Introduction: The Rise of Mindful Drinking
The global rise of the sober-curious movement is reshaping cocktail culture. In cities like Los Angeles and London, bartenders and beverage brands are reimagining what a night out looks like—without the booze.
No longer limited to sugary mocktails or basic soda, today’s non-alcoholic cocktails are complex, stylish, and full of flavour. Whether you’re avoiding alcohol for health reasons, lifestyle choices, or just looking for something new, the zero-proof scene has never been more exciting.
Here’s a look at the non-alcoholic drinks trending in LA and London right now—from adaptogenic spritzes to low-sugar botanicals.
🍸 What’s Driving the Trend?
Before we dive into drink lists, let’s look at why alcohol-free cocktails are taking over:
- Health and wellness priorities
- The rise of Dry January, Sober October, and year-round sobriety
- Increased demand for functional ingredients (adaptogens, nootropics, CBD)
- Gen Z’s decreasing interest in alcohol
- Better branding and availability of premium non-alcoholic spirits
🌴 Trending Non-Alcoholic Cocktails in Los Angeles
LA’s non-alcoholic cocktail scene is all about wellness, aesthetics, and functionality. Expect Instagram-worthy drinks with feel-good ingredients.
1. Adaptogen Spritz
Where: Gjusta Grocer, Erewhon Café, De Buena Planta
What’s In It: Rhodiola, ashwagandha, citrus peel, sparkling water, orange blossom
Why It’s Hot: Combines mood-boosting adaptogens with a fresh, herbal taste—perfect for LA’s wellness crowd.
2. Cucumber Matcha Mule
Where: The Spare Room, Gracias Madre
What’s In It: Matcha tea, cucumber juice, lime, ginger beer (non-alcoholic), mint
Why It’s Hot: Energizing and hydrating with a spicy kick. A mocktail that keeps you awake and refreshed.
3. Zero-Proof Paloma
Where: Elephante, Bar Bohemien
What’s In It: Lyre’s Agave Blanco (non-alcoholic tequila alternative), grapefruit soda, lime, salt rim
Why It’s Hot: Recreates the Paloma experience without alcohol—bold, citrusy, and trendy.
4. CBD-Infused Hibiscus Cooler
Where: Moon Juice, The Butcher’s Daughter
What’s In It: Hibiscus tea, lemon, CBD drops, agave, rosemary
Why It’s Hot: Relaxing, refreshing, and packed with antioxidants.
5. Pineapple Jalapeño Shrub
Where: Non-alcoholic pop-ups, wellness cafés
What’s In It: Pineapple vinegar shrub, jalapeño, lime, sparkling water
Why It’s Hot: Combines fermented tang with spicy heat—great for gut health and flavour lovers.
🇬🇧 Trending Non-Alcoholic Cocktails in London
London’s zero-proof scene leans into elegance, botanical flavours, and craft mixology. Alcohol-free drinks are treated with the same care as traditional cocktails.
1. No-Groni (Non-Alcoholic Negroni)
Where: Nightjar, Club Soda’s Tasting Room
What’s In It: Everleaf Forest, Lyre’s Italian Orange, Aecorn Aromatic
Why It’s Hot: Bitter, complex, and grown-up—exactly what a Negroni lover wants without the booze.
2. Blackberry Sage Smash
Where: Dishoom, Seed Library
What’s In It: Blackberry syrup, sage leaves, lemon, non-alcoholic gin, soda
Why It’s Hot: A moody, earthy mocktail that tastes like autumn in a glass.
3. Botanical Collins
Where: Hide, The Connaught Bar
What’s In It: Pentire Adrift (a British non-alcoholic spirit), lemon, sugar, soda, rosemary
Why It’s Hot: Elegant and refreshing, with subtle coastal notes. A refined option for sober nights.
4. Tea-Tini
Where: Sketch, Claridge’s
What’s In It: Cold-brewed Earl Grey, lemon peel, honey, Seedlip Spice 94
Why It’s Hot: Tea-based cocktails are huge in London right now. This one delivers both depth and dryness.
5. London Mule (Zero Proof)
Where: Various pubs with alcohol-free menus
What’s In It: Alcohol-free ginger beer, lime, Seedlip Grove, cucumber
Why It’s Hot: A refreshing classic with a bitter twist—perfect for casual sipping or mocktail menus.
🍹 Alcohol-Free Spirits to Know
Whether you’re mixing at home or ordering at a bar, these non-alcoholic spirit brands are leading the trend in LA and London:
- Seedlip (UK) – Herbal, spicy, and citrus blends
- Lyre’s (Australia/Global) – Recreates classics like rum, gin, and whiskey
- Pentire (UK) – Coastal botanical spirits
- Three Spirit (UK) – Mood-enhancing functional spirits
- Optimist Drinks (LA) – California-inspired blends
- Monday Gin (US) – Non-alcoholic gin with juniper bite
🎯 Who’s Drinking Non-Alcoholic Cocktails?
These drinks aren’t just for the sober or abstainers. The demographic is wide and growing:
- Millennials and Gen Z cutting back on alcohol
- Wellness enthusiasts avoiding hangovers
- Foodies looking for refined flavour profiles
- Pregnant individuals and designated drivers
- People participating in Dry January, Sober October, or #NoBoozeNovember
🍋 How to Order Non-Alcoholic Cocktails Like a Pro
- Ask for the “zero-proof” menu at craft cocktail bars
- Say “I’m looking for something non-alcoholic, but not too sweet”
- Look for drinks using non-alcoholic spirits, not just fruit juice
- Support bars that take their NA offerings seriously—these are often listed next to traditional cocktails
✨ Final Sip
Los Angeles and London are proving that non-alcoholic cocktails can be just as dynamic, delicious, and stylish as their boozy counterparts. Whether you’re looking to cut back, stay sharp, or just explore new flavours, the options are more exciting than ever.
So next time you’re out, skip the soda and sip something special—you won’t miss the alcohol.
