A team of researchers and psychologists who specialize in behavioral health and neuroscience. This group collaborates to produce insightful and evidence-based content.
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Recognized by Fortune and Fast Company as a top innovator shaping the future of health and known for his pivotal role in helping individuals change their relationship with alcohol.
June 16, 2023
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18 min read
Reframe Content Team
June 16, 2023
·
18 min read
We’ve all been there: wanting a night out with friends while trying to cut back on drinking. But with all the amazing mocktails to order at a bar, there’s really no need to choose between the two.
Whatever is driving you to mocktails –– whether it’s embracing a mindful drinking, being sober curious, following a lower-carb diet, or simply preferring non-alcoholic options –– we've got you covered. These sober-friendly sips will not only tantalize your taste buds, but also keep you feeling refreshed and engaged during your social outings.
Looking for simple mixed drinks to order at a bar, good mocktails to try, or fruity mixed drinks to order at a bar? You’ve come to the right place. Here are our top 21 mocktails to order at a bar or make at home, sure to add a burst of flavor to your nights out while supporting your mindful drinking journey.
What's a Mocktail Drink
First things first: before we talk about good drinks to order at a bar, let’s talk about what mocktails are. A mocktail is a non-alcoholic drink that mimics the flavor and presentation of a cocktail. It offers a delicious and festive way to enjoy a special beverage without the alcohol, making it a great choice for any occasion.
Easy Drinks To Order at a Bar (or Make at Home!)
Wondering what to order at a bar? We’ve got the answers! Here are 21 bar drinks to order, including fruity drinks to order at a bar and just plain old good drinks to order and enjoy.
1. Virgin Mojito
Like the original, the Virgin Mojito can transport us to a tropical paradise. This invigorating blend of muddled mint leaves, zesty lime juice, and a hint of sweetness will make you feel like you're lounging on a beach –– minus the alcohol, and all the negative effects that come with it. If you need some extra refreshing flavor, muddle some cucumber in there for added coolness.
2. Shirley Temple
Whether or not you’re familiar with the iconic child actress, this delightful drink is sure to bring a smile to your face! The sweet mix of ginger ale with a splash of grenadine and a maraschino cherry to top it off makes for a playful and refreshing drink. It’s all about innocence and pure joy, with each celebration as a celebration of simpler times.
3. Arnold Palmer
Another “namesake” drink, the Arnold Palmer is a nod to the famous golfer. Simple and elegant, this refreshing flavor combo is perfect for a relaxing day in the backyard or as a pick-me-up after a round of golf. The ingredients? Tea, lemon juice, and simple syrup (or just mix tea and lemonade). It’s that simple! Add some club soda for an extra fizz!
4. Alcohol-Free Moscow Mule
This one has the bold, spicy heart of the Moscow Mule, but without the vodka! It captures the spirit of the original and refreshes without the depressant effects of alcohol. Ginger beer gives this mocktail a fiery flavor while lime adds some sweetness to balance the tang. Then, it’s topped with a wedge of lime for an extra kick. Want something a little different? Add some grapefruit juice for a “Grapefruit Mule.”
5. Virgin Piña Colada
Looking for fruity mixed drinks to order at a bar? Escape to the tropics with a lush and creamy alcohol-free rendition of the classic cocktail! It combines the sweet, tropical flavors of pineapple and coconut to create a rich, frothy drink that makes you think of vacations and chilling on the beach (or getting caught in the rain, maybe?). This drink is served chilled or blended and often garnished with a slice of pineapple or a maraschino cherry.
6. Roy Rogers
Named after the famous cowboy actor and singer, this is another non-alcoholic mocktail that has both flair and sweetness. This simple yet classic drink combines cola with a dash of grenadine, giving it a deep, inviting color and a cherry-infused sweetness that appeals to the kid in all of us. Garnished with a maraschino cherry, it’s served in a tall glass and makes us think of the simple pleasures in life.
