How To Find the Best Mocktails Near You

(Yes, you can still be the life of the party—even if the party is mildly buzz-free.)

Welcome to the world of elevated non-alcoholic sipping—where the words “virgin” and “let’s do brunch” don’t feel like surrendering, and where the term mocktail means more than “just soda and a lime wedge.” At MockTale, we’re here to celebrate the joy of drinking differently: classy, clever, and under 0.5 % ABV. Whether you’re Dry January-ing, sober-curious, or simply want to avoid waking up with regret and fuzzy memories of karaoke, we’ve got you covered.

Below: a smart, stylish guide to finding the best mocktails near you—featuring top bars, notable cities, and real brands (yes, we’ll talk about Seedlip, Lyre’s, Kin Euphorics, Ghia, HOP WTR and Mingle). Expect flavor, pomp, and a bit of smug satisfaction.

Why the mocktail moment is real

The sober-curious shift: this isn’t your mom’s Shirley Temple

Once upon a time the non-drinker was relegated to the corner booth clutching club soda and a lime. Not anymore. The sober-curious and “less buzz next day” crowds are turning bars into inclusive venues for everyone. A recent editorial noted that bars in cities like New York are re-thinking their offerings, because people “don’t want just a Sprite and grenadine… I want something for an adult palate.” New York Post+2VinePair+2

Dry January? More like Dry Every January (if you want)

What used to be a calendar event is increasingly a lifestyle option. The trend toward “zero-proof” happy hours and high-end non-alcoholic programs is no longer niche. Industry coverage highlights elaborate mocktail lists at major bars during Dry January—and year-round. And don’t sleep on “Sober October, either. 50B – Restaurants – GLOBAL+2Ritual Zero Proof+2

The spirits alternatives: grown-up tastes, zero (or nearly zero) alcohol

Gone are the days of plonking grenadine into soda and calling it a day. Brands like Seedlip, Lyre’s, Ghia and others are giving you real botanical, bitter, and bitter-sweet flavor profiles so you don’t feel like the “designated driver” in the corner. In a recent taste-test of non-alcoholic drinks, Ghia’s apéritif got high marks for complexity and “adult in every sense.” Serious Eats+1

What that means for you

When you show up anywhere you like and ask for “a great mocktail,” you’re not settling—you’re signalling you’re a connoisseur of fine things, minus the hangover. Use this guide as your mission brief.

What makes a bar visit mocktail-worthy

Before we get into city-by-city recs, let’s talk about how to judge whether a bar gets it. Because not all “non-alcoholic” programs are created equal.

• Thoughtful ingredients: Look for bars that treat the mocktail like a “proper” drink — think fresh herbs, spice wafts, aromatic bitters, zero-proof spirits rather than juice + soda. “They don’t just pile on the sugar,” one bartender says of NY’s sober-bar scene. New York Post

• Dedicated menu or section: If you have to ask the bartender, “Do you have anything besides soda water with lime?” that’s a warning sign. Bars with full non-alcoholic lists understand the culture. TripSavvy+1

• Good bar environment: Just because you’re not drinking doesn’t mean you don’t want the vibe. Good lighting, craft glassware, clever names—yes, they matter.

• Brands you recognize (or want to try): If you see Seedlip, Lyre’s, Kin Euphorics, Ghia, HOP WTR, Mingle on the menu, you’re in “we take this seriously” territory.

• Accessible for the sober or sober-adjacent: Whether you’re doing Dry January, cutting back long-term, or just prefer the clarity, a welcoming space matters.

If your local bar checks more than one of these boxes, you’re golden. Let’s now hit the map.

Top places to order mocktails like a pro

Here are some standout spots across the U.S.—cities where the mocktail game is strong and the bar scene is aware you might not want gin in your glass.

1. New York City, NY

Then there’s Bemelmans Bar (in The Carlyle Hotel) where even the wallpaper reads like a high-end lounge and their zero-proof list is almost ritualistic. According to press, mocktails range in the $14-$16 range and are crafted for flavor, not just appearance. New York Post

Want to keep exploring? The list of “Top Mocktail Bars in the USA” from industry sites includes multiple NYC fleshed-out listings. Ritual Zero Proof+1

Pro tip: Ask for a mocktail that incorporates Lyre’s Aperitif (or another bitter base) and fresh citrus—then you’ll feel like you ordered a Negroni without the regret.

2. Washington, D.C.

At Wild Days (the indoor-outdoor rooftop at The Eaton), you’ll enjoy panoramic views plus mocktail choices—comfortable for your sober-curious side and still fully social. Washington DC

Pro tip: Go for something herbal or shrub-based (those tart/savoury notes feel adult, not dessert-syrupy). Ask for the bar’s featured zero-proof spirit and treat yourself. (Yes, you deserve the craft glass.)

3. Los Angeles, CA

There are also pop-ups and bottle shops such as Soft Spirits in Silver Lake, which host brand-focused non-alcoholic events and tastings. thenextfunthing.com

Pro tip: In L.A., mocktails can lean more functional—think adaptogens, chic presentation, maybe a hint of celebrity insta-aesthetic. Ask for something that “feels luxe but clear-headed.”

4. Chicago, IL

Pro tip: Go bold. Ask for a layered mocktail (bitter, smoke, citrus) and don’t settle for “just ginger beer and lime.”

