The Zero-Proof Drinks Everyone Seems to Be Ordering Right Now
Once relegated to sad glasses of soda water with a lime wedge, mocktails have officially entered their glow-up era. Today’s restaurants and bars are crafting alcohol-free drinks with the same creativity, fresh ingredients, and presentation as their spirited counterparts. Whether you’re the designated driver, taking a break from alcohol, or simply craving something delicious, these mocktails prove that flavor doesn’t need a proof percentage.
Here are five of the most popular mocktails showing up on menus everywhere—and where you’ll find some of the best versions.
1. Virgin Mojito
Fresh mint, lime juice, simple syrup, and sparkling water combine to create one of the most refreshing drinks you can order. It’s crisp, bright, and pairs beautifully with everything from tacos to grilled seafood.
Why people love it: The cooling mint and zesty lime make it feel like an instant vacation.
Celebrity fans: Jennifer Lopez and Blake Lively have both publicly embraced alcohol-free options and refreshing citrus-forward beverages.
Where to find great versions: Upscale Cuban restaurants, resort bars, and many locations of Havana 1957 are known for excellent mojito variations.
2. Nojito Mule
Think Moscow Mule without the vodka. Ginger beer, lime juice, and mint create a bold, spicy, refreshing drink with plenty of personality.
Why people love it: The ginger gives it enough bite that you never feel like you’re drinking a substitute.
Celebrity fans: Zendaya and Tom Holland have both discussed enjoying alcohol-free beverages while socializing.
Where to find great versions: Craft cocktail bars, gastropubs, and restaurants that specialize in house-made ginger beer.
3. Strawberry Basil Lemonade
This mocktail combines sweet strawberries, fresh basil, and tart lemonade for a garden-fresh drink that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
Why people love it: It strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tart, and herbal.
Celebrity fans: Taylor Swift has been spotted enjoying fruit-forward nonalcoholic drinks at various events, while Selena Gomez has promoted mindful drinking and wellness-focused beverage choices.
Where to find great versions: Farm-to-table restaurants, brunch spots, and seasonal menus featuring local produce.
4. Tropical Sunset
A colorful combination of pineapple juice, orange juice, coconut water, and grenadine creates a layered drink that looks like a beach sunset.
Why people love it: It’s vacation vibes in a glass.
Celebrity fans: Dwayne Johnson frequently shares tropical-inspired drinks and island flavors, while Nicole Scherzinger is known for embracing tropical cuisine and beverages.
Where to find great versions: Beach resorts, Hawaiian restaurants, Caribbean eateries, and vacation destinations.
5. Cucumber Mint Spritzer
Fresh cucumber, mint, lime, and sparkling water come together for a drink that’s sophisticated, light, and incredibly refreshing.
Why people love it: It feels spa-worthy while still being restaurant chic.
Celebrity fans: Gwyneth Paltrow and Olivia Wilde have long favored wellness-oriented beverages featuring cucumber and fresh herbs.
Where to find great versions: Hotel lounges, upscale steakhouses, and health-conscious restaurants with extensive mocktail menus.
One final sip, the best mocktails today aren’t trying to imitate cocktails—they’re creating a category all their own. With fresh herbs, premium juices, house-made syrups, and creative presentations, these drinks have earned a permanent place on restaurant menus. The next time you’re dining out, skip the standard soda and order one of these alcohol-free favorites. Your taste buds won’t know what they’re missing—and that’s exactly the point.
Did you know?
Ginger has been used for more than 5,000 years and was once so valuable that it was traded alongside precious spices and even used as a form of currency in some parts of the world!
A little history:
Long before mocktails were trending, the mojito was making history. Historians believe an early version of the drink was enjoyed in Cuba during the 1500s, combining lime, mint, sugar, and a primitive spirit. Over the centuries, it evolved into the refreshing alcohol-free Virgin Mojito, now one of the world’s most popular mocktails.