7. “No-quila” Sunrise
When it comes to good mocktails — especially fruity ones — the right combo of flavors is key. The no-quila sunrise is a mocktail version of the classic tequila sunrise drink with the same bright, tangy flavors of orange juice and a splash of grenadine — but no booze! The grenadine sinks to the bottom and gradually rises to blend with the orange, mimicking the sun's ascent on the horizon. Garnished with an orange slice and a cherry, it’s a refreshingly sweet drink that’s a perfect choice for morning gatherings, brunches, or anytime you want to savor the moment.
8. Tropical Ginger Beer Fizz
The Tropical Ginger Beer Fizz is a fun mocktail that bursts with flavors of the tropics, enhanced by the spicy kick of ginger beer. This drink blends fresh pineapple juice and coconut water for a sweet, exotic base, then adds a splash of ginger beer for effervescence and a spicy depth. Served in a tall glass over ice and garnished with a pineapple wedge or a sprig of mint, this drink is a refreshing escape to tropical shores. Perfect for a summer day!
9. Lavender Lemon Sparkler
The Lavender Lemon Sparkler is an elegant, fragrant mocktail that combines the delicate aroma of lavender with the bright, tangy taste of lemon. It’s made by infusing simple syrup with culinary lavender, then mixing it with fresh lemon juice and topping it off with sparkling water for a fizzy lift. Served over ice and garnished with a sprig of lavender or a lemon twist, this mocktail is a visually stunning and refreshingly sophisticated beverage that's ideal for special occasions!
10. Non-Alcoholic Rum and Coke
This sober twist on the classic cocktail, offers the warm, spicy notes of rum paired with the crisp, sweet fizz of cola, all without the alcohol. Utilizing a non-alcoholic rum alternative that mirrors the complex flavors of traditional rum can provide that deep, satisfying flavor. Served over ice and garnished with a lime wedge, it’s ideal for those who seek the essence of a spirited drink in a non-intoxicating form. Many bars are now stocking non-alcoholic spirits — just ask!
11. “Cuddles” on the Beach
The “cuddles on the beach” is a PG-rated alcohol-free rendition of the sex on the beach cocktail, traditionally a mix of peach juice, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice. The result? A balance of sweet and tart, capturing the essence of a warm, breezy beach day. Served over ice and garnished with a slice of grapefruit or a sprig of mint, it's a refreshing, uplifting drink that's perfect for those moments when you want to indulge in the sweetness of life without the buzz.
12. Sparkling Mint Limeade
A sparkling mint Limeade is a bubbly, refreshing mocktail that dances on the palate with its zesty lime flavor and cool mint undertones. This drink combines fresh lime juice, mint leaves, a touch of sweetness from simple syrup or agave, and sparkling water for a fizzy finish. This thirst-quenching drink is perfect for cooling off on a summer day or adding a burst of freshness to any celebration. Serve it in a highball glass garnished with lime slices and mint sprigs for a visually stunning and deliciously invigorating experience.
13. Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade
Looking for more fruity drinks to order at a bar? Quench your thirst with this delightful blend of fresh raspberries, zesty lemon, and sparkling water. It's a fizzy, tangy mocktail that'll keep you energized and engaged with the crowd. To order, see if the bartender can add some muddled raspberries (or fruit-based syrup) and a splash of soda water to the house lemonade. If a proper lemonade isn’t available, this mocktail will also work with muddled fruit, lemon-lime soda, and a twist of lemon.
14. Fruit Basil Smash
Indulge in the sweet and delicious flavors of summer with a fruit basil smash. This mocktail combines bright, fresh fruit with aromatic basil, creating a delightful and revitalizing beverage.
Our top suggestion is to use watermelon for its thirst-quenching effects and because it pairs so well with basil. But if the bar doesn’t have fresh watermelon juice at the ready, it's easy to swap in strawberry, pineapple, or blackberries. These combine just as deliciously with basil.
