No Booze? No Problem! Try a Mocktail at These Philly Bars

With the boozy holidays behind us, many of us are trying our darndest for a dry January. If you’re breaking up with alcohol, or just like to take a break on the occasion, may we suggest a mocktail? Try ’em before you mock ’em!

Mocktails are easy to make at home — if you have the right ingredients — but when you’re out in the world, a well-crafted non-alcoholic drink can be hard to find. Sorry, cranberry juice and club soda doesn’t cut it — we’re looking for clever flavor combinations, interesting ingredients (shrubs, syrups, fresh herbs and all) and showstopping presentation. Luckily, a number of local bars are stepping up their mocktail (or “temperance cocktail”) games, putting creations on their menus that are just as enticing as their sauced-up counterparts. Here are our top picks for where to find the best mocktails in Philly right now:

Bud & Marilyn’s

Yes, this perfectly mid-century spot in Midtown is known for its boozy slushies, but it’s also got two great options that keep it clean while still staying creative. Pro tip: Skip the nighttime crowds, and stop into Bud & Marilyn’s for brunch — the warm pecan-cinnamon roll will knock your socks off!

Couple’s Skate

Grapefruit juice, lime, cinnamon syrup

Wile E Coyote

Raspberry, lemon, ginger ale

1234 Locust St., Philadelphia; (215 ) 546-2220

Charlie was a sinner.

Not only is Charlie was a sinner. a top-notch all-vegan bar, its mixologists shake up mocktails so good, your head will be spinning. The dark, sexy atmosphere makes this a great choice for date night.

Basil Fennel Lemon Soda

Basil, fennel, lemon, sparkling water

Spicy Apple

Green apple, agave, lime, cayenne pepper

Blackberry Ginger Soda

Blackberry, ginger, lime, sparkling water

131 S. 13th St., Philadelphia; (267) 758-5372

Morimoto

Morimoto‘s mocktails pair perfectly with its contemporary Japanese menu. You won’t even miss the booze! The price points and design-forward atmosphere makes this the perfect place to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or another special occasion.

Mandarin Ginger

Mandarin orange, candied ginger, ginger ale

South Pacific

Calpico, pineapple, cilantro

Rejuvenation

Pomegranate juice, sweet & sour, mint

723 Chestnut St., Philadelphia; (215) 413-9070

Royal Boucherie

best mocktails in Philly

Treat yourself to a night out at Royal Boucherie, and pair its French-inspired fare with its fabulous temperance cocktails. Shareable plates, like cheese and charucterie boards, perfectly-chilled raw bar selections and sophisticated snacks, make this a go-to spot for a night out with friends.

Lavendar Bow Tie

Flowers, grapefruit, soda

Spiced Coffee

Spiced Syrup, espelette Cream

Ginger Howard

Ginger, lemon, tea

52 S. 2nd St., Philadelphia; (267) 606-6313

Spice Finch

The sleek, airy Mediterranean restaurant and bar from Top Chef contestant Jen Carroll has built a reputation for a lovely, airy dining room, exceptional vegetable-forward dishes and fun mocktails that are clearly made by skilled mixologists.

 N/A Groni

San bitter, chinotto

Beet & Bouchie

Ginger kombucha, beet shrub, lemon

220 S. 17th St., Philadelphia; (215) 309-2238

White Dog Cafe

best mocktails in Philly

Pair any of White Dog Cafe‘s mocktails with its local, seasonal and sustainable food for a night out without that next-morning-headache. Got family or friends in town? The White Dog is a comfy spot to take visitors: The menu is crowd-pleasing, the service is on-point and the atmosphere is lively without being rowdy.

You Better Think

Mango, black currant puree, honey, lime, soda

Easy Street

Blood orange juice, lemonade, soda

Polmer

Pomegranate, iced tea, honey, lime

Fast Machine Hot

Apple cider, caramelized sugar, lime, rosemary

3420 Sansom St., Philadelphia; (215) 386-9224; 379 Lancaster Ave., Haverford; (610) 896-4556; 200 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne; (610) 225-3700
What are your go-to non-alcoholic options this time of year? Tell us!
  • Feature photo: Royal Boucherie
  • Other photos, in order: Royal Boucherie and The White Dog