November 1, 2023
Gone are the days when the only alcohol-free drinks on the menu were Coca-Cola or water. Now, today’s mixologists give as much care to making a zero-proof libation as they do traditional cocktails, thanks in part to high-quality non-alcoholic spirits that mimic the qualities of their counterparts and to a growing demand from patrons for tasty ways to imbibe without the alcohol. In Cabarrus County, mocktail seekers can find expertly crafted NA beverages at the area’s most popular watering holes. Here are four not to miss.
The Market Bar at Gibson Mill
While The Market Bar may be known for its inventive cocktails, the mocktail menu is equally impressive. The lineup: Blackberry Bourbon Smash, Watermelon Moscow Mule, a peach mojito and an NA margarita. Each features a zero-proof spirit carefully selected by the bar’s mixology team to reflect the unique aspects of the original spirit. “It’s important to see how different ‘spirits’ emulate the actual bite or burn, since that is part of the flavor profile and one often missing from mocktails,” explains Market Bar sales lead and mixologist Brian Dooley. “Our goal is to make a zero-proof cocktail that tastes like a real cocktail. We want to craft drinks that still showcase the flavor of the spirit without compromising creativity, taste and presentation.”
The Basement Arcade Bar
Come for the retro games, stay for the you-call-it mocktails. At The Basement Arcade Bar, a fun spot featuring 1980s and ‘90s-era arcade games, mixologists whip up buzz-free versions of anything on the standard cocktail list — or something totally original. “Each of our bartenders has a specific mocktail they like to make, but they also get creative and craft anything a customer wants,” says owner Troy Taylor.
For guests who like to keep things simple, the bar also serves other options including non-alcoholic beers. No matter your NA drink of choice, though, they’re all guaranteed to keep your focus on what’s important: maintaining your top Frogger score.
Gaelic Alley Irish Pub
Like any good Irish pub, Gaelic Alley makes everyone feel welcome — all ages, four-legged friends and sober sippers. Co-owner Brian Schmidt, MD, says, “We cater to all who come, and that includes people who don’t drink alcohol.” For these folks, the bar staff is ready to create mocktails on the spot for any flavor profile.
“We can customize a drink based on what a guest wants,” explains bar manager Nichole McKenna. “If they like tropical flavors, we can do pineapple and coconut with a splash of cherry. If they want refreshing, we can make a minty lemonade.” Additionally, Gaelic Alley serves coffee, energy drinks and sodas, but the real booze-free highlight is Guinness — the non-alcoholic version, of course.
Southern Strain Brewing Company
The kegs at Southern Strain Brewing Company aren’t just for the brewery’s famous craft beer. They also house a small-batch, alcohol-free lemonade. What makes it so noteworthy? “We zest the lemons, add equal parts sugar and massage the peels,” says co-owner Jake Allen. “This is a technique liquor bartenders use to extract all the essential oils out of the peel, creating a simple syrup with a punch of citrus. Then we keg and carbonate the lemonade.” The result is a balanced, not too sweet, slightly tart drink, with just the right amount of zesty aroma and fizzy bubbles. For a refreshing, low-alcohol bevvy with the lemonade, Allen recommends mixing it with Southern Strain’s OK Lunch lager.
Make It at Home
Southern Grace Distilleries in Mt. Pleasant shares their recipe for a delightful spirit-free Mai Tai.
Booze-Free Recipe: Mai Tai
Ingredients:
- 1 liter orange juice
- 1 liter pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup lime juice
- 1/2 cup almond syrup or Orgeat
- 1/2 cup grenadine
- 1 liter sparkling water (or lemon lime soda)
- Ice
- Oranges, limes, cherries or any fruit for garnish
Instructions:
- Mix orange juice, pineapple juice, lime juice and almond syrup in a large pitcher.
- Chill this punch base up to three hours ahead of service.
- Once ready to serve, over ice, fill a highball or tiki-style glass 1/2 full of the juice base, adding a drizzle of grenadine and then topping it off with sparkling water or soda and garnish with your favorite fruit.
Cheers!
Check out the Explore and Pour mobile passport, a self-guided tour featuring Cabarrus County’s most esteemed craft beverage destinations: breweries, wineries, cideries, distilleries and bottle shops.