5. Anywhere You Are (Yes: your local scene too)

If none of the above cities are around your corner, don’t despair. The good news: the trend is everywhere. Whether you’re in Elkhorn, WI or a fly-over suburb, you can find good mocktail options. Use this checklist:

• Does the bar list non-alcoholic spirits like Seedlip, Lyre’s, Ghia, Kin Euphorics?

• Do they have a dedicated mocktail menu (not just “we can remove the booze for you”)?

• Does the visible presentation look like they cared (fresh garnish, proper glass, aroma)?

• Do the bartenders seem comfortable making non-alcoholic drinks (not rolling their eyes)?

If yes: you’re good. If no: ask the bartender “what’s your best zero-proof creation?” and let them surprise you.

What to order (like you know your stuff)

Smart consumption = smart ordering. Here are some tasty style-guides so next time you’re at the bar you don’t feel like you’re playing catch-up.

• Look for bitter/apéritif profiles

Mocktails don’t have to be saccharine. Brands like Ghia have been praised for delivering “pleasingly bitter” and complex flavors. Serious Eats
Example: Ask for “Ghia, soda, a twist of lemon and rosemary”—you’ll get an adult-sounding drink with zero regrets.

• Herbal and botanical zero-proof spirits

Seedlip Grove or Grove 42, for instance, deliver citrus-botanical tones. Lyre’s has options that mimic gin, rum, herbal liqueurs. These give you the shape of a “cocktail” without the booze.

You might hear things like “non-alcoholic gin alternative” on the menu—embrace it.

• Functional / mood-elevating ingredients

Whether you’re avoiding alcohol to feel sharper in the morning or to just skip the hangover, drinks infused with adaptogens (like those from Kin Euphorics) or subtle tea/spice blends are trending. Some Good Clean Fun by Sarah Kate

• Mocktails tailored to food or time of day

Just like full-alcohol bars have pairings, mocktail-friendly places do too. If you’re at dinner: pick something that’s savoury, herbal, low on sweetness. If it’s later: go something richer but still zero-proof (dark botanic base, strong bitters).

• The menu-savvy ask

Bartender: “What’s your house zero-proof cocktail today?”
You (smug but polite): “Great — can I have it with your non-alcoholic spirit base and maybe a herb twist instead of soda water?”
That shows you’ve done your homework without being obnoxious.

Brands to know (so you can ask like a pro)

Here’s a quick cheat-sheet of brands to name-drop so you sound like you know the scene.

• Seedlip – Among the pioneers in distilled non-alcoholic spirits.

• Lyre’s – Broad portfolio of zero-proof alternatives (rum, gin, etc.).

• Ghia – Apéritif-style, bitter-forward, adult-sipping. Serious Eats

• Kin Euphorics – Mood-forward, botanical, functional.

• HOP WTR – Zero-proof, hopped sparkling water-based drinks (think “beer alternative”).

• Mingle – Non-alcoholic spirits brand geared for social sipping.

When you order: “Do you have Seedlip?” or “Can we do a Lyre’s-based spritz?” instantly signals you’re not here for the juice and soda.

Mocktail culture takeaways

It’s not about the buzz—it’s about the flavor

Yes, you’re “skipping alcohol.” But in doing so you’re not sacrificing taste, texture, or ritual: the clink of ice, the aromatic garnish, the conversation. The mocktail renaissance is about inclusion—everyone at the bar gets to be part of it.

Presentation matters

A well-made mocktail should feel like you’re drinking something special, not a consolation prize. Editors reviewing non-alcoholic drinks call out proper glassware and aromatic complexity. Serious Eats

Price-wise: worth it?

Yes, you’ll pay. And sometimes you’ll raise your eyebrow at why a mocktail might cost near the price of a “real” cocktail. But many venues defend that non-alcoholic spirits can cost as much for the bar as the real thing. The Wall Street Journal
Ask well, tip well, and savor the moment.

Long-term lifestyle optionality

Whether you’re taking a month off alcohol, permanently reducing, or just keeping options open—you’re part of a bigger movement. And the more you show up with knowledge, the more bars show up with better menus.

Final thoughts – and your next step

So: when you walk into a bar next time, you no longer need to feel sidelined or thankful for whatever soda the bartender throws together. Instead you demand something because you deserve it: a drink that is visually smart, tastefully complex, and—yes—non-alcoholic.

Here’s your plan:

1. Identify a bar in your city that has a dedicated non-alcohol menu. You can use Google, Yelp, or we would appreciate it enormously if you chose to download our MockTale app. We’re building a new kind of community for a new kind of consumer. Research, locate, and review all your old NA favorites and new finds. Head over to our homepage and follow the links for the App Store or Google Play to download the free app and start curating your own list of NA drinks and establishments.

2. Look for one of those brands above on the menu (Seedlip, Lyre’s, etc.).

3. Order with confidence: “I’d like your zero-proof cocktail program — surprise me with your signature.”

4. Sip. Enjoy. And relish not waking up with regret.

Because at MockTale, we believe drinking differently isn’t a compromise—it’s a choice. You’re still sophisticated, you’re still social, and you’re absolutely still part of the fun.

Now: go forth and zero-proof your next rendezvous like you’ve always belonged in the velvet rope section of the bar.

Cheers (to no hangover).