So, you’ve decided to cut back on or stop drinking alcohol, and you’re gearing up for your first sober night out with friends. While it might feel intimidating to be the only person not drinking, there are plenty of mocktails and other n/a drink options out there. If you’re unsure how to order a mocktail at a bar, you’ve come to the right place!
And no, you don’t have to drink a Roy Rogers or a Shirley Temple.
Even if you’re feeling a little nervous about your new, healthy lifestyle choice, or maybe you just want to avoid any unwanted attention, these tips will help you know what drinks to order, how to order them, and how to draw the least amount of attention to yourself. (Oh, and PS: If your friends are making fun of your non-alcohol choices, you need new friends.)
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How to Order a Mocktail at a Bar
With growing interest in healthier, alcohol-free living, many bars and restaurants are expanding their menus to include delicious craft mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. Though, if you find yourself at a more divey place, this may not always be the case. That’s why it’s important to have a few ideas in your back pocket (think tonic water, seltzer, ginger beer, and iced tea).
Having a backup will help you avoid unwanted attention when ordering and ensure that your sober night out is fun and safe.
Know Your Options
Every bar you go to will have the means to craft a delicious mocktail; it’s all about knowing what to ask for.
For starters, ask the bartender about their non-alcoholic beer options. While n/a beers haven’t always been the best (did someone say O’Doul’s?), more brands are popping up and gaining popularity.
With the growing number of people looking for alcohol-free options, companies like Athletic Brewing are thriving on delicious n/a IPA’s, wheat ales, and more.
(For a more complete list of alcohol alternatives to look out for, read our Ultimate Guide.)
If beer isn’t your thing, try asking the bartender for a drink menu. You may be surprised to find fun drinks like kombucha craft mocktail offerings made in house.
Even if there aren’t many options on the menu, mocktails can be made with lots of ingredients found in traditional cocktails. Take note of what syrups, juices, and other mixers are available.
You can almost always count on there being fruit juices like orange juice, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and even grapefruit juice. Start with a fruity flavor and design your own non-alcoholic cocktail from there! Ask the bartender to add something bitter, like ginger beer, to balance out the sweetness for a more sophisticated flavor profile. Go ahead and request that salt rim or a maraschino cherry.
If you’re lucky, they might have some non-alcoholic spirits in-house like Seedlip, Ritual, or Lyre’s, which can be used to create an NA cocktail that tastes like the real thing.
Pro tip: Ask the bartender to get creative. That’s what they’re there for! Just have a general idea of the flavor profiles you prefer.
Know What You Like
Bartenders are super knowledgeable when it comes to crafting great, well-balanced drinks. You can always ask for their recommendations, just know what types of drinks you like best.
Whether it’s a citrus-forward spritzer, something sweet and tropical, or a hot toddy mocktail, the bartender wants to know what you’re into. Don’t hold back; ask for those mint leaves, fresh fruit, agave syrups, etc. They love a challenge.
See something on their cocktail list that stands out? Ask if they can make a non-alcoholic version!
See something on their cocktail list that stands out? Ask if they can make a non-alcoholic version! You won’t be the first person to ask them for a virgin margarita, virgin bloody mary, virgin piña colada, non-alcoholic old fashioned, etc.
Don’t be afraid to venture out and try brand new types of non-alcoholic beverages. While more mocktails and n/a options are coming available, we know it still may be hard to find the right drink. That’s why it’s important to be open to try new things. You never know what will become your next go-to!
Know How to Tell People You’re Not Drinking
If anyone else asks you about why you’re not drinking, first know that you don’t owe anyone a reason. Your reasons (or lack thereof!) are totally valid, with or without external validation.
You don’t need anyone else’s approval of your decisions to know you’re making the right ones for you—and that includes your decision not to drink. So, if you’re with people who are peer pressuring you (yes, that still happens in adulthood) or who are making you feel bad for not drinking, ditch the alcohol and the people.
That said, there are still some easy and silly things you can say to respond to the nonetheless inevitable questions about your alcohol-free night out.
Here are some of the lines I’ve used or have heard alcohol-free friends say:
- I have an early morning tomorrow.
- I’m not feeling so well today, so I’m taking a break.
- I decided to do Dry [Month].
- I did “Dry January,” and it’s still going strong X months later.
- I’m simply too much fun when I drink, and I promised myself a chill night.
- I don’t feel like dancing on tabletops tonight.
- I’m not feeling the vibe of this place and don’t feel like wasting a hangover on it.
- I don’t drink alcohol that’s not energetically blessed by the reiki gods first.
- I’m on a health kick right now.
- I’m too young to drink. Can’t you tell by my perfect skin?
- Alcohol isn’t my vice of choice tonight.
- I don’t want to drink.
The last one is reason enough!
Staple Mocktails Every Bar is Sure to Serve
If you’re trying to keep your alcohol-free life on the down low, try asking for glassware that won’t stand out: Popular glassware: Rocks, Collins, Highball, and Mule Mugs.
Here are some mocktail staples for you to try!
1. Spritzer
A spritzer is a classic summertime bevy that screams fresh. Some bars may offer N/A sparkling wines like Freixenet Sparkling Rosé. Add ice and soda water and you’ve got an easy-drinking mocktail favorite.
2. N/A Moscow Mule
With quality ginger beer, fresh lime, and a touch of mint, you won’t even realize the vodka is missing from this mocktail classic.
3. N/A Bloody Mary
All the spice without the booze, alcohol-free Bloodies are a must for any Sunday Funday. Try adding fresh lemon and lime, Worcestershire sauce, and pickle juice for an unreal flavor combination.
4. Shirley Temple
This simple classic is just grenadine added to your choice of sprite or ginger ale.
5. Club Soda with Bitters
It may be hard to find non-alcoholic bitters at a bar, but this drink is a must-try. Simple and crisp, add a bit of fresh lime juice to really round out this mocktail. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Have an Amazing Night Out
Now that you know all of your best non-alcoholic drink options and how to order a mocktail at a bar like you’ve done it a million times, get out there and try some out. We’re all trying to live our best lives, and this healthy lifestyle switch is well worth your time.
As you sip on your mocktail, we bet you’ll realize it’s more about the company you’re with than what’s in your glass (or what isn’t).
Find your next favorite mocktail, and let us know which one it is!
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