December 23, 2024
Food & Drink, Guides,
After a hard day of work, it’s nice to hit the scene for a drink with friends, but that doesn’t mean you have to dip into your energetic stores for the next day.
If you’re looking to enjoy a sip without consequences, mocktails are a great way to feel flirty without alcohol. Whether you’re going completely dry or just want to mix things up between boozy drinks, these Austin bars have the perfect NA offerings to help you celebrate and elevate your evening.
See also: The 8 Most Sought-Out Reservations In Austin
Sans Bar
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918 Congress Ave., 512-589-1634 / Website
Did you know Austin is home to the first nonalcoholic bar in the country? Yes, and it’s Sans Bar! Established in 2017, this awesome hangout space is the originator and is only open on Fridays, so be sure you schedule your visit accordingly. The bartenders work with leading mixologists from across the country, and the menu rotates with a variety of top-shelf options and seasonal flavors. Coming to Sans Bar is truly an experience, and if you’re interested in low-ABV beverages, you simply can not miss it!
The Betty
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510 Rio Grande St. / Website
For a classically opulent evening, stop by The Betty any Tuesday to Sunday evening. Velvet walls, vinyl tunes and vintage glamour make this a favorite for stylish drinkers. Indeed, you must be dressed for the ocassion, and no shorts or casual attire will be admitted. The cocktail menu is equally sophisticated, and the zero-proof menu is delightful. Try the Beetlejuice with beet juice, honey, lemon, ginger beer, tonic water and orange expression, or the lavender and lemon with lemon and Betty’s signature lavender extract.
Oko
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1100 E 6th St., 512-456-3600 / Website
The word Oko means “different” in Hawai’ian, and this Filipino joint blends Southeast Asian flavors with local Austin flair. Open Wednesdays through Sundays, the menu bursts with goodness, from delicious skewers to shared plates of oxtail and bistec. Of course, the varied drink menu is worth trying on its own, and the nonalcoholic offerings include very unique takes. Try the Kumusta with Seedlip Spice 94, chocolate horchata chai, toasted rice and sweetened condensed milk foam. If you’re looking for something brighter, try the Island Allegory with Seedlip Grove 42, roasted poblano, coconut and pineapple.
Roosevelt Room
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307 W 5th St., 512-494-4094 / Website
When it comes to craft cocktails in Austin, the Roosevelt Room is one of the best to do it. The menu offers inventive originals and classics through the eras, so you can have a historical sip or step into the future. If you're not imbibing this month, you don’t have to miss out on the fun, and the Roosevelt offers three lovely mocktails for your low-ABV consumption. Try the Glitter & Marigold with orange juice, orange flower water, pistachio extract, vanilla bean, cream and cinnamon powder. The Castaway offers mint, cucumber, lime juice, cream of coconut, ginger beer and sweetgrass tincture. Lastly, the Na’Groni brings Monday Zero Alcohol Gin, Giffard bitter Aperitif syrup, Verjus Rouge, gentian tea, caramel, glycerin, salt tincture and orange oils.
Honey Moon Spirit Lounge
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624 W 34th St., 737-209-0319 / Website
Sip something delicious under the stars on Honey Moon Spirit Lounge's beautiful outdoor seating area. With a vintage aura, this spot is a favorite for those seeking tasty bites from biscuits to beignets, burgers, steak and more, but of course, the drinks are the star. The cocktail menu is ample, as are the beer and cider options, and there are a couple of zero-proof cocktails and bubblies to imbibe. Order the No Shade with hibiscus, jalapeno, lime, grapefruit and ginger beer for a spicy kick, or try the La Mijita with tamarind, lime, agave, soda and spice salt.
Vinaigrette
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2201 College Ave., 512-852-8791 / Website
If you thought a healthy soup, salad and sandwich shop wouldn't have a top-tier beverage menu, you simply haven’t been to Vinaigrette. This cozy little corner is making delicious farm-to-table plates and pairing them with a wonderful array of wine, beer and spirits, and the NA menu is just as bold. There are more than a handful of virgin cocktails to try, including the Seasonal Shrub with sweet-tart fruit-pickle-in-a-glass, Ginger Turmeric Tonic with turmeric, ginger syrup and carrot juice over lemon and seltzer; and the Kale Apple Spritz with kale and apple juice over lemon, ginger and seltzer.
Photography by: Jonathan Borba / Unsplash
