Sipping on a meticulously crafted cocktail is a social rite in some circles, but a fascinating trend is bubbling up to capture the attention of the health and wellness scene. The clinking of glasses, the mixology magic, and the camaraderie that comes with a night out – all these elements are being redefined in an unexpectedly innovative way.
Say hello to the rise of American non-alcoholic (NA) pop-up bars, which bring a new twist to any event.
Gone are the days when opting for the booze-free option meant settling for a lackluster club soda with lime. Non-alcoholic pop-up bars are stepping into the spotlight, offering an intoxicating array of zero-proof concoctions to tantalize the taste buds and spark the imagination.
Explore this in-depth article as we uncover the hidden gems and trendsetting entrepreneurs that make up this refreshing movement. From Los Angeles to New York City, from cozy speakeasies to high-energy dance floors, we’ll delve into the world of non-alcoholic pop-up bars that are reimagining what it means to have a good time—without the hangover.
Contents
Are Alcohol-Free Pop-Ups Just for Sober People?
First and foremost, let’s clear the air.
Alcohol-free bar experiences and bottle shops aren’t just for people who don’t drink. In fact, one of the biggest drivers of the non-alcoholic trend isn’t the sober community — it’s regular drinkers looking to break up their alcohol with thoughtful, delicious zero or low-proof options.
The bar industry is learning that 82% of people who drink NA beverages drink alcohol, too, and often on the same night.
So, whether you’re alcohol-free, sober-ish, or sober-curious, these pop-up bars provide a fun experience out on the town resulting in a night you won’t forget. Plus, you never know what you might experience at one of these happy hour events, from karaoke to trivia to brunch. The neat thing is they’re always switching things up.
Alcohol-Free Pop-Up Bars on the West Coast
A first glance at pop-up events on the West Coast shows Los Angeles clearly taking the lead—like that’s any surprise.
Bar Nuda – LA
Bar Nuda is a quirky, unique, Mexican-inspired non-alcoholic pop-up that is flipping the script on how to have a good time. The founders, Morris Ellis and Pablo Murillo, are on a mission to create a haven for anyone up for seriously mind-blowing, booze-free creations.
Each of their handcrafted mocktails has a special mission, whether it’s to zen you out, boost your brainpower, or give you a second wind – all with the kind of ingredients that Mother Nature would totally approve of.
The mixologist behind it all is Bryant J. Orozco, a seasoned bartender and curator (previously at Mírame Beverly Hills and Madre Oaxacan Restaurant) who spends his time between Los Angeles and Mexico investigating the beverages that different regions and cultures of Mexico have to offer.
Check out our list of the best Mexican non-alcoholic drinks.
Bar Nuda just wrapped up a weekly residency this summer at trendy Venice restaurant De Buena Planta, which offers a vegetarian and gluten-free Mexican-inspired menu.
What’s so fun about Bar Nuda’s pop-up events is that they typically include a DJ, delicious bites, local vendors, and they’re sponsored by some of the top non-alcoholic beverage brands like Ritual Zeroproof, Gruvi, Three Spirit, and Seedlip.
Follow Bar Nuda on Instagram for upcoming events and get ready for a wild ride of flavors with a sprinkle of wellness.
Zero Proofed – LA
Zero Proofed is the brainchild of sisters Priyanka & Chirasmita Kompella. The Zero Proofed team curates experiences, events, and alcohol-free cocktail bar programs that promote mingling with intention with a non-alcoholic craft cocktail in hand. One such event was their booze-free speakeasy at the Culver Hotel’s Velvet Lounge in LA.
More pop-ups are coming in Denver, San Francisco, San Diego, and more. Follow Zero Proofed on Instagram for upcoming events especially during Sober October and Dry January.
Licoeur – LA
“Alcohol-free doesn’t mean ‘free of fun,’” says Licoeur founder, Fatima Harmi. Licoeur is a Los Angeles-based non-alcoholic pop-up bar where people come together to enjoy sophisticated, delicious drinks, without any judgment or pressure to drink.
The name, which sounds like “liquor,” serves as a reminder that it is possible to enjoy all the taste and sophistication of a cocktail or wine, without any of the negative effects thanks to a bevy of alcohol alternatives.
The “coeur” in Licoeur means “heart” in French—another reminder to focus on well-being, leading with love, and bringing people together. Harmi maintains this perspective in her next events, which include “sober speed friending” and a lip-sync battle.
Follow Licoeur on Instagram for upcoming events.
Clarity Zero Proof Lounge – LA
Ready to feel spirited without the spirits, saucy without the sauce, and better-than-ever without the booze?
That’s what Clarity Zero Proof Lounge in Redondo Beach strives to offer with their booze-free pop-ups. Founded by former drinker, Kate Danaj, who was trained by the master of NA mixology himself, Chris Marshall (who owns Austin’s only alcohol-free bar called Sans Bar), you can be sure that Clarity’s non-alcoholic drinks are high-caliber.
