The Ultimate Guide to Non-Alcoholic Drinks: What to Order at a Bar, Make at Home & Enjoy at Parties
- Michelle Houston
- Mar 17
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 8
Non Alcoholic Drinks on the Rise
The way we drink is changing, and it’s about more than just avoiding hangovers. More people are choosing non-alcoholic (NA) options for health, wellness, and intentional living.
Whether you’re sober curious, cutting back, or simply want something flavorful without alcohol, the NA category has evolved far beyond club soda and orange juice.
From sophisticated spirit alternatives to adaptogen-infused functional beverages, there’s never been a better time to explore what’s out there.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to:
Order non-alcoholic drinks with confidence at a bar
Mix impressive NA cocktails at home
Serve show-stopping drinks at gatherings
Discover standout NA brands worth knowing
Best Non Alcoholic Drinks to Order at a Bar
How to Order with Confidence
These days, many bars have dedicated zero-proof cocktail menus. But if they don’t, here’s how to make sure your order feels intentional, and delicious:
Ask about NA options — many bars now carry NA spirits, craft sodas, and functional drinks.
Request a zero-proof version of a classic cocktail — mojitos, margaritas, palomas, spritzes, and even espresso martinis adapt beautifully.
Go bespoke — combine soda water with fresh lime and bitters, or ask for herbal garnishes and a splash of juice for complexity.
Pro Tip: If the bar stocks hemp-infused or botanical NA spirits like Focus by To Be Honest Beverage Co., request them as the base — they add depth and sophistication to any mocktail.
Common Non-Alcoholic Bar Menu Options
Zero-Proof Cocktails
These are not your average “mocktails.” Today’s zero-proof cocktails are crafted with the same care and complexity as traditional mixed drinks — layered flavors, premium ingredients, and thoughtful presentation. Many bars now feature dedicated NA menus with botanical bases, fresh herbs, house-made syrups, and creative garnishes.
Alcohol-Free Twists on Classics
Some of the best non-alcoholic bar orders are simply clever swaps of old favorites. Whether it’s a margarita made with NA tequila, a gin-free gin and tonic, or a mojito without the rum, you still get all the flavor and ritual, without the buzz.
Popular picks: mojito, piña colada, margarita, bloody mary, ginger mule, and paloma.
Non-Alcoholic Beer & Wine
The NA beer and wine category has undergone a complete glow-up, with brands focusing on flavor, aroma, and body that rival their alcoholic counterparts.
Beers: Heineken 0.0, Athletic Brewing Co., Lagunitas IPNA, or Guinness 0.0.
These are perfect for social occasions where you want something familiar in hand.
Functional Drinks
For those who want more than just flavor, functional beverages combine great taste with wellness benefits. Adaptogens, nootropics, CBD, and botanical extracts are used to promote calm, focus, or sustained energy.
Notable names: Kin Euphorics, Three Spirit, Ghia, Curious Elixirs, Hiyo, Recess, De Soi. — and of course, Focus by To Be Honest Beverage Co., which blends hemp-derived CBD with a vibrant botanical profile for a calm, clear-headed experience.
When the Menu is Limited — Customize Your Own
If your bar doesn’t yet have a robust NA menu, creativity is your best friend:
Soda water + fresh lime + splash of cranberry for something light and crisp.
Ginger beer + a dash of bitters for a spicy, aromatic kick.
Herbal tea + tonic water + fresh mint for a refreshing, botanical blend.
With a little imagination, you can turn basic mixers into something memorable; and with the right NA spirit, even extraordinary.
Easy Non Alcoholic Drinks to Make at Home
Your home bar can be just as exciting, and even more functional, than any cocktail lounge. The right NA ingredients let you craft drinks that feel special, taste amazing, and leave you feeling good long after the glass is empty.
Essential Ingredients for DIY NA Drinks
To get started, stock a few versatile essentials:
Premium non-alcoholic spirit alternatives – Focus by To Be Honest Beverage Co. offers a hemp-infused, botanical profile that works beautifully in a variety of cocktails.
Fresh citrus & herbs – Lemon, lime, mint, and basil instantly brighten and balance flavors.
