19 Best Non Alcoholic Drinks To Order At A Bar

Just because you’re at a bar doesn’t mean alcohol has to be part of the order. There are plenty of non alcoholic drinks to order at a bar that still feel social, fun, and easy to ask for. Whether you’re sober curious, skipping alcohol for the night, or just want something refreshing without the next-day drag, these are the orders worth knowing.

From classic soda-based favorites to bartender-approved mocktails, there’s no shortage of good non alcoholic drinks to order at a bar. 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. 

Read more to find out what does Gen Z drink instead of alcohol? 

Table Of Content

• Best Non Alcoholic Drinks To Order At A Bar (Simple, Low-Calorie & Crowd Favorites)

• How To Order Non Alcoholic Drinks At A Bar With Confidence

• A New Category: Functional & Botanical Non-Alcoholic Drinks

• So, What Are Some Good Non Alcoholic Drinks To Order At A Bar?

• Commonly Asked Questions

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. Of course, 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 to cut out the sweetness

• 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, just ask the bartender what NA beer options are available.

Worth knowing: Athletic Brewing's Run Wild IPA and Free Wave Hazy IPA are widely praised NA beers!

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. 

Tonic & Lime

If you want something crisp, grown-up, and easy to ask for, tonic and lime is a great pick. It has more bite than plain soda water, feels more like a real bar drink, and works especially well when you want something simple without being boring.

Why it works: Easy to order, easy to make, and one of the most natural-looking non alcoholic drinks at a bar.

Kombucha

Not a fan of alcoholic drinks but still want something interesting at the bar? Kombucha is a great pick. It’s fizzy, slightly tart, and often comes in fun flavors like ginger, berry, or citrus. So, if you’re ever asking yourself, "What drink should I order if I don't like alcohol?", this trendy fermented tea is a flavorful alternative worth trying.

Note: Kombucha contains trace alcohol from fermentation, typically below 0.5% ABV — on par with NA beer. If you're strictly avoiding all alcohol, check with the bar.

Why it works: A fizzy, flavorful option often stocked at modern bars.

Espresso Tonic

For something a little more modern, ask if the bar can make an espresso tonic. It has the boldness of coffee, the crisp edge of tonic, and a refreshing finish that feels lighter than a creamy coffee drink. If the bar serves espresso, this is a smart alcohol-free order to keep in mind.

Why it works: Ideal for late evenings when you want something bold without alcohol

Non Alcoholic Margarita

A non alcoholic margarita is a great pick when you want something bright, citrusy, and a little more cocktail-like. It keeps that familiar tart flavor and salted-rim feel, which makes it one of the easiest alcohol-free versions of a classic to ask for at a bar.

Why it works: Keeps the cocktail experience without tequila, making it easy to request.

Non Alcoholic Moscow Mule

A Non-Alcoholic Moscow Mule could be one of your favorite non-alcoholic drinks to order at a bar. It delivers the same bold, gingery bite as the original, minus the vodka. Made with ginger beer and fresh lime juice, it’s crisp, refreshing, and widely recognized at bars.

Why it works: Ginger beer and lime are widely available and quick to mix.

Non Alcoholic Old Fashioned

If the bar has a zero-proof menu or carries non-alcoholic spirits, a non alcoholic old fashioned can be a great order. It brings in those deeper, bittersweet notes and feels more elevated than a basic soda-based drink. It is not something every bar will make, but at the right place, it is a solid pick for anyone who wants a slower-sipping option.

Why it works: A good option for people who enjoy complex, bittersweet flavors.

For anyone watching sugar intake or wanting something lighter, these are some of the low calorie non alcoholic drinks to order at a bar that don’t feel boring. 

Club Soda & Lime

It does not get much easier than club soda and lime. It is crisp, light, low-effort, and one of the easiest alcohol-free orders at any bar. If you want something simple that does not feel out of place in a social setting, this is always a safe choice.

Why it works: One of the most common low calorie non alcoholic drinks to order at a bar.

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.

Tip: If you want more depth, ask if they have a splash of pickle juice or olive brine. It adds the subtle bitter note that vodka normally brings.

Why it works: Bold and savory, making it satisfying without needing alcohol.

Soda & Bitters

Soda and Bitters is categorized 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. 

