Alcohol-Free Sips That Don't Suck
Moving along, carbonated apple juice.
In the summer of 2022, I hit a wall with alcohol. Nothing dramatic happened (one always feels the need to over-explain with this particular topic); it simply wasn’t serving me anymore. Inspired by Melissa Wood Tepperberg (on her own sobriety), and her iconic phrase “How bad do you want to feel good?” I decided to nix the jazz juice for 30 days. Summer was dwindling and rosé season was sunsetting anyway. From there, 30 days snowballed without wine turned into 60 and then I got a rush from keeping the streak going. I even got to write about it for FASHION Magazine, thanks to my friend Suzie, who gave me an opportunity to write about it). Nearly three years later, I’m still riding this wave with no plans to drink alcohol anytime soon.
I can’t honestly say I miss it, nah, nary a hint of desire, not even when I see how beautifully chic my friend looks while sipping an elegant glass and the condensation is beading down the glass, as she’s tossing her head back in laughter (okokok, maybe sometimes! There is nothing like girl time and white wine). Buuuuutt I’ve survived many birthdays without my fave NZ sauv blancs on ice (RIP RIP), plenty of wedding toasts sans bubbles and enjoyed 1,000 hangover-free mornings so you can’t have it all.
So in lieu of this lost love, I searched for a replacement to sub in. Something to evoke the romantic ritual of popping the bottle, hearing the ice cubes tinkle against the glass, and witnessing the wash of colour flood the vessel. Diet Coke in a wine glass with two lime wedges is an excellent alt, but I was also craving something more cocktail adjacent to tap in during the heurs of 5-7, when you need a lil post-work wind down.
I nearly gave up on searching - there’s a few alc-free wines I don’t mind but I can’t say they light me up like an acidic Sauv Blanc- until I learned about Team Spirits. The Canadian-owned and operated line of alcohol free cocktails (>30 cals and 7 grams of sugar per serving!) crafts perfectly-sweet & bubbly canned bevs in fan fave favs like The Spritz (my fave - an herby citrus), Moscow Mule and Spicy Margarita.
I caught up with their founder, Jordan Quinn, about her motivations behind developing the brand, and what she plans to do next.
1. Which blend was the trickiest to develop? “Our Spritz—it's about finding the perfect blend of bitter and sweet... I think we got it!”
2. Are Team Spirits manufactured in Canada? “Yes. The flavours were developed by Flavorsum, based in Mississauga, and then co-packaged in Guelph, Ontario.”
3. Will you expand beyond spirits into alcohol-free wine or beer? “In terms of growth, we would love to continue to add to our portfolio of alcohol-free cocktails, really lean into the "Spirits" part of Team Spirits and remain strong in that category. Beer and wine are their own beasts.”
4. What sparked embarking on sober life? “Hitting rock bottom. My life was completely unmanageable when I was powerless over alcohol. I like to say I got sober because I wanted a better life, and I stay sober because I got one.”
5. What inspired the design? “Team Spirits name and design is a special nod to my family and my program, two huge reasons why I was able to get sober and stay sober today. The varsity aesthetic is for my family. We are huge college football fans and my dad, my business partner, has over 30 years experience working in the sports industry. The dog on the cans is my little Pierre, who fully embodies the fun and whimsical element of our brand. The idea of "Team" needed to be included in the brand, because, in active addiction, it can feel very isolating and lonely. With a 12 step program, we are constantly reminded that we are no longer alone, and we have a community that supports us and rallies behind us. A team.”
6. What do you want people to know about Team Spirits? “We are a father-daughter team from Whitby. Team Spirits is all about celebrating life's occasions with friends and family without the need for alcohol. Our brand is based on fun, tradition and unity and we are proud to deliver a product that is 0% alcohol, allowing you to be 100% you.”
Team Spirits’ non-alcoholic cocktails are available on their website, and at your local NA bottle shop, UpsideDrinks, SOBR Market and Free Bar.
If you’re feeling sober curious, this episode of Huberman Lab shook me to my core. And sober coach Jen Hirst’s IG account is a sharp curation of motivational, non-judgemental posts with plenty of practical tips and crowed sourced support. Nearly anytime John Mayer speaks about his giving up alcohol, I’m in awe, but his 100% capacity argument is one of my fave takes.
Hyperfixations….
My Levi’s Dad Jeans (have in 2 colours, a washed black and the above Far & Wide), pulling a card from the Gabby App, and the final season of The Handmaid’s Tale (how are you NOT watching?)!. Sure, it’s art imitating life in a terrifyingly accurate way, but trust me, it’s worth it for the cinematography, complex character arcs, love stories and acting. Niiiiiick!
Up Next Time
I’m doing some cathartic work about friendships ending (and finally getting to creatine!) Leave a comment below (or DM me) and I’ll share your hot take on why you severed one, or if you have a story you want me to anon share.
If you have the means to support my work, it is much appreciated. xo