Heading into a bar or hosting friends? You can enjoy grown-up, flavorful non-alcoholic drinks that look and feel like proper cocktails.

Virgin Drinks to order, Menus now feature mocktails, NA wine, beer, and spirit alternatives that match any mood. Bartenders suggest asking for NA or virgin versions of classics, or checking the menu if you prefer subtlety.

Simple swaps and small garnishes make a big difference. A club soda with lime reads like a vodka soda. NA sparkling wine or a splash of bitters can lift a soda into something complex, though bitters may contain trace booze.

This guide helps people pick bar-ready options that taste mature and keep your night social. You’ll find quick orders, seasonal mocktails, brunch picks, and cozy warmers that bartenders can build fast.

For more ideas and a full list of favorites, check this helpful guide: non-alcoholic drink suggestions.

Key Takeaways

Bars now offer many grown-up non-alcoholic options, from mocktails to NA wine and beer.
Ask for NA or virgin versions of classic cocktails for a discreet order.
Small touches—bitters, citrus, and garnishes—add complexity and polish.
Quick, bartender-ready picks include club soda with lime and seasonal mocktails.
Options suit brunch, parties, and quiet nights without sacrificing presentation.

Why People Are Ordering Virgin Drinks Right Now

More people are asking bartenders for zero-proof choices that feel as polished as classic cocktails.

Mindful nights out without the booze are a major driver. Folks pick non-alcoholic choices to skip hangovers, save money, and still enjoy a night with friends.

Mindful nights out without the booze

Choosing a sober option helps you stay present and rest easy the next morning. NA beer, kombucha, and non-alcoholic drinks under 0.5% ABV expand tasteful choices for the sober-curious.

Fitting in at the bar while staying alcohol-free

Bars now list specialty mocktail menus and can make virgin versions of favorites. This gives people simple options whether they want a soft fizz or a layered mocktail.

“A well-made zero-proof pour keeps the ritual of the night while cutting out the booze,”

You keep the glassware and social ritual.
You can drive or attend early plans without worry.
NA menus make it easy to ask for a crafted drink.

Virgin Drinks to Order at the Bar

Choosing a sober option at the bar can be quick and discreet. A few standard ingredients let bartenders build grown-up mocktail alternatives that still look like cocktails.

Club soda and lime that looks like a cocktail

Ask for club soda with a lime wedge for a clean, classic pour. It passes visually and stays light on flavor.

Soda water with bitters for aromatic depth

Order soda water with a dash of aromatic bitters if you accept trace alcohol in bitters.

Ginger beer highballs: Moscow mule minus the vodka

Request ginger beer, fresh lime juice, and a splash of club soda. The ginger and lime give punch without spirits.

Simple syrup and soda for a custom “adult soda”

A splash of flavored syrup over soda makes a tailor-made mocktail. Ask for sugar level adjustments so it suits your taste.

Roy Rogers, Shirley Temple, and a non-alcoholic Tom Collins

Pick a Roy Rogers (cola + grenadine) or a Shirley Temple (lemon-lime soda + grenadine) for nostalgic fizz.

For something crisp, order a Tom Collins made with lemon, simple syrup or sugar, and fizzy water. Add mint if the bar has it for extra aroma.

Tip: Keep requests short and ingredient-driven; most bars have these components on hand.
Mention sweetness and garnish preferences so the bartender can adjust.

Brunch-Friendly Mocktails and Juices

Brunch pairs best with a glass that feels thoughtful but easy. Bartenders can pull together savory or citrus-forward sips that match eggs, toast, and pastries.

Savory tomato-based brunch staple

Ask for a bloody mary made with rich tomato juice, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of celery salt or cracked pepper. These simple bits add aroma and body without spirits.

If you miss the salty bite, request a splash of olive or pickle brine. That saline twist brings complexity and helps the glass feel balanced at the bar.

