The Ultimate Guide to Non-Alcoholic Drinks: What to Order at a Bar, Make at Home & Enjoy at Parties
- Michelle Houston
- Mar 17
- 5 min read
Non-alcoholic Drinks on the Rise
The way we drink is evolving. More people are embracing non-alcoholic (NA) options for health, wellness, and a better overall experience—without the side effects of alcohol. Whether you're sober curious, cutting back, or just want a delicious alternative, the world of NA drinks has come a long way from sodas and juices.
From sophisticated spirit alternatives to functional, adaptogen-infused beverages, there’s never been a better time to explore the growing NA category. In this guide, we’ll cover:
How to confidently order NA drinks at a bar
Simple, high-quality recipes to craft at home
The best drinks for entertaining and social gatherings
Where to find the most exciting NA brands on the market today
Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks to Order at a Bar
Walking into a bar and confidently ordering a non-alcoholic drink is easier than ever. But if you’re unsure where to start, here’s how to navigate the menu and even customize your own zero-proof experience.
How to Order with Confidence
Many bars now offer curated zero-proof cocktail lists, but if they don’t, don’t hesitate to ask the bartender for a custom creation. Use these tips:
Ask about their NA options—many places now stock non-alcoholic spirits, functional beverages, and zero-proof beers.
Request a zero-proof version of a classic cocktail. Many drinks like mojitos, margaritas, and spritzes can be easily adapted without alcohol.
If options are limited, order a refreshing mix like club soda with lime, bitters, or a splash of juice with an herbal garnish.
Common Non-Alcoholic Bar Menu Options
Zero-Proof Cocktails
Thoughtfully crafted, alcohol-free cocktails made with complex flavors and premium ingredients. Many bars now offer creative zero-proof cocktail menus, making it easy to enjoy a sophisticated drink without the alcohol.
Easy-to-Make Non-Alcoholic Options
Classic cocktails can easily be made alcohol-free while maintaining their signature flavors. Some of the most popular choices include mojito, piña colada, margarita, bloody mary, ginger mule, or paloma.
Non-Alcoholic Beer & Wine
Many well-known brands now offer high-quality, craft-style non-alcoholic beers and wines, giving bar-goers flavorful alternatives to traditional alcoholic drinks.
Non-Alcoholic Beers: Heineken 0.0, Athletic Brewing Co., Lagunitas IPNA, or Guinness 0.0.
Non-Alcoholic Wines: Surely, Fre, Giesen 0%, Noughty, or St. Regis.
Functional Drinks
Functional beverages provide adaptogenic and botanical benefits, offering relaxation, energy, or focus without alcohol. These drinks are becoming increasingly common on bar menus, providing a wellness-driven alternative.
Common Options: Kin Euphorics, Three Spirit, Ghia, Curious Elixirs, Hiyo, Recess, or De Soi.
Whether you're looking for a delicious zero-proof cocktail, a craft non-alcoholic beer or wine, or a functional beverage to enhance your mood, bars are now offering more sophisticated alcohol-free options than ever before.
Customizing Your Own NA Drink
When choices are slim, get creative:
Order soda water with fresh lime and a splash of cranberry.
Ask for a ginger beer with a dash of bitters for a spicy, sophisticated sip.
Request a mix of herbal teas, juices, or tonic water with a sprig of fresh mint.
Easy Non-Alcoholic Drinks to Make at Home
Want to elevate your home bar? Creating your own NA drinks is simple with the right ingredients and a little creativity.
Essential Ingredients for DIY NA Drinks
Premium non-alcoholic spirit alternatives – To Be Honest Beverage Co. creates hemp-infused, sophisticated alternatives designed for mindful, luxurious drinking. Find more info about our gin alternative here.
Fresh citrus & herbs – Lemon, lime, mint, and basil bring brightness and depth.
Natural sweeteners – Agave, honey, and simple syrups add balance.
Bitters & botanical extracts – To enhance complexity and depth.
Three Easy-to-Make Recipes
Zero-Proof Espresso Martini
2 oz TBH Focus or vodka alternative
1 oz cold brew concentrate
½ oz vanilla syrup
Shake with ice, strain into a coupe, and garnish with coffee beans.
Agave Key Lime Spritz
2 oz TBH Focus or tequila alternative
1 oz TBH Agave Key Lime Syrup
2 oz soda water
Fresh lime wedge garnish
Serve over ice in a highball glass.
Botanical Mule
2 oz TBH Focus or gin alternative
3 oz ginger beer
½ oz fresh lime juice
Serve over crushed ice in a copper mug.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Parties & Social Gatherings
Hosting? Elevate your gatherings with sophisticated, alcohol-free options that impress your guests.
Crowd-Pleasing Mocktails for Entertaining
Batch a large-format spritz with sparkling water, citrus, and fresh herbs.
Serve a zero-proof punch with seasonal fruit, botanicals, and a non-alcoholic spirit alternative.
Curate a DIY NA cocktail station with mixers, syrups, and garnishes for guests to experiment.
Pre-Batched NA Cocktails for Easy Serving
Mix ahead of time for easy pouring:
Hibiscus Ginger Cooler – Brew hibiscus tea, add ginger syrup and citrus, and serve over ice.
Citrus Rosemary Fizz – Combine fresh orange juice, soda water, and a rosemary-infused syrup.
Pairing NA Drinks with Food
Herbal & citrus-forward drinks pair beautifully with fresh seafood and salads.
Spiced & bitter drinks complement grilled dishes and rich, umami flavors.
Floral & lightly sweet options enhance desserts and pastries.
Where to Find the Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Looking for the best NA drinks? Here’s where to start.
Online Retailers & Specialty Shops
Many independent online retailers specialize in non-alcoholic spirits, wines, and beers, delivering them straight to your door. Check out these top options:
Boisson: A curated selection of premium non-alcoholic beverages, including spirits, wines, and beers. They offer a wide range of options for those exploring alcohol-free living.
The Zero Proof: A comprehensive online store featuring a variety of non-alcoholic beverages, from craft spirits to ready-to-drink cocktails and alcohol-free wines.
Recommended NA Bottle Shops & Bars: These retailers and bars are known for their extensive collection of non-alcoholic options and their commitment to offering quality alcohol-free alternatives.
Local Bars & Restaurants with Great NA Options
More bars are now offering zero-proof menus, catering to those who prefer alcohol-free options. To find great spots in your area, try searching Google Maps with terms like “non-alcoholic drinks,” “NA cocktails,” “zero proof,” or “mocktails.” Look out for:
High-end cocktail bars that prioritize craft ingredients and offer sophisticated non-alcoholic alternatives.
Wellness-focused cafes and lounges that serve botanical-based drinks, perfect for those seeking functional, alcohol-free options.
Restaurants that offer elevated non-alcoholic selections designed to pair beautifully with their food menu.
Discover the Best Non-Alcoholic Brands
If you're seeking high-quality non-alcoholic beverages, To Be Honest Beverage Co. is an excellent choice. Our premium, hemp-infused spirit alternatives are crafted for the modern drinker, offering complex, vibrant flavors that stand out in any cocktail or on their own. Explore our offerings at To Be Honest Beverage Co..
Other standout non-alcoholic options include:
Whether you're crafting a sophisticated zero-proof cocktail or enjoying a refreshing, functional drink, these brands offer an exceptional experience.
Embracing non-alcoholic drinks doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, sophistication, or social experiences. Whether you’re ordering at a bar, crafting at home, or entertaining guests, there’s a world of premium, thoughtfully made NA options to explore.
Dare to redefine your drinking experience—one sip at a time.
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