In a city where alcohol-free spaces are still evolving, Spilt Zero Proof has stepped in to fill a void, and offers a place for those who seek culinary exploration through non-alcoholic beverages.
Co-founded by JoAnne Pearce, this spot has garnered attention not only for its wide array of creative drinks, but also for its focus on inclusivity and culinary artistry. With its unique concept and dedication to quality, Spilt is redefining what it means to enjoy a booze-less drink.
A standout feature of Spilt Zero Proof is its educational approach to non-alcoholic beverages. Their Street Drinks from Around the World class series — launching in May — brings global flavours and techniques to Edmonton in an accessible and fun way. Pearce, a self-proclaimed “accidental mocktail maven,” curates these classes with a mission to share the joy of discovering unique non-alcoholic drinks that go beyond typical soda or juice offerings.
“Education has always been really foundational to our approach… We want to show people that most of the stuff to make a good drink they probably already have at home in the fridge.”
The upcoming class service invites participants to explore vibrant, street-inspired beverages that reflect diverse cultures and tastes of the world. Think exploding lemonade from the streets of Naples — a playful drink that incorporates baking soda for a fizzy, explosive effect — to a custom horchata recipe that brings a Mexican twist to the mocktail world. Pearce believes that street food and drinks have a unique connection to local culture and wants to share that experience with her students.
The hands-on classes provide participants with the opportunity to learn new techniques and flavours that can be replicated in their own kitchens. The focus is on empowering attendees to get creative with what they have on hand, turning everyday ingredients into vibrant, flavourful drinks that feel special and sophisticated.
Pearce’s vision for Spilt — Alberta’s first fully dedicated non-alcoholic bar — was to create a space that felt just as vibrant and creative as any bar, without the pressure of alcohol. Drawing from her experiences as a former drinker, she understands the desire for a lively atmosphere where the emphasis is on creativity and flavour, not just the absence of alcohol. At Spilt, the drinks are designed to surprise and delight the palate.
One of the core philosophies at Spilt is to move away from simply replicating traditional alcoholic cocktails and, instead, focus on creating new experiences that feel distinctly non-alcoholic.
As Pearce puts it, the problem with replicating cocktails is that you’re often trying to capture something that isn’t there, which can leave the drink feeling flat. Instead, Spilt draws inspiration from global traditions, chefs and even local gardens to offer innovative drinks that appeal to a wide variety of tastes, whether they’ve ever had alcohol or not.
“We try to create drinks that are challenging in their own way,” she says. “…If people take a sip and look surprised, we’ve done our job.”
With a focus on education, inclusivity and creativity, Spilt Zero Proof is setting a new standard for what it means to enjoy a drink without alcohol. Whether through their street drink classes or their dynamic drink menu, they are proving that non-alcoholic beverages are more than just an afterthought.
The Street Drinks From Around the World classes held on May 27, June 10 and June 24 still have spots available, priced at $75.88 per person.