Fizzy fruit juice “mimosa”

For a lighter pour, top fresh orange juice or grapefruit with soda water for lively bubbles. A small squeeze of lemon brightens the profile and cuts sweetness.

Prefer a sweeter route? Ask for a hint of flavored syrup. Garnish with a citrus wheel or a berry for a brunch-ready look.

Quick tip: Keep ingredient lists short so bartenders can craft your mocktail fast.
Pair savory and citrus options across rounds to match different plates.
Use soda water instead of sugary mixers to manage sugar while keeping fizz.

Virgin Drinks to order Summer Refreshers: Citrus, Fruit, and Ice

Patio hours call for crisp, fruit-forward sips that layer citrus, herbs, and plenty of ice. These mocktails keep flavor bright and presentation polished for casual gatherings or poolside lounging.

Virgin mojito with mint, lime juice, soda water, and a touch of sugar

Ask for extra mint, a squeeze of lime juice, soda water, and a little sugar. Muddle gently, add lots of ice, and finish with a mint sprig for aroma.

Diabolo grenadine with homemade pomegranate syrup and lemonade

Order a diabolo by mixing homemade syrup (pomegranate juice and sugar) with cold lemonade. The ruby color and bright sweetness make it a summery classic.

Non-alcoholic tropical fizz with kiwi, strawberries, and pineapple

Layer muddled kiwi, sliced strawberries, and pineapple chunks over a tropical juice base. Top with soda for fizz and a lively, fruit-forward mocktail.

Homemade lemonade and limeade with seasonal berries

Ask for freshly made lemonade or limeade blended with seasonal berries for color and tart-sweet balance. Adjust syrup levels if you prefer less sugar.

Watermelon & lychee pitcher topped with non-alcoholic sparkling

For parties, request a watermelon and lychee pitcher and top with non-alcoholic sparkling for elegant bubbles. Add a grapefruit wedge for tart contrast if the mix leans very sweet.

Tip: Tell the bartender how sweet you like it and keep plenty of mint on hand for garnish.
These mocktails showcase fresh fruit and clean citrus — ideal for summer sipping.
For more citrus mocktail ideas, see citrus mocktail recipes.

Cozy Winter Sips Without Alcohol

Cold nights are the perfect excuse to reach for a mug of gently spiced, non-alcoholic comfort. These warm pours use fruit juices, warm spices, and simple techniques that many bartenders can replicate quickly.

Non-alcoholic mulled “wine” with pomegranate and apple

Simmer pomegranate and apple juices with cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and a few peppercorns. Add a touch of sugar or maple syrup and warm gently without boiling.

Finish with an orange wheel for brightness and serve in a heatproof mug for festive aroma and color.

Hot toddy built on tea, honey, and lemon

Steep strong black or herbal tea, then stir in honey and fresh lemon juice. Add a clove-studded lemon slice and a cinnamon stick for extra warmth.

For more heat, drop in a thin slice of fresh ginger. Irish pubs often serve versions like this for soothing winter comfort.

Cranberry spritz with sage, orange, and sparkling grape juice

Mix cranberry juice with a squeeze of orange and torn sage leaves. Top with chilled non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice for gentle fizz and lift.

Serve over ice or in a coupe; the herbal note makes this a lively seasonal mocktail.

Adjust sweetness: ask the bartender to tweak syrup or sugar levels so the cup isn’t overly sweet.
Serve smart: use sturdy glassware with a handle for hot pours and citrus peels for aroma.
Savory option: a virgin bloody mary also works well with winter brunch for a heartier profile.
Spice control: request lighter or heavier spice intensity depending on preference.

These mocktails deliver cozy aromas and warming sensations without alcohol, pairing well with rich winter menus and holiday gatherings.

Virgin Drinks to order Easy Soda and Juice Orders When You Want Something Simple

When you want something fast and familiar, soda-and-juice combos are a bartender’s best shortcut.

