10 Good Non-alcoholic Drinks To Order at the Bar

I can't speak for non-drinkers, but throughout history, non-drinkers have always gotten the short end of the stick when it comes to enjoying drinkable and flavorful sips. While cocktail menus and wine lists were stuffed with tastebud-tingling options for liquor enthusiasts, those who chose not to drink were relegated to dry club soda, which bore little excitement for drinkers or non-drinkers alike. And there you have it. Alcohol-free options are much more fascinating than ever before due to the increase in fitness culture and the "sober curious" movement, and even some bartenders are rethinking their conventional, boozy cocktails.

You may be seeking lower-octane dishes you can prepare yourself now that we're at home. Regardless of whether you're undertaking Dry January, being sober, or just embracing the fun of alcohol-free times—these are bartender's favorite ideas that ensure you will never be confused when it comes to creating a beverage to quench your thirst when happy hour rolls around.

Virgin mojito

Whether you like it or not, you may savor the sour-sweetness of a mojito even if you don't drink alcohol. For an easier wake-up, Eric Laugier, beverage director of Le Coq Rico, serves sugar-free lemon, mint, and club soda. Even at Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge, beverage director Nikki McCutcheon adds that "Fresh seasonal fruit goes well with virgin mojitos because the components are supplied by bars and restaurants. A vast majority of those who are seeking to pace themselves or to enjoy a "dry" break but not compromising the social part of drinking are satisfied and love their virgin mojitos."

Shirley Temple

An actual dosage of fun is to be found by embracing nostalgia and ordering a childhood favorite, says Lupa beverage director Emilia Aiello. "I'm a big fan of Shirley Temples. This drink has a cozy old-fashioned taste, thanks to the homemade grenadine and lemon/lime simple syrup we prepare in-house "Aiello states, " I was able to get a pass as a family, and as a result, it still feels like a treat to go out to eat with the family.

Kombucha

The secret to fine glassware is not to underestimate its power. When I'm trying to cut back on drinking, I have kombucha in a wine glass with ice like a rosé spritzer, says Myriah Quintela, the bartender at Sweet Afton. To my brain, it's all a nice prank!

A Sweet Treat

“butterscotch is one of my life-long obsessions." The bartender at the Mandarin Oriental in Washington, DC, Pong Sawadviphachi, adds, "Mixed with the fresh apple juice, the butterscotch swirl ice cream has a wonderful flavor." They've recently added, "I'm in love with the fact that everyone can enjoy this drink.

Flavored Hibiscus Tea

With this from Santiago Pesantez, beverage director at Felidia, add a health boost to your happy hour. Hibiscus Iced Tea is my favorite non-alcoholic drink, according to Pesantez. "Studies show that those who drink hibiscus tea tend to have better blood pressure control, lower blood pressure, reduced sugar levels, help with digestion, and aid in weight management, thus it is an excellent choice for those who abstain from alcohol."

Mulled Cider

Mulled spiced cider, while co-GM Steve Whyte refers to it as a spiced cider mulled with fresh spices and sweet wine "This makes the tastiest cinnamon, clove, anise, and black pepper-spiced winter libation without any spirits added. It's an excellent method to remain warm during the winter, and it's also a tried-and-true means of purging your system as you prepare to set goals for the year ahead."

Orange flavored Creamsicle

"Regardless of whether or not they are drinking, I want everybody to feel comfortable at my bar," says bartender Lydia McLuen of KEX Portland. "It becomes a more open and welcoming place for everyone if you spend the same amount of time and effort into the development of nonalcoholic and low-ABV products. Regardless of what you're drinking, everyone should feel welcome at the party."

The thing they look forward to making the most? It features orange juice, our hazelnut orgeat, lime, and tonic on pebble ice with an orange slice, accompanied by an orange creamsicle.

San Pellegrino Sanbitter

If you're making zero-proof mixes and want to mimic the flavor of classic cocktails, Italian bitter soda Krissy Harris, co-owner and head bartender at Jungle Bird, recommends using this. "This is one among my favorites because it is from San Pellegrino and has Sanbitter and soda. This is like Campari with no alcohol, only lighter and fresher "Harris states: "While there are simpler cocktails that you can make at home if you're seeking something with a higher level of complexity, we have our Pink drink, which includes Sanbitter, Seedlip Grove, and our home pineapple shrub. It's similar to our home drink, the Jungle Bird, but it's free of alcohol."

Not-So-Moscow Mule

Instead of reaching for a familiar flavor like a root beer or orange soda, when going alcohol-free, Billy Potvin advises trying a gingery soda with some fresh lime juice to mislead the senses and seem like you're having an alcoholic drink. Potvin notes that although the majority of ginger beer is proof-free, certain versions include a slight alcohol hint.

Ginger Shots

Do you sometimes get shots when you don't want them? In that case, you might as well go for a liver-friendly choice, like bartender Kristin Muri at The Spaniard. whenever I am not drinking and still 'want to do shots', or if I'm feeling run down and need a pick-me-up, I will use shots of ginger juice, lemon juice, and honey both at home and at the bar at The Spaniard." "Muri states that" The shot is balanced, comparable to the Penicillin cocktail (without the Scotch), and also contains extra points."