You know the Irish – they’re born storytellers. And guess what? Their drinks have stories, too, and not all of them start and end at the pub.
Beyond the well-known pints and shots, there’s a whole world of traditional Irish brews and snazzy mocktails.
In this article, we’ll cover everything there is to know about Irish non-alcoholic beverages. That way, you’ll know what your options are whether you are visiting the country or just want to get into the spirit on St. Patrick’s Day!
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How Easy Is It to Order NA Bevs and Mocktails in Ireland?
As the trend of mindful drinking and ‘sober-curious’ lifestyle gains momentum worldwide, don’t think for a second that Ireland’s lagging behind. The days of ‘bombastic side-eye’ for choosing mocktails over a malt are long gone. In fact, many pubs and bars in cities like Dublin and Cork proudly flaunt a range of non-alcoholic beers, spirits and inventive mocktails.
Also, the rise of movements like “Sober Girls Ireland” not only promotes sober living but also provides a platform for like-minded individuals to meet and socialize, proving that socializing doesn’t necessarily require alcohol.
So, if you’re in Ireland and fancy a drink and meeting like-minded people, here are some of the best places to go:
Virgin Mary Bar
A revolutionary concept in Dublin, The Virgin Mary Bar is the country’s first booze-free bar. They offer non-alcoholic beer, wine and cocktails, ensuring a night out without the hangover.
Check out the Virgin Mary Bar Menu.
(Update: Heads up! The Virgin Mary Bar in Dublin’s city center is closing, but they’re hitting the road with “TVM On The Road” for events across Ireland. Plus, they’ve got spots now in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh. Cool, right?)
MVP Dublin
MVP stands out with its wide range of non-alcoholic options. They once had a famous “Sober Sundays” event, and those special drinks are still on the menu.
If you’re there, don’t miss out on their non-alcoholic Spiced Mule.
Check out the MVP Menu.
Lemon & Duke
Designed like an old-school pharmacy, Lemon & Duke offers a Manhattan cocktail bar vibe. They stand out with their great non-alcoholic mocktails and beers. Try the Shamed Zombie Slayer and thank me later.
Check out the Lemon & Duke Menu.
Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks You Can Get in Ireland
Ready for a wee bit of Irish charm in a glass? Here are some timeless non-alcoholic Irish drinks that you will surely love:
Red Lemonade
Sure, it’s not your typical lemonade – it’s the Irish red kind. This soft drink, known as Red TK Lemonade, is deeply rooted in Irish culture and is often linked to festive occasions and even some folk remedies. So, when you fancy a bit of “craic” but aren’t reaching for the “hard stuff,” this is your lad.
Irish Tea
Ah, the Irish and their tea! Rain or shine (mostly rain, if I’m honest), a warm cup of Irish tea is the answer. Introduced in the 1830s, this robust Irish Breakfast Tea, rich with Assam flavors, isn’t just a drink but, rather, a long tradition that reflects Ireland’s hospitality.
And did you know? The average Irish person downs four to six cups daily, making Ireland one of the top tea-consuming nations, using nearly seven pounds of dry tea leaves per person each year!
Blackcurrant Cordial (aka Blackcurrant Squash)
If you’re out with friends in Ireland, blackcurrant cordial is your go-to! This sweet and fruity drink is the choice for our designated drivers, the unsung heroes in pubs, and for those looking to dance the night away without a wobble.
Check out this DIY blackcurrant cordial recipe.
My Top Picks for Non-Alcoholic Irish Beverage Brands
Guinness Zero
It’s the Guinness you adore, but without the tipsy texts you’ll regret. Guinness Zero is brewed with the same love and ingredients to preserve the beer’s authentic taste. Even without the alcohol, it’s unmistakably Guinness.
Wicklow Wolf Non-Alcoholic Hoppy Ale
Wicklow Wolf’s Moonlight is a non-alcoholic hoppy ale that doesn’t compromise flavors and is perfect for craft beer fans. It’s crafted with specialty malts and a generous dose of juicy hops.
Oh, did I mention it’s gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and low in calories?
Brewmaster Non-Alcoholic IPA
Brewmaster Non-Alcoholic 0.5% is a refreshing isotonic beverage crafted from all-natural ingredients, ideal for post-exercise recovery. Packed with vitamins B12, B9, and folic acid, it encourages a wholesome lifestyle. Its isotonic attributes help rehydrate the body with essential nutrients.