These pours are easy to ask for and easy to tweak. They work at neighborhood pubs and upscale bars alike.

Ginger and fruit pairings

Ask for ginger beer with a splash of cranberry juice or pineapple juice for a spicy-sweet highball. This mix gives bright acidity and a lively ginger kick without alcohol.

Simple spritzers

Top grapefruit or cranberry juice with soda for a lighter, fizzy profile. Request more soda and a squeeze of lemon or lime if you prefer less sweetness.

Quick tip: Keep your request short so the bartender can mix it fast.
Rotate juices: cranberry for tartness, pineapple for tropical notes.
These options are dependable at nearly any bar and easy to customize.

Want variety? Ask for a citrus wedge for brightness or a smaller pour if you’re pacing yourself. These everyday choices deliver flavorful, low-effort alternatives that fit most social settings.

Tea, Coffee, and Ferments That Feel Special

A well-crafted brew or fermented pour can bridge café comfort and cocktail polish. These options give texture and aroma without relying on spirits. They work for daytime meetups and late-night rounds at the bar.

Fancy iced tea with lemon, mint, and flavored syrups

Ask for an iced tea brightened with lemon and torn mint. Add a splash of flavored syrup for a subtle sweet note.

Tip: name the syrup level so the bartender matches your taste and the ingredients are balanced.

Coffee-based mock “martinis” and iced coffee with syrups

Order a coffee mocktail that mirrors an espresso martini. Strong brew, a touch of syrup, and chilled foam give the espresso-martini vibe without alcohol.

Kombucha as a fizzy, low-ABV alternative

Choose kombucha for tang and fizz; it’s a fermented tea with a naturally low alcohol level. Pair it with still or sparkling water between sips to stay refreshed.

Quick picks: iced tea with mint, coffee mocktail, or kombucha.
Ask about available ingredients and adjust syrup or bitterness.
These pours pair well with savory snacks and offer café-meets-bar depth.

Non-Alcoholic Wine, Beer, and Spirit Alternatives

Bars increasingly stock NA wine, beer, and spirit alternatives that give familiar flavors and fizz. These choices let you match the ritual of a glass without the alcohol.

Virgin wine spritzer with non-alcoholic sparkling and soda water

Ask for a wine spritzer made with non-alcoholic sparkling wine and extra sparkling water for brightness. The added soda water lightens the body and creates lively bubbles that read like a classic spritz.

NA G&T-style drinks with botanicals, citrus, and tonic

Try a G&T-style mocktail built from botanical NA spirit, tonic, and a big twist of citrus. The herbs and bitter tonic emulate a cocktail’s dryness and keep the profile adult and balanced.

Choosing NA beers when you want beer-like flavor

When you want a beer-like sip, pick an NA beer at the bar for the closest match in flavor and mouthfeel. Most fall under 0.5% ABV and are labeled clearly.

Tip: Check the bar’s stock—some list NA wine while others focus on botanical spirits or NA beer.
If you want a lighter cocktail feeling, ask for extra sparkling water or less syrup.
Clarify sweetness: tonic, citrus, and botanicals balance well when you state preferences.

Tips to Order at the Bar Like a Pro

A quick, specific request at the bar often yields a better, faster non-alcoholic drink.

Start simple. Ask the server if there’s a mocktail or NA menu. Pointing to a style on the list is a discreet way to avoid naming alcohol.

How to ask for mocktails, NA, or virgin cocktails discreetly

Try: “Do you have a mocktail menu?” or “Could you make a virgin version of this?” Short questions save time and keep your request low-key.

Ingredient swaps: agave syrup, lime juice, bitters, and fresh mint

Guide flavor with one or two ingredients. Suggest agave or simple syrup, fresh lime juice or lemon juice, and torn mint for brightness.

Ask about bitters if you want aromatic depth; note they may contain trace alcohol.
Request less sugar or extra citrus for a drier profile.
When the bar is busy, pick simpler builds so you get your drink faster.