Still or sparkling water? That’s up to you. That fear of hangxiety or a plain old hangover the next morning? A guaranteed no.
15. Virgin Bloody Mary
Imagine the savory, bold flavors of a Bloody Mary without the vodka or the hangover! This takes the base of the classic mix –– tomato juice, horseradish, Tabasco, celery salt, Worcestershire sauce, fresh lime, and pepper –– and serves it over ice. It’s a tangy way to start your day (or put it behind you) while getting some vitamin C, electrolytes, and booze-free joy in the process.
16. Pomegranate Spritzer
This delightful blend of pomegranate juice, sparkling water, and a hint of lime can send you to the Mediterranean. Plus, this mocktail is easy to order at a bar (and super easy to recreate at home!). Packed with antioxidants, this vibrant mocktail is not only visually appealing but also a perfect choice for our mindful drinking journey. If you’re feeling a little extra, add a few mint sprigs for aroma.
17. Berry Blast Mocktail
Immerse yourself in a burst of berries with this flavorful concoction. This mocktail blends berries –– strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries work especially well –– with a squeeze of lemon for tang. The lemon brings out the flavor of the berries, making this vibrant mocktail a fruity explosion in every sip.
18. Ginger-Lime Fizz
For an invigorating experience, try a ginger-lime fizz. This is a toned-down version of an alcohol-free moscow mule for when you want less of a ginger kick. Ask for ginger beer, a twist of lime, and soda water. The spiciness of ginger combined with the tanginess of lime and the effervescence of soda water will leave your taste buds tingling and your spirits lifted. This is especially great for digestion, thanks largely to the plant compounds in ginger.
19. Coconut Pineapple Paradise
Take your sober-friendly piña colada to the next level! In other words, a tropical getaway in a glass. This mocktail combines coconut milk and cream with lime and pineapple juice over ice. The creamy coconut milk paired with the tropical sweetness of pineapple will transport you to a sunny beach, minus the alcohol-induced haze!
20. Sober Gin and Tonic
Enjoy a 0% alcohol gin with a splash of tonic and a twist of lemon. All the botanicals, none of the booze. Ask your bartender if they carry this –– most do these days –– but make sure the bartender hears your alcohol-free request over the din of the crowd.
21. Tranquila Sunrise
Like a Tequila Sunrise, but with none of the alcohol-related side effects. Tranquila, of course, means “tranquil” in Spanish –– but that’s not an official name. Add a little evening chill to your tequila sunrise by mixing in a bit of chamomile tea. Orange juice meets grenadine halfway down a tall glass. Adding some strong chamomile tea (it mellows out in the drink!) gives you a soothing sipper for your evening wind-down. What’s best is the reminder of how great you’ll feel the next morning.
Why Drink Mocktails?
Many people prefer mocktails to alcohol-infused cocktails, and they’re only getting more popular. Some of us are cutting back our alcohol –– especially given the range of negative effects that come with even moderate drinking –– while others of us are drawn to refraining from drinking altogether. Others of us don’t drink due to pregnancy, medications, illness, religious reasons, or because we simply don’t enjoy drinking. Not to mention, going alcohol-free comes with financial benefits (especially at bars!).
Mocktails to order at a bar are available for everyone –– those who drink, those who don’t, and those who can’t. Bartenders are beverage specialists, so if you’re ever in doubt, see if they’ve got their own booze-free specialty up their sleeve.
The Key Takeaways
Socializing doesn't have to mean compromising your mindful drinking goals. In fact, deepening our social connections can help us on our wellness path. With these 10 refreshing and sober sips, we can all enjoy nights out with friends without derailing our mindful drinking journey.
Remember, taking care of ourselves doesn't mean missing out on the fun. So, the next time you go out, consider one of these mocktails to order at a bar! They are a great way to enjoy socializing –– and a refreshment –– while feeling proud of your progress. What’s best, look forward to a better night’s sleep!
Drink Less and Thrive With Reframe
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
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