LEARN THE LINGO

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Zero-Proof

Nobody needs to feel left out of the party again, thanks to an explosion of new “zero-proof” wine, beer, spirits and even cocktails. By Canadian law, anything under 0.5% ABV (alcohol by volume) is considered nonalcoholic, or zero-proof.

Lower-ABV

Looking to compromise between zero-proof and full-strength? Meet lower-ABV drinks made with lower-alcohol bases like vermouth, sherry and/or Italian amaro—traditional old-world “slow” drinks that are having a moment.

De-alcoholized

Most “non-alcoholic” products are “de-alcoholized,” a process that removes most of the alcohol through evaporation. Trace levels persist, however, since it’s impossible to get it down to zero. That said, many everyday foods, like rye breads, ripe bananas and chocolate, often contain a tiny amount of alcohol— also under 0.5%.