Introduction to Mocktails
It’s Sober October, and that means we can use this month to cleanse our bodies of alcohol. Time for a 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. 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 are a staple of South Florida menus all year long, often with their own separate section. Sometimes they’re infused with local fruit; other times, the bartender adds ginger beer for a spicy-sweet flavor, or tonic or club soda for the required fizz.
Exploring Mocktail Options in South Florida
Here’s a sampling of mocktails from restaurants and bars in Broward and Palm Beach counties. Offerings are always subject to change. Casa Sensei has created the Casa Sunrise ($12), made with fresh watermelon juice and Orange Slice topped with orange juice.
Broward County
Casa Sensei
Casa Sensei, 1200 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-530-4176; casasensei.com. This pan-Asian restaurant offers a Tropical Fusion, a blend of orange and pineapple juice, almond syrup, lime juice and grenadine, or try the Casa Sunrise, made with fresh watermelon juice and Orange Slice topped with orange juice ($12 each). Pair them with an indulgent Casa Sensei Luxe Burger, an 8-ounce Wagyu steak burger with sauteed foie gras, apple chutney, provolone and peppery arugula on top, served with duck fat steak fries and black truffle salt ($40).
The Wilder
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 (both $8). Located just east of the bustling intersection of Broward Boulevard and Federal Highway, The Wilder has one of the downtown’s prettiest and most popular patios.
Negroni
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 and Los Angeles. The alcoholic version of the restaurant’s namesake aperitif typically contains gin, vermouth and Campari, but you can get its nonalcoholic offspring, the Na-groni. The Positano is another option and definitely sweet: It’s made of pineapple juice, passion fruit mix, aquafaba (a vegan-friendly thickener), lime-lemon cordial and orange bitters (both $8).
Davie Kava
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 (made of strawberry mix and Sprite), Witch Upon (sour apple mix and tonic) and Satan Killer (bitters, tonic, blood orange syrup and a cherry), all $8. 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
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. A refreshing Watermelon Burst, with cucumber, mint, watermelon and Sierra Mist, goes for $8.
Farmer’s Table
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 and rosemary. Then there’s the Remedy, infused with green tea, pomegranate juice, organic agave, lemon, blueberries, raspberries, mint and club soda.
Kapow Noodle Bar
Kapow Noodle Bar, 402 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; 561-567-8828, 32 SE Second Ave., Delray Beach; 561-269-0960; 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 ($9), made of kokuto pineapple shrub, citrus, Smoke’n Flowers tonic, rosemary and bubbles. For those needing a java fix, the Root consists of coffee, vanilla, hibiscus, espresso and aquafaba ($8).
Elisabetta’s
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, or the Strawberry Mint Virgin Mojito (both $11).
The Restaurant at The Norton
The Restaurant at The Norton, 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach; 561-268-0500; norton.org/therestaurant. Inside the Norton Museum of Art, there’s a delightful, light-filled restaurant with lovely views of the garden and several mocktail options. The I Don’t Want No Shrub is made with club soda, hibiscus and jalapeño shrubs, pineapple and lime; there’s also a Cucumber Ginger Mint Agua Fresca ($6 each).
Conclusion
South Florida offers a diverse range of mocktails, from fruity and sweet to spicy and tangy. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing drink to enjoy during Sober October or simply want to try something new, there’s a mocktail out there for you. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect drink to suit your taste.
FAQs
Q: What is a mocktail?
A: A mocktail is a non-alcoholic drink that is designed to look and taste like a cocktail, but without the alcohol.
Q: Where can I find mocktails in South Florida?
A: Mocktails can be found at many restaurants and bars in Broward and Palm Beach counties, including Casa Sensei, The Wilder, Negroni, Davie Kava, Burt & Max’s, Farmer’s Table, Kapow Noodle Bar, Elisabetta’s, and The Restaurant at The Norton.
Q: What types of mocktails are available?
A: There are many different types of mocktails available, including fruity and sweet options, spicy and tangy options, and options made with local ingredients.
Q: Are mocktails only for people who don’t drink alcohol?
A: No, mocktails can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of whether they drink alcohol or not. They are a great option for those who want to try something new and refreshing, or for those who are looking for a non-alcoholic alternative to cocktails.
