The non-alcoholic drinks revolution is here, and we welcome it with open arms. While many guests still enjoy drinking alcohol, more and more guests are opting for non-alcoholic drinks like non-alcoholic beer and non-alcoholic wine.
However, there are so many more alcohol-free drink options out there!
If you want to revolutionize your venue bar experience, look no further. These are the best non-alcoholic drinks to order at a bar, making them must-have items for your venue menu.
The Non-Alcoholic Drink Revolution
From alcohol-free mixed drinks to non-alcoholic beer options, zero-proof beverages are becoming the new normal. Alcohol-free is the new normal, and many bars and venues are scrambling to keep up with the demand. Gone are the days of club soda and plain soda water.
The new alcohol-free revolution, however, did not come out of nowhere. People around the globe have been opting for more healthy options, whether whole foods or sugar-free sweets. This trend has extended into the alcohol industry, leading to new delicious non-alcoholic cocktails and innovative drink menus.
These drinks are crafted with the same care and creativity as classic cocktails, with bold colors, curious flavors, and stunning visuals.
For venue managers, this shift to alcohol-free options is a chance to stand out! Combine your non-alcoholic options with delicious bar tapas and a catchy bar name to get one step closer to venue domination. Use Perfect Venue event management software to keep event drink menus and themes in order.
Top 30 Non-Alcoholic Drinks to Order at a Bar
While some guests will still prefer to drink alcohol, you must have alcohol-free drink options for guests who enjoy booze-free venue experiences.
If you’re unsure where to start with your alcohol-free revolution, don’t worry. We’ve collected 30 of the best non-alcoholic drinks to add to your drinks menu to appease even the pickiest drinker.
1. Virgin Mojito
A virgin mojito is a refreshing classic made with muddled fresh mint leaves, lime juice, and a touch of sugar. The drink is topped with soda water. It’s a light, zesty drink perfect for a sunny day or as a pre-meal palate cleanser at your venue.
2. Seedlip Grove & Tonic
This sophisticated option uses Seedlip’s alcohol-free Spirit Grove 42 and pairs it with premium tonic water and a slice of orange. It delivers a citrus flavor that’s both crisp and complex, making it a delightful combination for summer events.
3. Shirley Temple
A nostalgic favorite that combines the sweetness of grenadine, the fizz of ginger ale, and a bright maraschino cherry on top. It’s a timeless drink that appeals to all ages, making it ideal for any modern venue. It’s also a fan favorite and is likely to bring in a few loyal customers.
4. Virgin Mojito
A tropical variation of the Mojito, the virgin Mojito features coconut water, muddled mint leaves, lime juice, and a dash of sugar. It’s hydrating and ideal for warm-weather events, especially those being hosted outside.
5. Cucumber Cooler
Cucumber Cooler is a crisp and elegant non-alcoholic drink that tastes as refreshing as it looks. This invigorating drink is made with freshly pressed cucumber juice, lime juice, soda water, and a sprig of mint. Not only does it taste good, but it also looks good, making it great for social media savvy bargoers.
6. Virgin Piña Colada
The Virgin Piña Colada is a popular drink option, making a non-alcoholic option a must for any bar. This drink combines creamy coconut milk with sweet pineapple juice to create a luscious, tropical escape in a glass. To enhance its visual appeal, add crushed ice and a pineapple wedge.
7. Non-Alcoholic Sangria
A non-alcoholic Sangria is a vibrant mix of grape and orange juices and a medley of fresh fruit slices, including apples, oranges, and berries. It’s both delicious and stunning to look at, making it the ideal zero-proof drink for your venue bar.
8. Sparkling Lavender Lemonade
A delicate combination of lavender syrup, freshly squeezed lemonade, and sparkling water, this floral alcohol-free sparkling Lavender Lemonade drink is elegant and perfect for more upscale events. Combine it with beautiful glassware to wow your guests.
