Where to Go for Non-Alcoholic Drinks in Calgary

Going for drinks is one of the great extracurricular activities of adulthood. Socializing with friends while sipping a carefully crafted drink, poured in a fancy glass with a garnish or maybe a special ice cube just feels sophisticated. Lately, more restaurants and cocktail bars have started offering non-alcoholic options that are more than just juice. So, if you don’t drink alcohol or are cutting back on drinking for Dry January, you can still get in on the fun with a great mocktail.

A good cocktail bar will be able to create a delicious drink without alcohol on request. If you notice a variety of ingredients used in its boozy cocktails, especially fresh or house-house ingredients, chances are good that your zero-proof cocktail request will be well received and the bartender will come up with something tasty. Plus, many places have begun stocking non-alcoholic spirit substitutes, so you can still enjoy the complex notes of a classic cocktail without the actual alcohol.

Here are some restaurants and bars that offer great non-alcoholic drink options for your next outing.

Calcutta Cricket Club

At this Indian restaurant, the menu of mocktails incorporates the flavours behind many of the dishes — mango, turmeric, cardamom, chili, tamarind and more. Try drinks like the mango chili tonic; The Little Rani, a passion fruit, lime and coconut beverage; or the Haaldi Tonic, made with honey, lemon, ginger and turmeric.

1213 1 St. S.W., 403-719-1555, calcuttacricketclub.com

Fleetwood Lounge

As a classic cocktail lounge, Fleetwood is bound to have some excellent mocktails. The five choices run the gamut from a floral rose water spritz to  Jitter Juice, a drink made with milk, simple syrup, chocolate bitters, candied espresso dust and your choice of decaf or regular chilled espresso.

524 10 Ave. S.W., 403-261-1969, fleetwoodlounge.com

Flores & Pine

Just outside of Calgary proper is Flores & Pine, an upscale restaurant celebrating local ingredients. On the menu of zero-proof cocktails, you’ll find fruity spritzes and a strawberry pear mule made with strawberry and pear puree, ginger beer and lemon juice. There are also two non-alcoholic Tool Shed Brewing beers and a Sunny Soda apple cider.

254028 Bearspaw Rd., 403-241-7611, floresandpine.com

Kama

At this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, you’ll find a wide range of non-alcoholic drink options. Cocktails like the Jerry Blackberry are a refreshing blend of blackberry ginger shrub, honey, mint and soda, while the Goodbye Blossoms drink features a unique mix of ingredients with Greek yogurt, cucumber, orange blossom, soda, verjus and olive oil. Kama also has a selection of Annex sodas, Collective Arts botanical sparkling waters, hibiscus juice, non-alcoholic beers and more.

211 11 Ave. S.W., 403-266-7062, kamacalgary.com

Luca

If you’re trying to reduce your alcohol intake and classic cocktails are normally your jam, Luca is the spot for you. Try the 0% Proof Sour or 0% Proof Old Fashioned, made to emulate the originals with a whiskey substitute. Guests can also opt for alcohol-free cocktails like the Rosmarino Orchard (with apple and rosemary) or the Cran Canella featuring nutmeg, cinnamon and cranberry.

524 10 Ave. S.W., 403-261-1777, lucayyc,com

Lulu Bar

Lulu Bar is known for its expansive cocktail list, so it’s not surprising the restaurant also offers a big selection of non-alcoholic beverages. Drinks like the Hawaiian Honeycreeper, Pink Pony Club and Beach Hat use non-alcoholic spirit alternatives, so you still get the complex notes that are often missing in a mocktail. There are also non-alcoholic beers, wine and kombucha.

510 17 Ave. S.W., 403-519-0444 (text only), lulubar.ca

Paper Lantern

At this tropical Vietnamese restaurant in Chinatown, pair delicious bánh mì, pork belly skewers or a vermicelli bowl with a refreshing drink. Paper Lantern’s low and no-ABV drink menu includes a passion cooler, a baby colada, ginger beer made with house ginger syrup and more.

115 2 Ave. S.E., 403-457-7765, paperlantern.ca

Pigeonhole

With a curated menu of shareables and drinks, you’ll want to roost awhile at Pigeonhole. Depending which location you go to, the spirit-free beverages include the orange creamsicle-inspired Joaqream Phoenix, the refreshing Tamela Anderson made with tamarind and grapefruit, and/or the Earl Greyhound made with Earl Grey, grapefruit, soda and lemon. There are also non-alcoholic beer and soda options.

306 17 Ave. S.W., 403-452-4694 and 118 8 Ave. S.W., 403-452-5080, pigeonholeyyc.ca; pineapplehall.ca

The Wednesday Room

This ‘60s-inspired restaurant on Stephen Avenue boasts a comprehensive cocktail menu and doesn’t skimp on high-quality zero-proof options. From the bold Spice is Nice to the fruity Pink Lady, and alcohol-free beers and sparkling wines, there’s something to tickle every tastebud.

118 8 Ave. S.W., 403-452-5080, wednesdayroom.com

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