How to Order Non-Alcoholic Drinks at a Bar

© Veronica An

Whether abstaining for personal reasons or just taking a night off, finding a tasty non-alcoholic option at a bar while traveling can be an awkward situation.Instead of sticking to water, these delicious options will cleanse the palate without any morning-after side effects.

Tonic water is the fizzy, booze-free component of the classic Gin and Tonic drink. Similar to seltzer, this beverage features dissolved quinine and is usually flavored with herbs and spices. Try it with a squeeze of lemon or lime for a refreshing mocktail.

Despite the name, ginger beer is an alcohol-free option available at most bars. Reed’s Ginger Brew is a popular option sold at many supermarkets. Ginger beer is a spicy and sometimes bitter take on ginger ale and tastes best over ice with a wedge of lime.

Root beer, another misnomer, is a classic non-alcoholic option as well. Some bars offer artisan or in-house root beers, which have a deep, complex flavor. Virgil’s Root Beer is a standout among the commercial varieties. It makes a perfect root beer float or a flavorful afternoon drink.

Most bars also stock non-alcoholic beers, such as O’Doul’s, that mimic the appearance and taste of traditional beer. These beer beverages tend to have a small amount of alcohol, usually less than a kombucha drink. One exception is Kirin Free, this Japanese beer is the only one currently on the market that boasts a 0 percent alcohol content.

These alcohol-free options are just a small sample of the mouthwatering beverages available at bars. Sample them all and check with local bars for their own options. Imbibe without tomorrow’s negative consequences.