Plus, it’s 100% vegan and gluten-free. Can it get any better?
5 Irish-Inspired Mocktails
Now for the fun and creative part: Irish drink recipes! Here are some Irish-inspired mocktails you can try at home, whether on a chill, me-time night or to enjoy with your friends:
1. Non-Alcoholic Irish Coffee
A warm, comforting blend of rich coffee with a hint of sweet Irish cream flavor, minus the whiskey. This is perhaps the most famous Irish drink.
What You’ll Need
- 6 ounces freshly brewed coffee
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (adjust based on your preference)
- ¾ ounce Irish cream-flavored syrup
- 2 ounces unsweetened, lightly whipped heavy cream
How to Prep
1. Mix the coffee, brown sugar, and syrup in a mug.
2. Top with whipped cream. And enjoy!
Pro Tip: For a dairy-free version, use almond or oat milk and a dairy-free whipped topping.
2. Shamrock Whang! Smoothie
This is a refreshing 0% abv lime and pear combo that’s perfect for summer.
What You’ll Need
- ½ cup lime sherbet
- ½ cup frozen yogurt
- 1 ounce pear juice
- ½ teaspoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon sugar (omit if you prefer it less sweet)
- ¼ teaspoon spearmint extract
- 1 tablespoon grated chocolate
- Mint leaves (for garnish)
How to Prep
1. Combine the lime sherbet, frozen yogurt, pear juice, lime juice, sugar and spearmint extract in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into a glass and garnish with grated chocolate and mint leaves
Pro Tip: Add a splash of soda water for a fizzy twist.
3. Irish Shillelagh
This is a sweet and tangy drink with a hint of tart named after the Irish wooden club.
What You’ll Need
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp powdered sugar
- 4 oz peach juice
- Ice
- 2 raspberries
How to Prep
1. Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker.
2. Strain the mixture over crushed ice.
3. Pour into a glass and garnish with raspberries (you may substitute with strawberries)
Fun Fact: A “shillelagh” is also a wooden walking stick and was historically used for settling disputes in a “gentlemanly” manner.
4. Non-Alcoholic Baileys
Creamy and sweet with hints of chocolate and coffee, this drink is the better version of Baileys.
What You’ll Need
- ¾ cup coconut milk (or your preferred milk)
- 1 oz of cooled espresso or a shot of instant coffee
- 2 teaspoons of maple syrup
- A drop or two of vanilla extract (adjust for your palate)
- ½ teaspoon of either cacao or cocoa powder
- Optional: 1 tablespoon of light cream
How to Prepare It
1. Combine all the listed ingredients in a blender, blending at a low speed until they’re smoothly mixed (alternatively, you can also pour the ingredients into a shaker with some ice and give it a good shake for around 20 seconds).
2. Add a bit more maple syrup or light cream.
3. Pour over in a glass and serve on the rocks.
Fun Fact: The real Baileys Irish Cream was introduced in 1974 and was the first Irish cream on the market.
5. Emerald Isle Mocktail
This alcohol-free take on the classic emerald champagne cocktail swaps in non-alcoholic alternatives for crème de menthe and sparkling wine.
What You’ll Need
- 5 oz chilled sparkling apple cider (ginger ale for a spicier kick)
- 1 oz crème de menthe flavored syrup
How to Prep
1. Mix all ingredients in a champagne flute.
2. Stir and toast to the good times!
Fun Fact: The “Emerald Isle” is a poetic name for Ireland due to its lush green landscapes.
A Dry Toast to the Irish Spirit
That ends our list of non-alcoholic Irish drinks you can try or even recreate at home.
You may be asking, “Why go sober?” Well, as times are changing and we are living in an age of personalization, where we’re all about making choices that resonate with our true selves, why should our drinking habits be any different?
Ruby Warrington, the genius behind “Sober Curious,” posed a simple yet profound question: “Would my life be better without alcohol?”
It’s not about being anti-alcohol; it’s about embracing choices. It’s about living freely, shaping our lives to what truly resonates with us.
At AF Bevys, we aim to guide and inspire you to explore this journey in a fun, unrestricted way. It’s all about being present in the moment. If you’re curious and wish to dive deeper into the world of non-alcoholic beverages, check out our blog for more ideas.
Here’s to making choices that feel right, to being in the moment, and to the Irish spirit in all of us. Sláinte!
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