Just because you’re at a bar doesn’t mean alcohol has to be part of the order. Today, more people are actively choosing non alcoholic drinks to order at a bar, whether they’re taking a break from drinking, staying sober-curious, or simply want something refreshing without the after-effects.
From classic soda-based favorites to bartender-approved mocktails, there’s no shortage of good non alcoholic drinks to order at a bar that still feel social, fun, and easy to ask for. If you’ve ever paused at the counter wondering what to order when you’re skipping alcohol, this list covers the best options that include simple picks, low-calorie choices, and crowd favorites that you can find in any bar.
|
What is a good non-alcoholic drink to order at a bar? A good non-alcoholic drink to order at a bar is one that’s easy for bartenders to make, refreshing, and feels like a real cocktail, such as a Virgin Mojito, Arnold Palmer, Club Soda & Lime, or a Shirley Temple. |
This guide is curated based on common bar menus, standard bartender practices, and current sober-curious drinking trends. Every drink listed can be ordered at most bars without specialty equipment or alcohol substitutes. However, the availability of non-alcoholic drinks may vary by bar. Always confirm ingredients if you’re avoiding alcohol for health or personal reasons.
Best Non Alcoholic Drinks To Order At A Bar (Simple, Low-Calorie & Crowd Favorites)
What to order at a bar when not drinking alcohol? Simple, go for the best booze-free options we have listed here. Ofcourse, that is not a very difficult thing to get through because we have the entire list to help you out:
Shirley Temple
One of the all-time classics and named after the actress from the 1930s, the Shirley Temple easily earns its spot among the best non alcoholic drinks to order at a bar. This sweet and fizzy favorite is typically made using ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, a splash of grenadine, and garnished with a maraschino cherry.
Why it works: Available at almost every bar and easy to order without explanation.
If you're looking to upgrade it a bit, ask the bartender to:
- Swap soda with club soda for a lighter version.
- Add some fresh lime or orange juice for a citrusy kick.
- Use real pomegranate syrup instead of commercial grenadine for a richer flavor.
Arnold Palmer
Refreshing and effortlessly cool, the Arnold Palmer is a staple among the best non alcoholic drinks to order at a bar. It is made by combining half iced tea and half lemonade, it strikes the perfect balance between tart and smooth.
Why it works: A familiar, balanced drink that most bartenders can make instantly.
If you want to order it, here are a few ways to customize when looking for non alcoholic drinks to order at a bar:
- Ask for sweet tea if you prefer a smoother, southern-style sip.
- Add sparkling water for a fizz.
- Request herbal or flavored iced tea (like peach or hibiscus) for a unique upgrade.
Non-Alcoholic Beer
Non alcoholic beer has become increasingly common at bars, offering the familiar taste and experience of beer without the alcohol. Many bars now stock at least one alcohol-free option, making it an easy and socially comfortable choice when everyone else is ordering a brew.
And while you are at the bar and looking to order non-alcoholic drinks, don't hesitate to ask them about their options.
Why it works: Feels social and familiar when everyone else is drinking beer.
Virgin Mojito
You ask 'What is a good non-alcoholic drink to order at a pub?' A Virgin Mojito is easily one of the top choices. It combines fresh mint, lime juice, sugar, and soda water into a crisp, revitalizing drink that’s perfect for any setting. It’s light, flavorful, and feels just as refreshing as any cocktail, minus the alcohol.
Why it works: Refreshing, cocktail-like, and commonly offered in alcohol-free versions.
If you’re looking for simple non alcoholic drinks to order at a bar, these next options are easy to ask for and available almost everywhere.
Simple Syrup & Soda
Ask the bartender to serve you a Simple Syrup & Soda. It’s incredibly easy, but surprisingly satisfying. Just ask for soda water with a splash of simple syrup, and you’ve got a lightly sweet, fizzy drink. You can also request add-ins like lime, bitters, or a fruit garnish for a custom twist.
This could rightly be one of the best non alcoholic drinks to order at a bar!
