Not all non-alcoholic drinks are created equal. That’s abundantly clear when you step into Sobr Market, a sprawling new addition to Toronto's bottle shops tucked away on a quiet section of Richmond Street West.
After success as a pop-up, Sobr Market recently settled into a permanent home in the 1,600-square-foot space, making its debut as the largest non-alcoholic drinks shop in Canada. Inside, over 300 colourful and unique bottles and cans — a curated selection sourced from around the world — line the eggshell-white and exposed brick walls, and the cement pillars in the middle of the store. If you're searching for new summer drinks to try, you're guaranteed to find a tasty one here.
At the front, there’s a gorgeous wood bar stocked with zero-proof spirits, flanked by a few fridges stuffed with chilled non-alcohol RTDs, beer and wine. Guests can snag a chair to sample products before they purchase. To the left, a red spiral staircase leads up to a mezzanine with more unique selections, and another smaller bartop where Sobr Market’s free Wednesday wine tastings are held.
As you browse the shelves, prepare for any notion of non-alcoholic drinks as sad, one-dimensional juices and sodas to be shattered. The store is divided by tipple: gin, vodka, rum, tequila and mezcal, dozens of wine varietals, plus non-alcoholic beer and mocktails. There are top-shelf options; rare, handcrafted, small-batch bottles; aperitifs and digestifs; bitters; and syrups, concentrates and cocktail mixers. Each product is priced similarly to its alcoholic counterpart.
With so many exciting drinks to discover, sober-curious foodies can wander around like kids in a candy shop. Co-CEO Taycia Chaplin hopes Sobr Market will be Canada’s destination for better booze-free options.
“We have pretty high standards for what we bring in. It’s hard to find good alcohol alternatives in Canada,” Chaplin admits. She explains the industry is more developed in the U.S. and Europe, where Sobr Market sources many of its products from. “There are thousands of brands out there. We’re always on the lookout for new and exciting stuff,” she says.
“People have been looking for something like this for a really long time, and haven’t been able to find it,” beams Chaplin. “Having all of these options available… It’s an inclusivity thing.”
Sobr Market: Celebrity products
As the non-alcoholic drinks market grows, celebs are cashing in — and you’ll spot several of their ventures at Sobr Market. “It's definitely becoming more popular,” declares Chaplin excitedly. “We've got Kin [Euphorics], which is by Bella Hadid. We have De Soi [zero-proof aperitifs] by Katy Perry.” Danny Trejo’s zero-alcohol tequila and gin can be found here, too.
Sobr Market: Functional beverages
Chaplin is most excited by a burgeoning trend in the alcohol-free world: “functional” beverages, which she stocks at Sobr Market. “Functional means that it has adaptogens, which are herbs or mushrooms that have some effect on the body.” They mimic the alert, social feeling that you get from alcohol — or, the calming effect that helps you wind down.
Sobr Market: Drink pairings
Sobr Market also supplies local restaurants. “If a restaurant has a tasting menu, and they do drink pairings, it's important to have a non-alcoholic version available,” contends Chaplin. Sobr Market’s better booze-free options allow chefs and somms more creativity, while still being inclusive of those who’d prefer not to imbibe.
