Going alcohol-free can feel pretty virtuous but there’s nothing that knocks the wind out of your sails more than being served a sickly sweet concoction of fruit juice that’s basically a spider without the ice cream a.k.a. no fun at all.
Fortunately, the sober curious movement is becoming more mainstream and, with it, a whole lot more inventive, more intriguing, and more, well, adult. And the best perk? No hangover. Ever.
Here are 16 of Auckland’s best mocktails to quench your thirst.
Clipper
Ponsonby
Let’s just start by saying if you’re only going to drink one mocktail in Auckland, make sure it’s Clipper’s Peach Spritz and Bitter Rhubarb. Trust us on this one. With renowned mixologist Barney Toy behind the bar you'd be forgiven for thinking Clipper is a purely boozy affair but, luckily for us, this liquid wizardry flows into the non-alcoholic range too—you're always guaranteed a good time at Ponsonby Road's aviation-themed bar, and that rings true even when you aren’t on the sauce.
Bedford Soda & Liquor
Ponsonby
Another botanical bevvy to add to your mocktail must-sip list is Bedford Soda & Liquor’s Garden Gimlet. Their savvy mixologists have riffed on the concept of an Auckland garden using Seedlip Garden 108 to whip up a non-alcoholic cocktail that’s just wonderful. Enjoy freshly foraged kawakawa, zesty lime and elderflower cordial shaken over ice. Mmmm.
Saint Alice
Viaduct Harbour
Rooftop darling, Saint Alice, is an absolute vibe whether you’re on the sauce or living that sober buzz, and they’ve got a trio of non-alcoholic mocktails to keep your hydration levels topped up. Opt for their refreshing Garden Harvest with fennel, almond, lemon and cucumber; the butterfly pea, cranberry, lemon and hibiscus Purple Pace with 0% pink gin-like; or tropical incarnation Tiki Time made with 0% rum-like, coconut, yuzu and lime. Cheers.
Amano
Britomart
When it comes to mocktails and cocktails alike, fruity notes are an absolute classic but sometimes the sugar content can push us over the edge, shifting the experience from delightful to did-not-finish. Luckily, this isn’t the case at Amano and we 100% recommend treating your taste buds to their non-alcoholic offerings. Specifically, the tangy lil’ somethin’ somethin’ where sour lemon meets tart in a mocktail simply known as Kiwifruit. This fruity blend, featuring Seedlip Grove 42, might just steal your heart (and your tastebuds).
Soul Bar & Bistro
Viaduct
Another waterfront gem, Soul Bar & Bistro also has a very, very strong non-alcoholic cocktail game with clever takes on the classics like the Passionstar Martini and Espresso No-Tini. Order a round of Un-Americans if you’re partial to Italian orange (who isn’t?) or, for something floaty and subtle, The Virtuous One, a blend of pink dry, Italian spritz, apple and light raspberry tonic is pretty darn good.
Rooftop At QT
Viaduct
Elevate your mocktail game, literally. Yep, we’re talking sipping on show-stopping booze-free beauties six storeys high. The Rooftop At QT is sublime at the best of times, and their non-alcoholic cocktails are equally on brand. Their Almond & Grapefruit Collins, featuring Ecology + Co non-alcoholic spirit with almond syrup, citrus and grapefruit soda is a great time. And then there’s the QTie, a tangy take on spirits with lime juice, sugar and the pièce-de-résistance, homemade mint and lime oil. Exquisite.
Onslow
Auckland CBD
We’re constantly blown away by Josh Emmett’s Onslow. From truly satisfying eats to an atmosphere you’ll dig, to… spirited libations. And now even their alcohol-free affairs have us weak at the knees. Do try their Tamarillo Spiced Shrub. It’s all the tangy, savoury, pepper sensations you’re craving, spiced for the Gods. Bottoms up, and when you reach the bottom the only question on your lips will be ‘alcohol, who?’.
