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A night out on the town takes on a different meaning when you’re more focused on connections than cocktails. Perhaps you’ve decided to stop drinking for health reasons, are sober-curious or have graciously volunteered to be the designated driver. Whatever the reason, one thing you don’t have to give up is spending quality time with friends and enjoying a delicious but booze-free beverage. Consider these festive mocktails to order at a bar. 

The Rise of the Mindful Drinker

Mindful drinking is having a moment. More people than ever in the United States are reducing their alcohol intake for health reasons. Only 54% of Americans say they drink, dropping from 62% in 2023. Additionally, 53% say drinking in moderation, which is one to two drinks a day, is bad for their health. That’s a massive jump from the 25% figure reported in 2011. If you’re sober-curious, you’re not alone.

Banning the booze is all about empowerment and making a conscious choice for your well-being. It’s good for both your short- and long-term health. It’s refreshing to not wake up with a hangover and actually get a good night’s sleep. Also, drinking too much can increase your blood pressure and weaken your immune system. It can dehydrate your skin, leading to wrinkles, and expand your blood vessels, causing puffiness. It’s not a good look.

5 Classic Mocktails to Order at a Bar

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You can’t go wrong with the classics. These five mocktails to order at a bar are festive, refreshing and yes, even good for you. 

1. Virgin Mojito

A virgin mojito, or “nojito,” is a classic choice that’s ideal for summer nights. It’s made by muddling fresh lime juice, mint leaves and simple syrup, topped with soda water or ginger ale and crushed ice. You’ll never miss the rum that’s usually present in this Cuban mocktail. 

The result is a refreshing, minty and citrusy drink with a balance of sweet and sour. You can even enhance it with fruits like strawberries, blueberries or coconut. If you’re feeling bold, try it with nonalcoholic white rum alternatives. Your drink will be served in a highball or Collins glass with lots of ice and comes garnished with a sprig of mint and lime wedges.

2. Roy Rogers

Almost everyone knows what a Shirley Temple is, but this popular go-to drink’s sibling has largely been forgotten. The Roy Rogers is named after the teetotaling actor and musician who starred in dozens of westerns from the 1930s to the 1950s. It’s ideal if you love to treat yourself to a soda now and then.

This simple, sweet drink is made with cola and grenadine over ice and topped with a maraschino cherry. Consider a diet or sugar-free soda to boost the health benefits. It comes served in a highball or Collins glass.

3. Cranberry and Tonic

When considering mocktails to order at a bar, try going for the classics. A cranberry and tonic is a simple, tart and refreshing option that looks like the real thing but is so much better for you. It is a favorite during winter holidays due to its festive, colorful appearance, but it’s just as great at any time of year.

The ingredients for this drink include cranberry juice, tonic water, a squeeze of lime and aromatic herbs like rosemary. A garnish of fresh cranberries adds an extra touch. The tonic water provides the fizziness that makes it ideal for celebratory gatherings.  

4. Spicy Virgin Mary

Are you ready to spice things up? Spicy Virgin Marys are great mocktails to order at a bar when you’re out to brunch and don’t want alcohol in the morning. This savory drink is made with tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco and celery salt. It can even be enhanced with pickle or olive juice if you’re feeling bold.

This drink is typically garnished with a celery stick or even a spicy salt rim. You can adjust the flavors as you like, such as by requesting cayenne pepper, horseradish or jalapeno brine. If you’re watching your salt intake, request low-sodium tomato juice. 

5. Arnold Palmer

This simple, classic summer sipper is ideal when you can’t decide between iced tea or lemonade, as it combines them both in equal amounts. It was named after golf legend Arnold Palmer and allegedly came to being after a fan heard him order one. Serving it over ice with a garnish of lemon makes it a go-to beverage perfect for a hot day.

Feel free to ask the bartender to get creative by adding a splash of sparkling water or orange juice. You can also request green or herbal tea instead of the standard black.

How to Confidently Order a Custom Mocktail

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It’s always a good idea to have something in mind when ordering a mocktail at a bar, but many bartenders also appreciate the chance to get creative and mix up something special. Communicate your favorite flavor profiles, whether it’s a concoction that’s fruity but not too sweet or tart and refreshing. This enables them to create a beverage customized to your taste and fully embrace their mixology skills.

Here are some ideas:

• Start with the base: This includes sodas, like club, tonic, ginger ale or cola. Consider your favorite juices, such as cranberry, orange, pineapple, grapefruit or tomato. Iced tea and coffee also make good bases.
• Add some sweetness: If you like sweet drinks, have the bartender add simple syrup, grenadine or fruit syrups. You can also try muddled fruit.
• Bring in complexity: Try something that boosts the drink’s flavor profile, like bitters, which generally have negligible alcohol content. Muddled herbs like mint, basil or rosemary work well, as does citrus, including lemon, lime and orange wedges or twists.

Who knows — maybe one day a famous drink will even be named after you.

Classic and Creative Mocktails to Order at a Bar

Mocktails are a good option for the sober-curious, designated drivers or anyone looking to improve their health. You’ll avoid hangovers, dehydration and a poor night’s sleep while spending quality time and being fully present with friends. Whatever alcohol-free drink you select, you’ll feel confident that you’re making a choice that fully aligns with your health goals and enables you to have fun with no regrets.