Maybe it’s a weeknight and you’d like to wake up feeling refreshed, or maybe you’re getting a head start on Dry January. From the Vista to Five Points, the mocktails are flowing.
If you’re someone who has never enjoyed alcohol, or someone who has recently stopped drinking – you’re not alone.
🐓 Black Rooster
Surely, you wouldn’t call me Shirley. Gather on their rooftop bar overlooking downtown Columbia and try its “Don’t Call Me Shirley” — made with ginger beer, lime, Grenadine, and a cinnamon rosemary syrup.
Cantina 76
Hot Bourbon Cider
Spiced warm cider and an orange slice + a cinnamon stick.
Strawberry Basil Margarita
Made with muddled strawberries and basil — prepared daily, simple syrup, cranberry juice + lime juice, and garnished with a sugar rim.
☕ Kaminsky’s
If it’s something more sweet and savory you desire, look no further than Kaminsky’s dessert-inspired drinks. Though they’re alcohol free, the espresso addition will add some pep to your step. Try the “Maple Pecan Cappuccino” made with King Bean espresso, Torani hazelnut syrup, real maple syrup, steamed milk, whipped cream + pecans.
If you’d like something more toasty to balance out the cool weather, try the “S’mores Latte” made with King Bean espresso, Torani toasted marshmallow syrup, chocolate sauce + steamed milk. Served with a graham cracker rim and toasted marshmallows.
🎄 Publico
With Publico fully decked out as Santa’s Pub, this is a great place to gather with friends or guests in town for the holidays. Try its Blueberry Mock-jito, made with blueberry purée, fresh mint, fresh limes, and soda water.
🌆 Market on Main
Take a seat outdoors on Main Street and enjoy the “Carolina Sunset.” This mocktail is anything but ordinary, made with orange juice, cranberry juice, simple syrup, lemon juice, shaken,strained, topped with ginger beer + a dash of strawberry Monin.
Tazza
The Derby
Made with grapefruit, lemon juice, soda + honey.
Za’s
Blueberry Mojito Mocktail
Made with house-made blueberry simple syrup, freshly muddled mint and limes, topped with soda and garnished with a mint sprig and blueberries.
Editor’s Pick — BYOM (Build Your Own Mocktail)
With the cold weather rolling in, I think I’d make a cocktail with both sweet and heat elements. Maybe pineapple juice with a big squeeze of lime, a splash of club soda, and chili flakes sprinkled on top. That sounds like one tasty beverage.
Do any of these mocktail recipes sound tasty? Try making one at home, we won’t stop you from adding a splash of something stronger.