Why it works: One of the simplest non alcoholic drinks to order at a bar using basic ingredients.
it becomes smooth and frothy. This mixture is then poured into a glass with ice and a straw to sip. It is one of the ‘best non alcoholic drink to order at a bar’ because it has no alcohol and could be drool-worthy for people who love soda and ice cream.
Why it works: A dessert-style drink that feels indulgent without alcohol.
Non Alcoholic Hot Toddy
You can warm up your night with a booze-free twist on the classic. The bartender would steep hot water with black tea, add honey, lemon juice, and a cinnamon stick, then stir until fragrant. Ask him to serve in a mug, garnish with a lemon slice, and you’ve got a comforting, zero-proof sip perfect for chilly evenings.
Why it works: Comforting and easy to prepare at bars that serve tea or hot drinks.
Sunrise Mocktail
The traditional Sunrise Mocktail combines tequila, grenadine, and orange juice. But since you have to choose a non-alcoholic beverage, ask the bartender, and he will replace the tequila with any non-alcoholic spirits, citrusy soda, or fruit juice. Here you have got yourself a non-alcoholic Sunrise mocktail that is as refreshing and even better than any kind of booze.
Why it works: Visually appealing and familiar in flavor, even without alcohol.
Fancy Iced Tea
Don't limit yourself to just Arnold Palmer when switching to alcohol-free drinks at the bar. Iced tea is quite popular among people, but when at a bar, you fancy your iced tea by asking the bartender to add some syrups and mixers.
Why it works: Customizable, refreshing, and widely available at bars.
Virgin Bloody Mary
When at a bar you can vibe with all the spice, none of the vodka. Just get some tomato juice mixed with a squeeze of lemon, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour over ice, garnish with celery and olives, and you’ve got a bold, savory mocktail that wakes up any brunch table.
Why it works: Bold and savory, making it satisfying without needing alcohol.
Soda & Bitters
Soda and Bitters is categorised as simple and one of the best non-alcoholic drinks one can try at a bar. The bartender just fills it with ice, tops it with club soda, and add some aromatic bitters. All this is stirred gently, garnished with a citrus slice, and here you get a very lightly bitter but refreshing non-alcoholic drink.
Why it works: Light, refreshing, and commonly ordered as a simple alcohol-free option.
Roy Rogers
Roy Rogers has Coke and grenadine stirred together. This is then topped with a maraschino cherry which makes it a sweet, nostalgic drink that is simple and quite satisfying. Many Shirley Temple fans have a competition with the classic Roy Rogers.
Why it works: A nostalgic, sweet drink that’s easy for bartenders to recognize.
Virgin Wine Spritzer
A Virgin Wine Spritzer offers a light, refreshing feel by combining non alcoholic wine or grape-based flavors with sparkling water. It’s crisp, bubbly, and mimics the experience of a traditional wine spritzer without alcohol.
Why it works: Mimics the feel of wine while staying alcohol-free and refreshing.
Not sure what to order in the moment? This quick cheat sheet makes choosing a non alcoholic drink at a bar easy.
|
Situation |
What to Order |
Why It Works |
|
Don’t want attention |
Club Soda & Lime |
Looks like a standard bar drink and requires no explanation |
|
Sweet craving |
Shirley Temple |
Familiar, sweet, and easy for any bartender to make |
|
Sophisticated vibe |
Non Alcoholic Old Fashioned |
Feels elevated and complex without alcohol |
|
Brunch or daytime |
Virgin Bloody Mary |
Bold, savory, and commonly ordered without alcohol |
|
Gut-friendly option |
Kombucha |
Light, fizzy, and often available at modern bars |
|
Want something refreshing |
Virgin Mojito |
Minty and citrus-forward, similar to a classic cocktail |
|
Late-night or caffeine-friendly |
Iced Tea |
Simple, widely available, and not overly sweet |
Going Beyond With Modern Functional & Botanical Sips In Bar Culture
New ISWR ( International Wine and Spirit Research’s Drinks Market Analysis) data shows that no/low alcohol consumption will increase by a third by the year 2026. Consumers today are reaching out to order non alcoholic drinks at a bar and even looking out eagerly for options in the Non Alcoholic Spirits category.