Cotto
Karangahape Road
If you’re yearning for a Sbagliato but you're going sober, make a beeline for Cotto. Their Sbagliato Negroni is made with 0% prosecco, Italian orange and Aperitif Rosso so you know it’s going to be an absolute party. Alternatively (or additionally, let’s be real) they do a mean Hemingway Daiquiri muddling 0% rum with cherry, lime and grapefruit; and an Almond Sour with orgeat, lemon, egg white and soda. Dreamy.
ACS
Ponsonby Road
This sensually-lit hidden bar that’s only accessible to those who know the password is very, very serious about hydration, boozy or otherwise. And while we’re a bit of a sucker for ACS’ cleverly-named drinks, when it comes to sober drinking, we can’t get enough of their Tiki & Tonic and Juan’s Morning Recovery.
Daphne’s Bar Taverna
Ponsonby Road
The Plum Martini at Daphnes might just be the most elegant non-alcoholic cocktail your mouth has ever met. Starring Seedlip Spice 94 with hints of plum, ginger and blackberry, it’s a spicy, warming tipple that’s made for dreamy catch-ups on winter evenings. We hear it goes down a treat with meat and seafood too, which is a delightful coincidence given Daphnes knows how to sling both, very, very well indeed.
SkyBar
Sky City
New kid on the block, SkyBar, has landed and their non-alcoholic ‘mindful mixes’ really do pack a punch with the most extensive 0% cocktail menus around making this spot one of the best choices for mocktails. With three Lyre’s cocktails, three house-made mocktails and three DIY situations where you can pair a Lyre’s non-alcoholic spirit with a mixer of your choice if your sober friends go M.I.A., you’ll probably definitely find them here.
The Glass Goose
Federal Street
There’s a lot to love about The Glass Goose. For one, the bustling rooftop bar is positioned directly underneath the Sky Tower—giving you the most incredible view. Secondly, they make partying without alcohol a breeze with a handful of non-alcoholic tipples that hit the spot. Their Strawberry Basil Crush is aptly named, it’s a juicy number that’s got us crushin’ hard or down a glass of their refreshing Lemon & Rosemary Fizz. Delish.
Hello Beasty
Viaduct Harbour
East-Asian-inspired Hello Beasty blends contemporary Aotearoa with Japanese, Korean and Chinese cuisine in a fusion that just screams get in my mouth, stat. And their mocktail game is up there too. Enter: the Raspberry Yuzu Sour, a gift to the palette made with Seedlip Grove 42, raspberry, yuzu and foamy egg white. Savour or smash multiples, guilt-free. Live it up, friends.
Masu
Federal Street
For something a little different to your average, check out Masu’s mocktails. The Japanese-inspired drinks feature renowned non-alcoholic spirit, Seedlip, and star ingredients such as houjicha foam, a type of green tea from Japan. Refreshing and not too sweet, the innovative drinks will make you forget there’s no alcohol in them. Their Pokka ‘cleanser’ is a standout comprising aloe vera juice, fresh lime and grapes. We’ll have three, please.
KOL
Ponsonby
Now this one has got us intrigued. Introducing the Cherry Donut, a masterful creation that’s reminiscent of a glazed treat, a Seedlip Grove 42 blend combined with donut and coffee grinds filtered through toasted milk whey and garnished with orange oil and special cherry bitters. Yep, KOL isn’t messing around. Bar manager and mixologist, Mangesh Shah, is lifting the bar, slingin’ hella boujee non-alcoholic experiences that we’re here for, and you will be too.
The Broken Lantern
Ponsonby Road
With alcohol-free cocktails this good there’s no chance of an accidental rager, or bleary awakenings to realise you now catch an Uber to go play Find Your Car. Nevertheless, you’ll be vibin’—The Broken Lantern alcohol-free offering goes with their seriously tasty grub like white on rice. Seriously, you’ll want for nothing. Our go-to? Their apple-spiked Classic Nojito.
Quench your thirst at home with our guide to the best non-alcoholic drinks in NZ.
Image credit: Bedford Soda & Liquor, Onslow, Daphne' s Bar Taverna, Hello Beasty, KOL.