Cutting back on alcohol doesn’t have to mean staying home. More area restaurants and bars are adding nonalcoholic and low-proof options to their menus. Here are some top spots to enjoy a quality mocktail this summer and beyond.
Neutral Ground Bar and Kitchen
Sip a Cabana Breeze (with lemon, green-grape syrup, and Giffard Aperitif Bitter) or a Honeybee Fizz (with Wölffer Estate Spring in a Bottle Blanc de Blancs nonalcoholic sparkling wine, orange and grapefruit juices, and honey) on the patio at chef David Guas’ upscale-casual McLean eatery and let live jazz music transport you to his native New Orleans. If you want a hint of spirits, seasonal low-ABV herbal spritzers are available at Sunday brunch and Friday lunch. 6641 Old Dominion Dr., McLean
Leesburg Public House
This family-friendly American restaurant that aims for a London pub experience has more than craft beer on its menu. Owner John Cosgrove says, “We’re thrilled to see a growing demand for nonalcoholic options across all age groups.” His mixologists are embracing it, serving up drinks like a mango honey mule, lavender lemonade (featuring Lyre’s Dry London nonalcoholic gin), and a piña colada mocktail. There’s also a selection of alcohol-free beers. 962 Edwards Ferry Rd., NE, Leesburg
Sixty Vines
This airy Reston Town Center restaurant specializing in sustainable wines also boasts quality mocktails and nonalcoholic wines. Try The Bright Side (made with blood orange juice, Jack Rudy tonic syrup, lemon, and Fever-Tree club soda). Or sip the refreshing Blackberry Sage & Soda (with housemade blackberry syrup, muddled sage, and lemon). 11905 Market St., Reston
WHINO
The seasonal mocktails at this colorful art gallery and restaurant hybrid are as vibrant as its floor-to-ceiling murals. Head to Ballston Quarter for a Plant One on Me (featuring Seedlip Garden 108, watermelon puree, mint, lemon juice, simple syrup, and cocktail foam). Or get a kick out of the Spice of Life (a mix of Seedlip Grove 42, guava nectar, habanero syrup, and lime juice). 4238 Wilson Blvd., Second Floor, Arlington
True Food Kitchen
This health-focused chain extends its anti-inflammatory ethos to its zero-proof cocktails menu. Mocktails include the Spicy Clean Margarita (with CleanCo tequila, pineapple, lime, jalapeño, and mint) and the Blueberry 75 (with Lyre’s nonalcoholic sparkling wine, Seedlip Grove 42, and lemon). They pair perfectly with a nutritious brunch. Multiple area locations
SER
Popular zero-proof cocktails feature Spanish influences at this Arlington restaurant, where drinks are best enjoyed on the patio in the summer. On the list are the Sabilicious (with Ritual Zero Proof tequila, watermelon puree, and shishito peppers) and the Lunita G&T (featuring zero-proof gin, Fever-Tree tonic, fresh green apple, and strawberries). 1110 N. Glebe Rd., Arlington
Feature image of Leesburg Public House courtesy Torch Pictures
This story originally ran in our August issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
