No matter the ‘why’ or the ‘when’, turning to low-alcohol, non-alcohol and low-sugar options is a helpful and conscious way to live a balanced lifestyle. To kick off the new year, the LCBO has launched a “Light & Easy” campaign highlighting and featuring over 1,000 low-alcohol, no-alcohol and low-sugar products which can be easily searched for on LCBO.com. Lighter choices can be found on LCBO shelves and a wide selection of products to choose from are available across the province. Find exciting, innovative and new wine, beer and spirits to explore with friends and family and visit your nearest LCBO retail location or LCBO.com for Lighter options and pairing recommendations.

Here are our 6 ‘lighter’ choices to start exploring this month:

From 0% abv to something light and crisp.

1. Mindful Rosé VQA

~~$13.95~~ $12.45, LCBO*

Mindful Rosé is made with 100% Canadian grapes and has a VQA seal. With only 8% alcohol by volume this Rosé brings a wonderful early summer feeling to the harsh months of winter.

Pairing: Vietnamese Fresh Rolls

*For a limited time only.

2. Bobcaygeon Brewing BobBobcaygeon Brewing Bobber 100 Calorie Hazy IPA

$3.50, LCBO

A full-flavoured IPA that is new to the LCBO. With 2.5% alcohol and 100 calories per 350ml this fresh, fruity and very flavourful IPA makes a balanced extra light choice.

Pairing: Taco Night.

3. Cedar’s Crisp

Coming LATE JAN TO LCBO

Like all the Cedar’s flavours, Crisp has 0% Alcohol, 0 calories and 0 sugar and is a non-alcoholic spirit option perfect for cocktails. Ceder’s recipe has been developed by distilling both classic gin botanicals like juniper with more exotic botanicals like rooibos and buchu, sourced from the Cederberg Mountains of the Western Cape in South Africa – where Ceder’s gets its name.

Recommended way to serve: Mix 1 part Ceder’s with 2 parts tonic and garnish with cucumber and fresh mint for a spirit-free option to your gin and tonic.

Pairing: Aperitif Hour

4. Tarapacá De-Alcoholized Sauvignon Blanc

Drinks of the month: 6 'Lighter' choices for a 'Drier January' -- available at an LCBO near yo

$10.95, LCBO

Made by one of the most Sustainable Wineries in Chile, Tarapacá Sauvignon Blanc has 0.5% alcohol and offers wine lovers a tasty and flavourful alternative.

Pairing: Grilled Shrimp Salad

5. Jackson-Triggs Cabernet Sauvignon Light

~~$11.95~~ $10.95, LCBO

A lighter red wine option for those looking to offer something responsible while entertaining. Worth a try at 9% alcohol by volume and the $11.95 pricepoint (on sale until January 28th for $10.95).

Pairing: Charcuterie boards

6. Sogrape Gazela Vinho Verde

$12.00, LCBO

If you haven’t fallen in love with Portugal’s Vinho Verde region, its about time you did! This Gazela Vinho Verde is a lighter wine with only 9% alcohol by volume and is crisp, delightful and quite delicious! A must try wine!

Pairing: Weekend Brunch

Check back monthly #DrinksOfTheMonth, for our recommendations available near you at your nearest LCBO location.

Angela Aiello

As a respected and award-winning writer, educator, host and hospitality maven Angela has been in wine for close to 20 years and has travelled to over 14 countries to learn about wine. She started and sold the largest wine club in Canada and also owned a wine school for over 7 years. Dedicated to her craft she now writes about her travels, interviews trade experts and makes wine fascinating on her show called ‘The Juice’ She is the regular wine host on CTV Your Morning and CHCH TV Morning Live and is always looking to learn more about wine, food and travel. To learn more visit her website and subscribe to her Super Taster Newsletter. Angela, and/or Stamina Group, may have been compensated by some of the brands or gifted products for tasting prior to being featured; or may be compensated for any purchases made through some of the links included.