9. Lyre’s Amaretti Sour
A nutty and tangy alcohol-free alternative to the classic Amaretto Sour, the Lyre’s Amaretti Sour is made with Lyre’s Amaretti, lemon juice and a hint of sugar. Garnish the drink with a lemon twist for some added dramatic flair.
10. Berry Smash
The Berry Smash uses muddled strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries mixed with lime juice and soda water to create a fruity, refreshing beverage bursting with natural sweetness. It’s the ideal type of non-alcoholic drink for fruity drink enjoyers.
11. Virgin Bloody Mary
This alcohol-free take on the Bloody Mary features tomato juice, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and celery salt. Garnish the drink with celery stalks and olives to elevate the drink and your venue cocktail bar.
12. Alcohol-Free Aperol Spritz
This vibrant orange drink combines a non-alcoholic Aperol substitute with sparkling water and a splash of orange juice. Serve the drink over ice with a slice of orange to bring home the bright and festive touch. It’s a perfect option for warm summer months and outdoor events.
13. Mint Lemonade Slushie
A Mint Lemonade Slushie is a wonderful blend of freshly squeezed lemon juice, mint leaves, and crushed ice. It’s a zesty, frozen treat that’s both cooling and energizing, an ideal drink for all the dessert lovers visiting your venue.
14. Hibiscus Iced Tea
This non-alcoholic beverage, Hibiscus Iced Tea, is a delightful drink option. Brew hibiscus tea, serve it over ice, and enjoy the tangy and slightly floral notes balanced by a touch of honey or agave syrup. Garnish with a lemon slice for added brightness.
15. Mango Mule
A tropical twist on the classic cocktail, Moscow Mule, this drink combines mango puree, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice. Usually, it’s served in a copper mug for that authentic mule experience.
16. Peach Basil Spritzer
Combine fresh peach puree, basil leaves, and sparkling water to create a Peach Basil Spritzer. This sensual, sophisticated fruit juice drink with herbal undertones is perfect for your most elegant events.
17. Virgin Espresso Martini
Create a Virgin Espresso Martini with rich, cold-brew coffee shaken with vanilla syrup. Serve the drink in a martini glass and garnish it with coffee beans for a chic look. It’s a must for corporate meetups or galas at your venue.
18. Watermelon Agua Fresca
Combine watermelon, lime juice, and a hint of sugar to create the wonderful watermelon Agua Fresca. Serve this iconic drink over ice for a light, hydrating drink perfect for summer events.
19. Lemon Ginger Fizz
This energetic drink combines lemon juice, ginger syrup, and sparkling water to create the iconic Lemon Ginger Fizz. It’s a refreshing drink that offers a mild spicy kick for an unexpected twist.
20. Apple Cider Mule
A seasonal favorite with apple cider, ginger beer, and a cinnamon stick garnish, the non-alcoholic Apple Cider Mule brings to mind all the cozy flavors of fall. It’s the ideal option for those with a taste for ginger beer.
21. Pomegranate Spritz
Combine pomegranate juice, soda water, and a splash of orange juice to create the delicious Pomegranate Spritz. Add pomegranate seeds for a vibrant and festive visual. This fabulous drink is great for social events with lots of cameras to capture the beautiful visuals.
22. Rosemary Grapefruit Fizz
The Rosemary Grapefruit Fizz is a fresh grapefruit juice drink paired with soda water and infused with rosemary syrup. It’s a deliciously citrusy and aromatic drink your venue guests are guaranteed to enjoy at your venue cocktail bar.
23. Blueberry Mint Cooler
Mix muddled blueberries, fresh mint, and soda water to create this sweet, refreshing, non-alcoholic Blueberry Mint Cooler. With a pop of vibrant color, this alcohol-free drink is a great way to improve the visuals of any event.
24. Chai Iced Latte
Add brewed chai, cold milk (or a dairy alternative), and a touch of sweetener to your drink and serve it over ice for a creamy, spiced delight. This delicious drink is not only iconic but also versatile, making it ideal for guests with food intolerances.
