Going for drinks is one of the great extracurricular activities of adulthood. Socializing with friends while sipping a carefully crafted drink, poured in a fancy glass with a garnish or maybe a special ice cube just feels sophisticated. Lately, more restaurants and cocktail bars have started offering non-alcoholic options that are more than just juice. So, if you don’t drink alcohol or are cutting back on drinking for Dry January, you can still get in on the fun with a great mocktail.
A good cocktail bar will be able to create a delicious drink without alcohol on request. If you notice a variety of ingredients used in its boozy cocktails, especially fresh or made in-house ingredients, chances are good that your zero-proof cocktail request will be well received and the bartender will come up with something tasty. Plus, many places have begun stocking non-alcoholic spirit substitutes, so you can still enjoy the complex notes of a classic cocktail without the actual alcohol.
Here are nine spots that offer great non-alcoholic drink options for your next outing.
Calcutta Cricket Club
At this Indian restaurant, the menu of mocktails incorporates the flavours behind many of the dishes — mango, turmeric, cardamom, chili, tamarind and more. Try drinks like the mango chili tonic; The Little Rani, a passion fruit, lime and coconut beverage; or the Haaldi Tonic, made with honey, lemon, ginger and turmeric. And, of course, there’s a mango lassi, a Calcutta Cricket Club classic.
1213 1 St. S.W., 403-719-1555, calcuttacricketclub.com
The Coup
Generally known for its plant-based menu, The Coup also has a well-crafted cocktail program, and that extends to the non-alcoholic options. These include house-made horchata (which can also be made into a latte version); a muddled berry, mint and lemon Spa Water; hot apple cider mulled with winter spices; and a mixed berry agua fresca made tangy with apple cider vinegar. The Coup also has a non-alcoholic sparkling wine and beer on the menu.
924 17 Ave. S.W., 403-541-1041, thecoup.ca
Fleetwood Lounge
As a classic cocktail lounge, Fleetwood is bound to have some excellent mocktails. The six choices run the gamut from a floral Rose Water Spritz, to a non-alcoholic Aperol Spritz-equivalent, to an old fashioned made with an alcohol-free whisky substitute.
524 10 Ave. S.W., 403-261-1969, fleetwoodlounge.com
Flores & Pine
Just outside of Calgary proper is Flores & Pine, an upscale restaurant celebrating local ingredients. On the menu of zero-proof cocktails you’ll find a pineapple or raspberry mint spritz, a berry caipirinha, and a take on a Moscow Mule with pear puree and ginger beer, all made with fresh fruits and herbs. There are also two non-alcoholic Tool Shed Brewing beers.
254028 Bearspaw Rd., 403-241-7611, floresandpine.com
Hawthorn
Being a hotel restaurant means having something for everyone, and Hawthorn inside Fairmont Palliser does it well. Hawthorn’s menu offers six mocktails, from the Apple Smoke Grey with apple juice, Earl Grey syrup, cucumber and ginger beer, to the floral Care Bear drink made with cranberry, hibiscus, lemongrass and elderflower tonic. Hawthorn also offers a virgin Caesar, made with its signature mix.
133 9 Ave. S.W., 403-260-1219, hawthorndiningroom.ca
Kama
At this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, you’ll find a few mocktails with regional flair. Try the Melati Spritz (Melati is a non-alcoholic botanical spirit) with flavours of hibiscus, berries and lemon sherbet; the Late Check Out, a peppery drink made with black tea, various peppers, ginger and turmeric; or the Kama Cooler, with mint, lemon, dried curacao, orange blossom and blue spirulina. Kama also has a selection of Annex sodas, Collective Arts sparkling waters and non-alcoholic wine beverages available.
211 11 Ave. S.W., 403-266-7062, kamacalgary.com
Luca
If you’re trying to reduce your alcohol intake and classic cocktails — made with bitters, spirits and little else — are normally your jam, Luca is the spot for you. Try the 0% Proof Sour or 0% Proof Old Fashioned, made to emulate the originals with a whisky substitute. Luca also has a seasonal selection of syrups to make Italian-style sodas, with current flavour options like ginger, pineapple, nutmeg, cinnamon, orange, star anise, clove or lemon basil.
524 10 Ave. S.W., 403-261-1777, lucayyc,com
Lulu Bar
Lulu Bar is known for its expansive Tiki- and Pacific-inspired cocktail list, so it’s not surprising the restaurant also offers a big selection of non-alcoholic beverages. Drinks like the Hawaiian Honeycreeper, Pink Pony Club and Woman on my Mind use non-alcoholic spirit alternatives, so you still get the complex notes that are often missing in a mocktail. There are also a few styles of non-alcoholic beers, wine and even a sparkling Italian aperitivo.
510 17 Ave. S.W., 403-930-5707, lulubar.ca
Milpa
Along with its expansive cocktail menu, this contemporary Mexican restaurant offers a small yet mighty selection of non-alcoholic drinks. The horchata is a must-try, as well as the Jamaica Honey made with hibiscus tea, honey and lemon. If you want to diverge from the classics, the basil lemonade or apple cucumber spritz are also great options. And if beer is your thing, there’s also a non-alcoholic kolsch to quench your cravings.
1531 5 St. S.W., 403-452-6155, milpa.ca