Crafting connection, one mocktail at a time | Stories

For Keenan Pascal, Edmonton isn’t just home—it’s the perfect place to stir up something new.

Born and raised in the city’s west end, Pascal attended St. Francis Xavier High School before studying at the University of Alberta. While he spent time in Vancouver, it was Edmonton’s thriving business community and strong mentorship culture that brought him back to launch Token Bitters.

That entrepreneurial spirit led him to join forces with JoAnne Pearce and Andrew Paul to create Spilt Zero Proof, Edmonton and Alberta’s first dedicated mocktail bar. “We wanted to create a space where people could enjoy a night out without alcohol being the focus.” Pascal explains.

“Most places treat mocktails like an afterthought.

At Spilt, it’s the main event.”

A stocked shelf at Spilt Zero Proof displays an array of locally made syrups, bitters and spirits, with a large black and white mural of a woman wearing red lipstick in the background on a door.

Together, the trio build Spilt Zero Proof into more than just a bar. It has become a hub for Edmonton’s growing zero-proof scene. “We looked at Vancouver, Edmonton and even Nova Scotia,” Pascal says. “But, Edmonton was the best option. It has the best access to people, a strong network and an incredible business community.”

That collaborative spirit is something Pascal has experienced firsthand. “The business community here is different. It’s not just about supporting each other in theory—it’s real, tangible help. Like, ‘Hey, do you want to go in on this order so the shipping is cheaper for both of us?’ That kind of collaboration doesn’t happen everywhere.”

Since opening, Spilt has built a dedicated community. “One of the coolest things is seeing our regulars—people who’ve made Spilt a part of their routine,” Pascal says. Instead of feeling excluded in traditional bar settings, guests can now experience the same social connection without the alcohol.

As more zero-proof options emerge in Edmonton, Pascal is excited to be at the forefront. “The local business scene here is different. You’re not stepping on each other’s toes. You’re figuring out how to lift each other up.”