I will be saving the deep-dive analysis on why we feel the need to hold a glass in our hand during conversations at the bar for some other time. Let’s cut to the chase. If you need to order something but don’t need the effects of alcohol, a mocktail can accomplish exactly what it needs to. In my quest to avoid hangovers, I've accidentally discovered a harsh reality: sobriety sometimes means finding drunk people… annoying. No shame to those enjoying a few drinks—my former self included—but it's hard to match the slurred speeches and questionable dance moves when you're nursing a “phony negroni”. On the bright side, my Uber rating is increasing every weekend and I've developed a newfound talent for not just remembering my own name, but everyone else’s too.

Brands like Ritual Zero-Proof, Ghia, and Seedlip are some of the brands leading and innovating non-alcoholic spirits. Aesthetically harmonizing with the liquor market, zero-proof brands are changing the perspective that being sober means juice and club soda. With that being said, if you’re looking to spend happy hour sober in the metropolitan area, these mocktail-encouraging bars are for you. Here’s to alcohol-free!

Therapy Wine Bar

260 Malcolm X Blvd, Brooklyn

Oddly enough, this bar and restaurant offers more than just red and white wines (and a safe space if wine is your idea of self-care). Therapy Wine Bar doesn't just serve up a cozy atmosphere with branded neon lights and canary yellow velvet booths; they also excel in alcohol-free beverages. Before they could legally offer a buzz, they perfected mocktails that feel just as sophisticated as the real deal. Bartender Avani Adams suggested two drinks off the menu that could deliver a punch without the headache.

Yoli’s Sorrel: Hibiscus flowers mixed with orange peel + cinnamon

A sangria-esque flavor mixed with the comfort of the sweet and woody cinnamon. This is a great alternative for the moderately fruity and vinous mixture.

Yoli’s Ginger Beer: Freshly squeezed ginger with lemon + pineapple

Citrus with an added kick! Comes with a stronger taste that one would gravitate to in a Moscow Mule with a tropical fruit flare.

Soho Diner

320 W Broadway, New York

Soho Diner does not shame the boneless cocktail, in fact, they are less than hidden on the menu. Conveniently under their cocktails, wine, and local beer selection are their Restorative Cocktails, modern takes on the not drinking, drink. Under the motto of “Soho’s best bite morning, noon, and night”, I had the opportunity of choosing to be pleasantly sober at all three and opted for a tangy mocktail.

Orange Julius: Orange, Lemon, Vanilla Cream, Seltzer

Restorative indeed, perhaps even cold season friendly. This drink covers most flavors we love about a mixed drink, a slightly sweet and effervescent beverage in a nice glass.

Temperance

38-40 Carmine Street, New York

A temperance cocktail it is! With an impressive selection of alcohol-free drinks, you can toast to temperance without the next-day regrets. It's a place where you can share plates and the joy of drinking anything—so long as it won't make you text your ex.

AVEC Grapefruit: Pomelo Grapefruit Juice, Pomelo, Black Pepper, Bourbon Vanilla, Smoked Salt

Whether you are an alcohol aficionado or skipping the spirits, this mocktail will give you the perfect mixture of bitters and juice. A must-try, for anyone.

Remember to drink responsibly—Mocktail irresponsibly, though. And next time you're out, raise a glass of something alcohol-free and remember: it's not about what's in your cup; it's about who you are when you're holding it.