Vodka drink Social Lite offers health-inspired option

    1 of 1 2 of 1

      Sugar—and sugary drinks, in particular—has come under increasing scrutiny.

      Documentaries like Fed Up and Big Sugar have exposed the sugar industry's insidious and often unknown link to national epidemics of obesity, diabetes, and other health problems. In 2014, New York City, in an effort to tackle health problems, attempted to ban large-sized soft drinks but an appeals court ruled the ban illegal. Even artificial sweeteners have come under fire, as many beverages are turning to the noncaloric herb stevia as a natural alternative.

      Meanwhile, a new Canadian drink is offering an alternative for alcohol consumers that steers clear of sugar and all of its alternatives.

      Social Lite is a mixed drink (available in four packs) made with premium vodka, carbonated water, natural flavours, and citrus juice concentrate—but no artificial sweeteners or sugar.

      Accordingly, it's gluten-free and is only 80 calories per can (355mL) with four percent alcohol.

      Currently, it comes in two flavours—lemon cucumber mint or lime ginger—and is only available in B.C., Alberta, and Ontario.

      On the line from Toronto, CEO Dan Beach, who cofounded Social Lite with Kevin Folk, says they were inspired to create the drink due to their health-conscious, active lifestyles.

      "Most drinks are either made with a lot of sugar or are loaded with carbs so you feel heavy in the morning," he says.

      He explains that they started drinking vodka sodas because they liked how they felt the next day. They began working on the concept for Social Lite two years ago and partnered with Still Waters Distillery from Toronto, which makes handcrafted single-malt vodka in small batches.

      "We consider ourselves a microbrewery," Beach says, "in that we take so much pride in the flavour profiles we developed in that it is a very clean, refreshing taste."

      Beach says they initially launched their product in Alberta as a test market. He said they've been pleasantly surprised that people outside their demographic target, such as 18-year-old males and women in their 60s and 70s, have been interested in their product. They were even contacted by and collaborated with the Edmonton non-profit LGBTQ organization Fruit Loop that organizes fundraising parties, and they've since been in talks with other LGBT groups who have been also expressed interest. 

      In March, the duo even pitched their product on Next Gen Den, the web series companion to Dragon's Den. Although they didn't walk away from the show with a deal, Beach said they were happy with the reaction from Dragons, all of whom liked the product and agreed had a great taste.

      Two months ago, they released their product in B.C., hoping to tap into our health-conscious market.

      Beach points out that many coolers are made with lower-grade alcohol and add sugar and colouring, which increase the amount of calories. The lack of sugar in Social Lite lowers the calorie count and allows for clearer flavours, particularly in the case of the ginger-lime drink which has a kick to it.

      In comparison to Social Lite's 80 calories, wine averages approximately 100 calories, a regular beer is about 140 calories, a daiquiri can rack up around 260 calories, while a margarita can range anywhere from about 300 to 500 calories.

      Beach said they've considered a number of flavours (including an unexpected suggestion for watermelon with onion) but most likely grapefruit and blood orange will be the next flavour they'll add to their lineup (they're aiming for next year).

      For a list of where you can buy Social Lite in Vancouver (or B.C.), visit the company's website.

      You can follow Craig Takeuchi on Twitter at twitter.com/cinecraig.

      Comments

      3 Comments

      Well...

      Aug 25, 2015 at 10:48am

      Consuming alcohol is not healthy. Alcohol is a carcinogen, listed by the WHO. Alcohol is a dangerous, addictive drug.

      sanb0x

      Aug 26, 2015 at 10:13am

      Not available at my local LCBO :( Where to find in Ontario??

      SoCIAL Lite

      Aug 26, 2015 at 7:14pm

      Hi SanbOx we are working on getting it into the LCBO. Follow us at www.facebook.com/SoCIALLITEvodka and we'll let you know when we get in.