Natural sweeteners – Agave, honey, and simple syrups add smoothness without overpowering.
Bitters & botanical extracts – For depth, complexity, and that “crafted by a mixologist” vibe.
Three Easy-to-Make Recipes
1. 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, garnish with coffee beans.
2. Agave Key Lime Spritz
2 oz TBH Focus or tequila alternative
1 oz TBH Agave Key Lime Syrup
2 oz soda water
Serve over ice with a lime wedge.
3. 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.
For more inspiration, check out our 10 Easy Mocktail Recipes — all sugar-free, soda-free, and full of flavor.
Non Alcoholic Drinks for Parties and Social Gatherings
Hosting friends and family? A well-crafted non-alcoholic drink can be the conversation starter of the night. With the right recipes, your guests will forget they’re even missing the alcohol, and you’ll set the tone for a sophisticated, inclusive gathering.
Crowd-Pleasing Mocktails for Entertaining
1. Garden Party Spritz (Serves 6)
12 oz TBH Focus (hemp-infused botanical spirit alternative)
24 oz sparkling water
6 oz fresh grapefruit juice
Fresh rosemary sprigs + grapefruit slices for garnish
Mix all ingredients in a large pitcher with ice. Serve in stemmed glasses for a refined touch.
2. Golden Citrus Punch (Serves 8)
16 oz orange juice
8 oz pineapple juice
8 oz TBH Focus or your preferred NA gin alternative
12 oz ginger beer
Orange wheels + mint leaves for garnish
Combine juices and Focus in a punch bowl with ice. Top with ginger beer right before serving.
3. DIY Mocktail Bar
Set up a station with:
A base spirit alternative like TBH Focus
Mixers (sparkling water, tonic, juices)
Garnishes (fresh herbs, citrus wheels, edible flowers)
Guests mix their own, making the drinks part of the fun.
4. Peach & Basil Sparkler (Serves 6)
12 oz TBH Focus (hemp-infused botanical spirit alternative)
8 oz peach purée (fresh or frozen peaches blended until smooth)
16 oz sparkling water or club soda
2 oz fresh lemon juice
Fresh basil leaves + peach slices for garnish
In a large pitcher, combine TBH Focus, peach purée, and lemon juice. Fill glasses with ice, pour the peach mixture halfway, then top with sparkling water. Garnish with basil leaves and a peach slice.
Pre-Batched NA Cocktails for Easy Serving
Hibiscus Ginger Cooler (Serves 4)
4 cups brewed hibiscus tea, chilled
4 oz ginger syrup
Juice of 1 lemon
Optional: 4 oz TBH Focus for added depth
Mix in a pitcher, pour over ice, garnish with lemon wheels.
Citrus Rosemary Fizz (Serves 4)
8 oz fresh orange juice
4 oz rosemary-infused simple syrup
16 oz sparkling water
Orange slices + rosemary sprigs for garnish
Combine juice and syrup in a pitcher. Add sparkling water just before serving.
Presentation sells the drink. Use crystal glassware, fun garnishes, and good ice, because people drink with their eyes first.
Pairing NA Drinks with Food
Great drinks make great meals even better:
Herbal & citrus-forward drinks → seafood and crisp salads
Spiced & bitter drinks → grilled dishes and umami-rich flavors
Floral & lightly sweet drinks → 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
Search “non-alcoholic cocktails,” “zero proof,” or “mocktails” in Google Maps to find hidden gems. Look for:
High-end cocktail bars with craft NA menus
Wellness cafes serving botanical-based functional drinks
Restaurants offering elevated NA pairings
Discover the Best NA Brands
If you want flavor, sophistication, and function in one glass, Focus by To Be Honest Beverage Co. delivers. Its hemp-infused, botanical blend is crafted for mindful drinkers who want more from their glass than just liquid.
Other standouts:
Bottom Line
Whether you’re ordering at a bar, mixing at home, or hosting a party, today’s NA drinks give you flavor, ritual, and wellness, without compromise. Try swapping in a premium spirit alternative like Focus for your next drink, and redefine your drinking experience, one mindful sip at a time.
Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Our products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare provider before using any products, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or are taking any medications.
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