Note on alcohol in bitters: Bitters do contain trace alcohol, but the amount used per drink (a few dashes) is negligible — below what you'd find in a ripe banana. If you're strictly avoiding all alcohol, let the bartender know.

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

If the bar carries non-alcoholic wine, a Virgin Wine Spritzer is an easy and refreshing option to try. It gives you that light, bubbly feel of a classic spritzer while keeping things alcohol-free. This one is more of an “if available” order, but it works well at bars with a broader zero-proof selection.

Why it works: Mimics the feel of wine while staying alcohol-free and refreshing.

Paloma Mocktail

A Paloma mocktail is bright, citrusy, and one of the easiest alcohol-free mocktail recipes to order at a bar. It usually leans on grapefruit, lime, and soda, so it feels refreshing, a little bitter, and not overly sweet. If you want something lively without going for the usual Shirley Temple or soda-based option, this is a great choice.

Why it works: It feels cocktail-like and fits modern bar menus better.

How To Order Non Alcoholic Drinks At A Bar With Confidence

Ordering non alcoholic drinks at a bar does not have to feel awkward. A little clarity goes a long way, and once you know what to ask for, the whole process feels much easier.

Read more to find out what is a good drink without alcohol?

Check The Menu First

Some bars already have a mocktail or zero-proof section. If they do, start there. It gives you a quick idea of what is available and saves time at the counter.

Ask The Bartender Directly

If there is no alcohol-free section on the menu, just ask. “Do you have any non alcoholic drinks?” or “Can you make a mocktail?” This is enough to get the conversation going.

Be Clear About What You Like

Instead of asking for “anything non alcoholic,” give the bartender a little direction. You can say you want something refreshing, citrusy, fizzy, not too sweet, or low sugar. That usually leads to a much better drink.

Keep One Or Two Easy Orders Ready

Having a backup makes ordering feel more natural. Club soda and lime, tonic and lime, ginger beer with lime, and a Virgin Mojito are all easy picks that most bars can make without any trouble.

Ask For A Non Alcoholic Version Of A Classic

If you want something that feels more like a cocktail, ask for a Virgin Mojito, Non Alcoholic Moscow Mule, or Virgin Margarita. Many bartenders can make a simple alcohol-free version with ingredients they already have.

Confirm Ingredients If Needed

If you need to avoid alcohol completely, it is always smart to check the ingredients. Some mixers or zero-proof products may still contain trace amounts, depending on the bar and the brand they use.

Not sure what to order in the moment? This quick cheat sheet makes choosing a non alcoholic drink at a bar easy.

A New Category: Functional & Botanical Non-Alcoholic Drinks

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 espresso tonics, 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?

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 do I say to a bartender when ordering a non-alcoholic drink?

If the bar has an NA menu, order from it. If not, ask for a zero-proof version of a classic ("Can I get a Virgin Mojito?") or give them flavor direction: "Something refreshing and non-alcoholic — I like citrus and herbs." Most bartenders will work with that.

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.

Are there non-alcoholic drinks that actually do something? 

Yes. Kava-based beverages, adaptogen drinks, and botanical NA spirits are a growing category designed to offer relaxation or social effects without alcohol. Brands like Mitra9 (kava/mitragynine seltzers), Ghia, and Kin Euphorics are part of this movement.

What are the best low sugar non alcoholic drinks to order at a bar?

Some of the best low sugar non alcoholic drinks to order at a bar include club soda with lime, tonic and lime, unsweetened iced tea, Espresso Tonic, and Virgin Bloody Mary. These options are lighter than syrup-heavy mocktails and still feel social and satisfying.

What are the easiest non alcoholic drinks to order at a dive bar?

The easiest non alcoholic drinks to order at a dive bar are club soda with lime, tonic and lime, ginger beer with lime, iced tea, and a Shirley Temple. These use common bar ingredients, do not require a mocktail menu, and are easy for most bartenders to make.

Where do I find non alcoholic drinks near me?

Across the USA, grocery stores, wellness retailers, cafés, and social spaces have expanded their alcohol-free selections, making it easier to find options locally. You can also check Mitra9’s store locator to find the nearest non alcoholic drink stores. 

What is a popular non-alcoholic drink that looks like a cocktail?

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.