All Hail the Mocktail!
Visually indistinguishable from a cocktail, the mocktail is an ingenious way to get an alcohol-free bar drink and still feel like you’re part of the social scene.
The Origins of the Mocktail
Some say the Shirley Temple, invented to accommodate the child actress in the 1930s, was the first mocktail, debuting as a tart-sweet combo of ginger ale and grenadine topped with a maraschino cherry.
Mocktails in South Florida
Now mocktails are a staple at South Florida restaurants, with their own separate section on many menus. They’re often infused with local fruit; others contain ginger beer for a spicy-sweet flavor, or tonic or club soda for the required fizz.
The Social Aspect of Mocktails
The mocktail shows that we are community-minded creatures who yearn to be included, even if we don’t drink alcohol, said Joe Mazzulo, bar manager at Burt & Max’s in Delray Beach. "It’s such a social thing to drink," Mazzulo said. "No one wants to be left out."
Mocktails from Around the Region
Here’s a sampling of mocktails from restaurants and bars in Broward and Palm Beach counties. Offerings are always subject to change.
BROWARD COUNTY
The Wilder
701 E. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-918-7212; intothewilder.com
The popular downtown Fort Lauderdale lounge is known for its inventive cocktails, and the mocktails look pretty good, too. The True Colors is made of fresh pressed cucumber, lime, agave and club soda, while the Lush Lofi consists of mango, almond orgeat syrup, fresh lime and pineapple.
Negroni
1744 Main St., Weston; 954-444-0096; negronius.com/weston
Peruvian and Japanese cuisines collide at this spacious restaurant that debuted in 2023 at Weston Town Center. It’s the second Florida location for the hip Argentine brand, joining outposts in Miami, New York and Los Angeles. The Na-groni is a nonalcoholic version of its namesake aperitif, while the Positano is a sweet and fruity mocktail.
Davie Kava
8256 W. State Road 84, Davie; 954-418-2085; daviekava.com
This kava joint has more than 15 mocktail options, with some spooky names: Vampire’s Kiss, Witch Upon, and Satan Killer. Besides serving kava, which works as a relaxant, the site also offers "happy teas," which contain kratom leaves that some say are helpful for those addicted to alcohol and other drugs.
PALM BEACH COUNTY
Burt & Max’s
9089 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; 561-638-6380; burtandmaxs.com
Open since 2013, the restaurant is decorated like a modern ski lodge with beamed ceilings, wooden floors and a line of oversized booths that run between the open kitchen and the 32-foot bar. The fruit-oriented mocktails here get their kicks from staples such as watermelon, apples and oranges.
Farmer’s Table
1901 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton; 561-417-5836; dinefarmerstable.com
Farmer’s Table is a health-centric restaurant with an enchanting poolside terrace. They call their mocktails "Elixirs," and they do seem designed to promote good health. The Essential is made of organic blackberries, raspberries, aloe vera, cold-pressed beets, carrots, apples, ginger, lemon juice and fresh rosemary.
Le Colonial
601 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; 561-566-1800; lecolonial.com
Le Colonial updated its mocktail menu to make it clear these drinks are "not an afterthought," said Declan Nye, beverage director. The restaurant has also overhauled its mocktail look: Instead of using whatever glasses are available, mocktails are now served in new long, thin etched glasses with artful garnishes, including mint, crystallized ginger or a lemon wedge.
Kapow Noodle Bar
402 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; 561-567-8828; 519 Clematis St., West Palm Beach; 561-933-4011; kapownoodlebar.com
Kapow’s mocktails are called "Chak-tails," as they are designed to "align the chakras," which are yogic energy centers around the body. Try the smoky Solar Plexus, made of kokuto pineapple shrub, citrus, Smoke’n Flowers tonic, rosemary and bubbles.
Elisabetta’s
32 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; 561-560-6699; 185 Banyan Blvd., West Palm Beach; 561-342-6699; elisabettas.com
Elisabetta’s is an homage to old-school Italian-Americana, with vintage black-and-white photos, wood paneling and ornate glass lighting fixtures. Its mocktails are more 21st century: Try the Cherry Basil Smash, made of Michigan orchard cherries, agave nectar, local citrus juice and basil.
MULTIPLE COUNTIES
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila
21 W. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-945-5545; 118 S. Clematis St., West Palm Beach; 561-559-3119; bodegataqueria.com
The restaurant is equal parts fast-casual taco eatery and late-night speakeasy lounge. The bodega offers three "Zero Proof" options. The Garden Lemonade sounds especially cooling: It’s made of cucumber, lime, hot honey, Sicilian lemonade, citrus rosemary salt and Seed Lip Garden 108, a nonalcoholic spirit that is supposed to remind drinkers of the English countryside.
Conclusion
Mocktails are a refreshing way to enjoy the social scene without the need for alcohol. With their creative flavors and unique ingredients, mocktails are a staple at many South Florida restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a fruity and bubbly drink or a spicy and savory one, there’s a mocktail out there for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a mocktail?
A: A mocktail is a non-alcoholic drink that is designed to mimic the flavor and appearance of a cocktail.
Q: Are mocktails popular?
A: Yes, mocktails are gaining popularity as people become more health-conscious and interested in trying new flavors.
Q: Can I make my own mocktails at home?
A: Yes, you can make your own mocktails at home by experimenting with different ingredients and flavor combinations.
Q: Are mocktails only for non-drinkers?
A: No, mocktails are for anyone who wants to enjoy a refreshing and flavorful drink without the need for alcohol.
