The Best Mocktail Menus We've Found Around the World (And How to Ask for Them)
There was a time when ordering a non-alcoholic drink at a nice restaurant meant getting a Shirley Temple with a vague look of pity from the server. That time, I'm happy to report, is mostly over.
The mocktail world has quietly exploded. Bartenders who used to reserve their creativity exclusively for spirits are now competing to make zero-proof drinks that are genuinely interesting — layered, complex, unexpected, and worth ordering twice. And if you know how to find them and how to ask for them, you can drink beautifully anywhere in the world.
Here's what we've learned.
Where the Good Ones Are Hiding
The best mocktail menus tend to live in cities with strong cocktail cultures — places where bartenders take their craft seriously regardless of what's in the glass. Think London, New York, Copenhagen, Melbourne, and Tokyo. Many high-end hotel bars have also invested heavily in non-alcoholic programs, which means even if you're somewhere unexpected, the lobby bar might surprise you.
Wellness-forward destinations — think spa resorts, yoga retreats, places that lean into the "clean living" aesthetic — often have excellent non-alcoholic options too. Not always the most exciting ones, but reliable.
How to Ask Without the Awkwardness
Skip "do you have any mocktails?" which often gets a blank stare or a shirley temple. Instead, try:
"What does your bartender like to make without alcohol?"
That single question has gotten me some of the most creative drinks I've ever had. It invites the bartender into the conversation as a collaborator rather than putting them on the spot. Most bartenders who care about their craft will light up.
You can also ask: "Is there a zero-proof version of anything on the menu?" or "What's the most interesting non-alcoholic thing you can make me?"
A Few Places Worth Seeking Out
Lyaness, London — one of the most celebrated cocktail bars in the world, with a full non-alcoholic program that gets as much attention as the boozy side
Seedlip-focused bars (you'll find them globally now) — if a bar stocks Seedlip, they're taking zero-proof seriously
Japanese kissaten (coffee houses) — not mocktails exactly, but a ritual worth entering
Any resort with a dedicated wellness menu — ask specifically; it's often not on the main drink list
The world is catching up. And honestly? The drinks are getting really, really good.
Have you found a noteworthy mocktail menu? Please share!
