No longer do non-drinkers find themselves limited to boring bar options such as water or juice. Mocktails are having a serious moment, and not just amongst those who are sober or trying to stop drinking. Ushered by a renewed societal interest in health and wellness, more and more people are turning from boozy drinks in favor of artfully created non-alcoholic beverages. While there’s no limit to the number of delicious creations there are to be had, here are 6 of the most popular non-alcoholic drinks to order at a bar.
6 Non-Alcoholic Drinks to Order at a Bar
Mocktails aren’t just juice and are far more than simply getting a virgin version of an existing cocktail (though many of these are surprisingly delicious). These non-alcoholic mixed drinks rival the presentation and complexity of the flavors of cocktails and include syrups, herbs, fruits, sodas, and juices just like the real thing. They offer unique flavor combinations beyond what traditional cocktails can offer and have widespread appeal even to those who aren’t intentionally taking a break from drinking.
Virgin Moscow Mule
Ginger does most of the heavy lifting in a traditional Moscow mule and also does so in the mocktail version. The tangy flavor of ginger beer is so robust that the alcoholic component can be removed without any other change and you wouldn’t even notice the absence of vodka. Add citrus and you’ve got a veritable zinger of a drink. Plus, it will still come in its tell-tale copper mug so no one will even be able to tell the difference between that and the real thing. Note that ginger beer and ginger ale are not the same thing. If you really want the full Moscow mule experience, you’ll want ginger beer which is the ginger-ier of the two.
Virgin Mint Julep
The mint julep is an iconic cocktail composed of bourbon, simple syrup, mint,, and crushed ice (yes, this specific type of ice is part of its identity). Traditionally served during the Kentucky Derby, it quickly became a hit throughout the country, beloved for its combination of minty, smoky sweetness. Like many other mocktails, the tang of the alcohol is replaced with ginger ale which adds an earthy bite to each sip.
Virgin Mojito
The combination of mint and lime is ultra-refreshing and still very tasty without the addition of rum (which is substituted with club soda in the mocktail version). Even if your local bar doesn’t have mojitos on the menu, the simplicity of these classic ingredients makes it a drink that they’re guaranteed to be able to make for you. They’re easy to dress up with other fruits or flavored syrups, making them a perfect mocktail if you’re craving a particular fruit flavor profile. Another great aspect of this non-alcoholic drink is that it’s a lot less sweet than others which rely on a combination of soda, juice, or grenadine, all of which are loaded with sugar.
Shirley Temples
Shirley Temples are one of the original non-alcoholic cocktails that have long been a staple of bar menus. The exact origin of the drink is contested, but most of the various versions go something along the lines of it being created in the 1930s when the child star was dining out with her parents and wanted an Old Fashioned like her parents. Traditionally made with ginger ale, grenadine, and topped off with a maraschino cherry, this drink is so cocktail that there have been a number of riffs made to it including an alcoholic version dubbed a Dirty Shirley Temple.
Roy Rogers
Another classic non-alcoholic drink and American favorite named after a celebrity, the Roy Rogers is named after the famous singer and actor. The combination of cola and grenadine is why it’s said to be an early cherry cola and could be found in soda shops of the 40s. While the precise origins of the drink mystery, it’s believed it was named because Roy Rogers was a popular actor who was known to not drink alcohol.
Arnold Palmer
Miss the hint-of-lemon sweetness of a Long Island Iced Tea? An Arnold Palmer, named after the famed American professional golfer, is the drink for you. It’s unsweetened tea and lemonade and sometimes sweetened with honey. What makes this mocktail something special is the proportions which are traditionally made with three parts tea to one part lemonade. This is a restaurant staple that can be found all over the country.
Livin La Vida Sober
Just because you don’t want to drink alcohol doesn’t mean you have to stay away from your local watering hole. Any bartender worth their salt will have no doubt whipping up any of these six classic mocktails, but don’t be afraid to be adventurous and give your bartender inspiration with mocktail recipes you came up with at home!