This clearly underscores why consumers today are actively choosing to order non-alcoholic drinks at a bar and why bartenders are increasingly stocking up on sophisticated, alcohol-free alternatives.
While not yet found on traditional bar menus, brands like Mitra9 are helping shape this shift through availability in online and specialty retail stores. Their kava and mitragynine-infused seltzers reflect a broader movement toward alcohol-free drinks that offer a more intentional, wellness-focused experience, giving consumers more options to enjoy before heading out or as part of their alcohol-free lifestyle.
As bar culture evolves, the presence of these functional alternatives in the everyday drinking conversation is only becoming stronger.
So, What Are Some Good Non Alcoholic Drinks To Order At A Bar?
From nostalgic classics like the Shirley Temple and Arnold Palmer to modern twists like kombucha and coffee-based drinks, there’s no shortage of flavorful options when you’re skipping the booze and looking for simple non alcoholic drinks to order at a bar.
And as bar culture evolves, so does the menu, welcoming more low sugar non alcoholic drinks to order at a bar that doesn’t compromise on taste or vibe.
Whether you're taking a break, staying sober-curious, or simply looking for a functional alternative, there’s something for every mood. Still unsure what to try or want to gift a friend a better-for-you pregame option? Explore Mitra9’s collection of functional seltzers available online and in local stores.
Got questions or have a favorite drink that deserves a spot on this list? Hit us up, we’d love to hear what’s in your glass!
Commonly Asked Questions
What are the best non alcoholic drinks to order at a bar?
Some of the best non alcoholic drinks to order at a bar include Shirley Temple, Arnold Palmer, Virgin Mojito, club soda with lime, and soda with bitters. These drinks are widely recognized, easy for bartenders to prepare, and available at most bars without requiring special ingredients.
What is the easiest non alcoholic drink to order at a bar?
The easiest non alcoholic drink to order at a bar is club soda with lime. It requires no explanation, uses standard bar ingredients, and is available almost everywhere. Other simple options include iced tea, soda with bitters, and a Shirley Temple.
Are there low-calorie, non alcoholic drinks you can order at a bar?
Yes, there are several low-calorie, non alcoholic drinks to order at a bar, including club soda with lime, unsweetened iced tea, kombucha, and soda water with bitters. These options are light, refreshing, and don’t rely on added sugars or syrups.
What to order at a bar if not drinking alcohol?
If you’re not drinking alcohol, you can order non alcoholic drinks like club soda with lime, a Shirley Temple, an Arnold Palmer, a Virgin Mojito, or soda with bitters. These drinks are commonly available at bars and don’t require special ingredients or explanations.
What is the 1/2/3 rule for drinking?
The 1/2/3 rule for drinking generally refers to limiting alcohol intake by spacing drinks over time, alternating with non alcoholic beverages, or setting a maximum number of drinks for an evening. Many people use this approach to stay mindful while socializing at bars.
What drink do you order if you need help at a bar?
If you need help at a bar, some establishments recognize safety code orders like asking for an “Angel Shot,” which may discreetly signal staff that assistance is needed. Availability varies by location, so it’s best to ask a bartender or staff member directly if you feel unsafe
About the Author
Alex Eagleton is a Senior Research Editor with over a decade of hands-on experience working with direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands and digital media publications. Alex specializes in researching and writing about non-alcoholic beverages, mocktails, and emerging alcohol-free trends, with a strong focus on ingredient transparency, sourcing standards, and consumer-facing compliance.
Combining practical industry experience with in-depth research, Alex is known for turning complex ingredient information into clear, trustworthy insights that help readers make informed choices. Whether exploring flavor profiles, understanding labeling considerations, or navigating the expanding non-alcoholic beverage space, Alex’s work is grounded in accuracy, clarity, and real-world relevance