Tip: Name one flavor you like and let the bartender build the rest. A short, clear drinks order makes a great mocktail and keeps service smooth.

Conclusion

Wrap up your choices with easy, bar-friendly options that taste grown-up and look polished. Pick a juice-forward spritzer, a pineapple juice spritz over ice, or a virgin bloody mary built from tomato juice and savory add-ins. Kombucha and NA beer are handy if you want fizz without significant alcohol.

Virgin Drinks to order, Keep it simple: sip water between rounds and ask for sparkling water or soda water for bubbles minus extra sugar. Request modest syrup or sugar and balance with lemon or lime; garnishes like mint or ginger lift the aroma.

Say one flavor you love and let the bartender suggest mocktails or a wine-style spritz. With clear, short requests you get reliable results and a glass that fits any occasion.

FAQ

What are easy non-alcoholic options to ask for at a bar?

Ask for soda water or club soda with a lime wedge, ginger beer highball, or a simple syrup-and-soda mix. These look and taste grown-up, use common bar ingredients like syrup, citrus, and bitters, and are quick for bartenders to make.

How can I make a brunch-friendly mocktail that feels celebratory?

Request a fizzy fruit juice “mimosa” using freshly squeezed orange or grapefruit juice topped with non-alcoholic sparkling water. For a savory option, order a tomato-based mock bloody mary with lemon, Worcestershire, hot sauce, and celery.

Which mocktails work best in hot weather?

Choose drinks with citrus, mint, and ice—like a virgin mojito with lime juice and soda, a tropical fizz with pineapple and strawberries, or a watermelon and lychee pitcher finished with non-alcoholic sparkling water.

What are cozy alcohol-free warm drinks for winter?

Try a non-alcoholic mulled “wine” made from pomegranate and apple juices with warm spices, or a hot toddy substitute using strong tea, honey, lemon, cloves, and cinnamon for comfort without booze.

Can bartenders make non-alcoholic versions of classic cocktails?

Yes. Many bars will craft NA Tom Collins, NA G&T-style drinks with botanical tonics, or coffee-based mock martinis using espresso, flavored syrups, and dairy or non-dairy creams to mimic texture and complexity.

How do I order discreetly if I don’t want attention?

Use simple language: ask for a non-alcoholic cocktail, a soda water with lime, or a ginger beer with juice. Mention any preferred swaps—like agave instead of simple syrup or adding bitters—so the bartender knows exactly what you want.

What are good low-effort bar orders that still taste adult?

Go for a grapefruit or cranberry spritzer with soda water, a Roy Rogers or Shirley Temple using cola or lemon-lime soda and grenadine, or a ginger beer paired with cranberry or pineapple juice for bold flavor.

Are non-alcoholic wines and beers a reliable option?

Yes. NA wines and beers have improved; a wine spritzer with non-alcoholic sparkling or a chilled NA beer can satisfy the ritual of drinking without alcohol while offering familiar flavors.

How can I add depth to simple soda orders?

Ask for a dash of aromatic bitters (if available), a squeeze of fresh citrus, a sprig of mint, or a float of grenadine or flavored syrup. These small additions create complexity without alcohol.

Which juices pair well with ginger beer for an easy, balanced drink?

Cranberry, pineapple, and fresh lemonade all pair nicely with ginger beer. They balance spice and sweetness while keeping the beverage refreshing and bar-friendly.

Can fermented options like kombucha substitute for cocktails?

Kombucha offers a fizzy, tangy alternative with mild acidity and botanical notes. It works well on its own or combined with citrus, herbs, or a splash of juice for a layered, low-ABV experience.

What ingredients should I request to customize a soda-based mocktail?

Common swaps that elevate simple sodas include fresh lime or lemon juice, simple or agave syrup, fresh herbs (mint, sage), flavored bitters, and fruit purees like pomegranate or grenadine.