25. Orange Creamsicle Mocktail
Combine fresh orange juice, vanilla syrup, and cream with ice to create the Orange Creamsicle Mocktail. This drink tastes like dessert in a glass and makes a great addition to any drinks menu. Make sure to market this drink to guests with a sweet tooth.
26. Pineapple Mint Julep
Made with fresh pineapple juice, muddled mint leaves, and a splash of soda water, the Pineapple Mint Julep is served over crushed ice. A tropical twist on a classic julep for all julep lovers looking to order a non-alcoholic option at your venue.
27. Virgin Dark and Stormy
Mix ginger beer, lime juice, and a splash of non-alcoholic dark rum alternatives to create the bold and spicy Virgin Dark and Stormy. The bold and full-bodied taste is perfect for long-term spirits drinkers moving to non-alcoholic drink options.
28. Cherry Lime Rickey
The Cherry Line Rickey combines tart cherry, lime, and soda water to create a delicious tangy and fizzy treat. It’s a great drink to spruce up your drinks menu. So, if you need to add something fun to an otherwise traditional menu, this is the drink to add.
29. Caramel Apple Float
Add apple cider to a glass to create the Caramel Apple Float, and top it with a scoop of caramel ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s a fun and decadent dessert drink, perfect for guests looking for something to curve their cravings.
30. Spiced Cranberry Spritzer
Combine cranberry juice, cinnamon syrup, and sparkling water to create the stunning and delicious Spiced Cranberry Spritzer. Garnish the drink with a sprig of rosemary and let it light up the room this festive season.
How to Order Non-Alcoholic Drinks With Confidence
For guests who don’t want to drink alcohol anymore, it can feel a little strange ordering their first zero-proof drink. Fortunately, they’ve got nothing to be ashamed of, and you, as the venue manager, can help them order their zero-proof cocktails with confidence.
Train Staff Accordingly
It’s important to make guests feel comfortable when they order a non-alcoholic beverage. Make ordering mocktails, non-alcoholic wine, and other non-alcoholic spirits with the same energy as they would any other guests ordering an alcoholic drink.
So, whether someone is ordering cranberry juice, hard liquor, or a complex mocktail, teach staff to treat every guest with the same care, consideration, and seriousness.
Create a Detailed Menu
Your menu is your first opportunity to showcase the care and thought you’ve put into crafting your non-alcoholic options. Ensure your menu features a dedicated section specifically for zero-proof drinks, making it clear and inviting for guests to explore.
Make It Obvious
Label the section with terms that resonate, such as "Zero-Proof Cocktails," "Alcohol-Free Delights," or "Mocktail Creations." Avoid using terms like "soft drinks" that may downplay the sophistication of these beverages.
A prominent, appealing menu design ensures guests know they have excellent alcohol-free choices without needing to ask.
Keep the Details the Same
Just as you would for your cocktails or premium spirits, provide detailed descriptions for your non-alcoholic beverages. Highlight the flavors, presentation, and key ingredients to make each drink irresistible.
For example, instead of “Virgin Mojito,” try “Mint Mojito Mocktail – a refreshing blend of muddled mint leaves, tangy lime juice, and a hint of sweetness, topped with sparkling soda.”
Adding garnishes like fresh herbs, edible flowers, or vibrant fruit slices elevates the drinks’ presentation, making guests feel their choice is equally valued and celebrated.
Conclusion
Part of being a great venue manager is being able to accommodate large and diverse groups of people, helping them enjoy the event and feel included. Offering alcohol-free drinks and putting the same amount of care into them as you would normal cocktails is a surefire way to accommodate people going zero-proof.
If you’re unsure where to start, use the list above to build your epic non-alcoholic drinks menu. With the above options, you’re guaranteed to wow venue clients and attendees.
With Perfect Venue event management software, you can increase sales and keep your events—and event drink menus—organized. Start your free trial today or schedule a demo to see how we can help you improve venue operations.
