The holiday season is officially in full swing, which means the calendar fills up fast with dinners, parties, after-work drinks, and all kinds of gatherings outside the house. It’s a fun time, but if you’re someone who prefers non-alc options, it can also feel a little tricky to navigate. Not every bar, restaurant, or friend’s kitchen is stocked with the zero-proof choices you might want.
So we put together a few of our favorite ways to make going out feel easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more delicious. All of these are tried and true from our team and super simple for whoever is behind the bar!
Anything sparkling with fresh lime
Listen… a fridge cig (aka Diet Coke) never misses. Even soda water or ginger ale with a generous squeeze of lime over ice tastes crisp and bright. If you’re going for Coke or Pepsi, a splash of grenadine instantly makes it more fun and festive. Order it in a highball glass with a fresh lime garnish. The presentation makes all the difference.
The no-jito
Ask for fresh lime, mint, simple syrup, and soda water. If they have strawberries on hand, you can ask them to muddle a couple for an extra touch of flavor. Almost every bar can make this, and many will even add their own twist if you ask for it.
Check the zero-proof beer selection
It’s always worth seeing what they have. A lot of bars stock great non-alcoholic beers these days, and you might be surprised by how many options pop up. We’ve found plenty of spots carrying zero-proof Peroni, Guinness, Athletic, and more. Some of our neighborhood pubs even bring in local brands, and it’s become a really reliable go-to for us.
If you want a twist and their selection allows, try asking for a michelada made with a non-alc lager. All they need is lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a little tomato or Clamato juice. And if you want to go wild, get a salted or Tajín-rimmed glass. Most places already have everything they need for this blend.
A mule without the booze
Ginger beer, lime and mint - easy peasy! Served in a mule mug, it’s spicy, refreshing, and looks as good as it tastes.
Build-your-own blend
Tori from @mocktailgirlie shared a great tip last year. She looks through the menu for mixers, juices, syrups, and garnishes the bar is already using, picks the ingredients she knows she loves, and asks the bartender to make something using that list. It takes away the guesswork for everyone and you end up with something tailored to your taste. Thank you, Tori!
And a reminder for the night
When you ask for something non-alcoholic, don’t shrink yourself or feel like you’re taking up space. We’ve heard from many of you that it can feel awkward or even a little guilt-inducing, but you’re not an inconvenience. The ingredients are already there, and it doesn’t take any longer to make than a regular cocktail. You deserve to enjoy your night with a drink in hand that feels celebratory!
The zero-proof landscape has changed a lot over the years. Nowadays, most bars, depending on where you are, have a dedicated mocktail menu or at least a few solid options. We’ve found spots with truly inspiring zero-proof options, and we often share them with friends and family so our gatherings can happen there. Communicating with your circle, sharing your boundaries, and coming prepared with options that fit both your lifestyle and theirs can make holiday planning feel much easier.
At the end of the day, going out doesn’t have to mean compromising on flavor or your needs. Cheers to expressing what you need, celebrating creatively, and enjoying every moment of the season. 