really are endless! Pro tip: brew a big batch ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge so it is always ready to mix (mason jars or old jam jars totally work) This is what we did with our Enchanted Garden box.
We also love using an abundance of fruit for garnishes or fancy ice, and we love using jam as a base to add layers and complexity. Fun fact: you get two of those elements in this month’s box, from the ice cube tray and garnishes to the Bonne Maman that completes your cocktail creations. Put this theory to the test and try it out!
A Note on Functionality
More and more brands are incorporating functional ingredients and adaptogenic qualities into their products. These can help soothe, relax, or offer a gentle boost of energy while socializing.
If this is something you are curious about, we recommend doing a bit of your own reading and seeing what feels right for you. It is also always a good idea to chat with your family doctor if you have any health concerns or questions. You can explore this further by checking out a past blog post we wrote on adaptogens.
So yes, it is safe to say we have options.
Lots of options. And quality in those options. Not sure where to start? Totally fair. It can feel overwhelming at first. If you want an easy entry point that removes the guesswork and gets those creative juices flowing, try one of our boxes. All you have to do is mix, sip, and enjoy.
And want to chat about all of this? Join us!. We have an amazing Facebook community full of people sharing tips, tricks, and resources with one another. You can join that community here.
You can also check out our available boxes here.