They bring memorable, delicious, one-of-a-kind drinks to any event, whether that’s a baby shower, retirement party, wedding, or business meeting.
Follow Clarity Zero Proof Lounge on Instagram for events and updates.
Worry Not – Portland
Moving north from LA, Worry Not is just starting to pop up in Portland with not-so-boozey brunches featuring rotating chefs. The first pop-up in August 2023 was a sold-out success, so they are popping up again in September.
The next event will feature delicious bites by Chef Charlie McMullin and zero-proof cocktails curated by Cliffton Seminerio, the chief mixologist behind Worry Not.
Worry Not is on a mission to use NA cocktails to expand adventurous and healthy alternatives to the communal drinking experience. Their cocktails highlight NA herbal distillates, bitters, and wine, featuring their partners such as Wilderton, All The Bitter, and Jøyus.
Follow Worry Not on Instagram to stay in-the-know about their next pop-up event.
Pop-Up Bars on the East Coast
Absence of Proof – NYC and More
Do we spy a “bravolebrity?!”
A burgeoning booze-free pop-up, Absence of Proof started in NYC and now boasts events nationwide, including in Nashville, Chicago, Detroit, Connecticut, and LA.
Like many of these pop-ups, Absence of Proof can be found at private or public events, from breathwork workshops to cold plunge parties and thirsty Thursdays to mocktail-making classes.
Use discount code: AFBEVYS to receive 15% off their events.
Follow Absence of Proof on Instagram.
Third Place Bar – NYC
If you’re looking for an event where you can meet your new, alcohol-free tribe in the city that never sleeps, look no further than the Third Place Bar’s calendar.
Each month, they host booze-free events, like their famous “mocktails and movie night” or their boisterous trivia nights. No matter the activity, one thing is for sure: there will be delicious zero-proof drinks and a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Follow Third Place Bar on Instagram or check out their upcoming events.
Don’t forget to check out our list of booze-free bars in NYC.
Listen Bar
One of the “OG” booze-free pop-ups, Listen Bar draws in quite the crowd at their posh events, like their collaboration with H&M, which was buzzing with celebrities and fashionistas alike.
This fall, Listen Bar turns five and is going all out with an alcohol-free Halloween party to finish Sober October with a bang!
Follow Listen Bar on Instagram.
Pop-Up Bars Everywhere Else
Unintoxicated Nightlife – Breckenridge, CO
Unintoxicated Nightlife is a Colorado-local pop-up bar that focuses on purely non-alcoholic craft cocktails – some with adaptogenic and amino acid elixirs – for a night out that helps nourish the body.
You can also find Unintoxicated Nightlife at the Breckenridge Sunday Market where you can sample lots of alcohol alternatives so you can decide what you love the most to stock your home bar!
Or catch them at Oktoberfest in Breckenridge, Colorado, from September 15th -17th, where they will be offering non-alcoholic beer, wine, and craft cocktails
Like a Virgin Sober Bar – Nashville, TN
What do you get when you mix ’70s music, bell bottoms, and NA drinks? A groovy night you won’t forget!
Like a Virgin Sober Bar is a 70’s-themed, sober, pop-up bar serving non-alcoholic beverages in the Nashville area. The place pulses with energy and offers individuals with a curious streak the chance to forge more profound, meaningful connections while sidestepping the allure of alcohol.
They create funky fresh recipes like their “Killer Bees” mocktail featuring zero-proof gin, lemon juice, hot honey, bee pollen, and an edible flower.
Follow Like a Virgin Sober Bar on Instagram to never miss a beat.
The Zero Proof Social – Dallas, TX
According to its website,
“At The Zero Proof Social, we’re on a mission to reframe the narrative around sobriety and break down the barriers that hold so many people back from living their best life. Being sober is not simply about avoiding alcohol; it’s about unlocking your potential to live more consciously and build deeper relationships. We’re here to help you build authentic connections with like-minded people, increase mindfulness, and have fun in a supportive environment.”
Sounds good, right?
Like many of these pop-up bars, there are multiple ways you can engage with The Zero Proof Social. They offer a range of non-alcoholic event services, including public pop-ups, mobile bar services for private gatherings, and menu curation.
Follow the Zero Proof Social on Instagram for upcoming events.
Sobar Journey – Cleveland
Enjoy alcohol-free wine, beer, and zero-proof cocktails with Sobar Journey, Cleveland Ohio’s newest pop-up tasting bar. They offer the opportunity to host a sober pop-up from home, the office, or another local shop.
Follow Sobar Journey’s adventures on Instagram.
That about wraps it up for now! I’m sure more bars will keep popping up left and right, so stay tuned in case there isn’t one near you as of yet.
Are there any other pop-up bars we should add to this list? Let us know in the comments!
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