Non-alcoholic options let you take full part in a social occasion without the effects of alcohol on alertness, sleep, health and safety.

They are especially useful when you have to drive, during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, when you are taking certain medications, or in any other situation where it is best to avoid alcohol completely.

These options can also be used to alternate with alcoholic drinks in order to slow your pace and reduce the total amount of alcohol you drink. To find out more, see the question “How can I alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks without feeling left out?”

Low-alcohol options contain less alcohol than regular drinks, but they still contain some. They help reduce the total amount of alcohol consumed only if they replace stronger drinks and you do not drink more of them. They must therefore be counted in the number of standard drinks you have had, and they are not suitable for situations where abstinence is recommended.

Visit Alternalcool for non-alcoholic and low-alcohol drink ideas.

According to the Société des alcools du Québec, these designations correspond to distinct alcohol content thresholds:

• Non-alcoholic: less than 0.05% alcohol;

• Dealcoholized: less than 0.5% alcohol;

• Low-alcohol: less than 1.1% alcohol.

Low-alcohol options contain less alcohol, but they still contain some. They reduce the amount of alcohol you drink only if they replace stronger drinks and you do not drink more of them, and they must be counted.

Alternalcool^TM is an Educ’alcool initiative that promotes non-alcoholic and low-alcohol drinks in Quebec. It showcases recipes, more inclusive serving practices and Alternalcool establishments that pay special attention to the quality, visibility and variety of the options they offer. It aims to make these choices more visible, more appealing and easier to work into outings, events and social occasions.

Recipes for mocktails and low-alcohol cocktails are available on the Educ’alcool website, in the Alternalcool section. It features more than 150 recipes designed to make it easier to alternate between alcoholic, low-alcohol, and non-alcoholic drinks. These options let you drink more slowly, mix up your choices over the course of an evening, and make alternating more enjoyable, more visible and easier to adopt.

Visit Alternalcool to find recipes for different tastes and occasions, or explore the directory of Alternalcool establishments to discover places that showcase these options.

The directory of Alternalcool establishments on the Educ’alcool website helps you find bars, restaurants and events that pay special attention to non-alcoholic and low-alcohol options. These establishments stand out for a more varied, inclusive and carefully crafted selection.

Use the directory of Alternalcool establishments to find a participating venue.

The Alternalcool Grant aims to recognize and support Quebec establishments that are expanding their selection of non-alcoholic and low-alcohol drinks. It highlights boldness, creativity and inclusive practices in the restaurant industry, including mocktail menus, non-alcoholic pairings, smaller serving sizes and staff training.Meet the 2026 finalists and browse the directory of Alternalcool establishments