New to Aberdeen’s bar scene is SOBR, an unexpected and ambitious venture. Completely removing alcohol from the equation, SOBR serves up a wide range of alcohol-free cocktails, beer, wine, spirits and even shots, while boasting the title of Scotland’s first alcohol-free bar.
Set just off Aberdeen’s Granite Mile on Thistle Street sits a new watering hole. SOBR, an alcohol-free bar, is the brainchild of Kate Kenyon who saw an opening for a venue that can cater to anyone who doesn’t want to or can’t have a relationship with alcohol. Inspired by amazing things she saw happening in places like New York and London, Kate set about creating and opening this inclusive and safe space here in Aberdeen.
Firstly, let me say that the space is designed and decorated beautifully. Both trendy and cosy with its mix of dark green and dusty pinks, the bar wall showcases the wide range of alcohol-free bottles and a large floral mural sprawls the back wall. The design stylings even stretch to the toilet which is the nicest looking bar toilet I’ve visited in recent memory.
But you’re not here to hear about interior design and toilets, as lovely as they are, are you? Tell us about the drinks, I hear you saying.
The drinks were divine. A lot of time and effort went into sourcing the right alcohol-free drinks and ingredients, before combining them in creative ways to have the curated menu SOBR now has.
The team spent time choosing the drinks they would stock and use to ensure they tasted good, not simply stocking them because they were non-alcoholic, and this truly comes across in the taste of the finished offerings.
First on the list I tried was the Poison Apple. An altogether fruity and refreshing experience, the apple flavour of Lost Orchard cider shone alongside the Talonmore – a Scottish whisky alternative – while the added strawberry syrup, lime and cranberry juice added a little sweetness. The fiery flavours of the Talonmore gave a buzz reminiscent of a strong spirit and a nod to the poison theme.
Next up, the Mango Chilli Margarita and French Martini. I am a huge fan of a spicy margarita, so this was one I was looking forward to trying. The combination of the Crosship Fresh Citrus and Blazing Pineapple, with agave syrup and chilli captures the essence of a Spicy Marg perfectly.
It can even be customised to reflect your preference of heat level. I tried a medium heat and it was a pleasant spice, I think the hotter version would have been too hot for me. The French Martini was smooth and fruity, but still had a strong kick of flavour from the Crosship Hibiscus.
There are even shots on the menu! And I recommend giving them a go when you visit. We tried the Karma Bites Back, which tastes like a cola drink, but coupling the cola with the Sour Power Apple Cider Vinegar Cordial gives it an interesting kick. Also served with a pickle on the side. They may not sound too appealing on the page, but I can confirm they actually taste really good. And it is a shot after all, so, for the full experience, make sure to knock it back.
We rounded off our visit by sampling the functional spirits that SOBR has on offer. Functional spirits are drinks that go beyond just hydration and taste, adding a little benefit, and the curated list at SOBR focus on social connection, relaxation and clarity.
I opted for the ‘Three Spirit – Social’ served as a longer drink with ginger beer, while my companion ordered the ‘Three Spirit – Livener’ added into the Paloma Have Faith cocktail as suggested on the menu. Both tasted fab, different to the kind of non-alcoholic drink that I am used to. The mood boosting functional aspect of the ‘Social’ definitely did make me feel giddier and on the verge of giggles.
Overall, the SOBR experience is well-crafted, sophisticated and tastes damn good, all without the unwanted after-effects. There are plenty more drinks I am looking forward to trying on the menu!
SOBR will also be hosting events such as wreath-making workshops and more with local companies bringing an extra dimension to the bar space.
For more information about SOBR, its story, upcoming events and to book, visit here.
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