LA’s Best Mocktails - 2025 February

For about a dozen years now, Alcohol Change U.K.’s campaign has grown into a yearly worldwide trend known as Dry January. In 2024, over a quarter of adults aged 21 and older in the United States participated in this month-long abstinence from alcohol, according to CivicScience’s analysis. However, the interest in non-alcoholic options doesn’t wane after January ends, particularly given the mounting scientific evidence linking alcohol to certain types of cancer. This increasing desire for alternatives is quenched by a continually growing variety of sophisticated, alcohol-free cocktails that are available throughout the year at numerous modern bars and eateries. This trend is particularly prevalent in Los Angeles, which seems to be leading the charge. In fact, it’s rare to find a menu here without an entire section dedicated to zero-proof concoctions, although the price tags on these drinks can rival those of alcoholic ones.

According to Steven Minor, corporate beverage director of SH Hotels & Resorts (which manages 1 Hotel West Hollywood), this trend showcases a wider societal move towards thoughtful consumption, health-conscious lifestyles, and premium drinking experiences.

As a passionate enthusiast, I’d like to share my personal top 10 list of the most exquisite non-alcoholic cocktails currently gracing bars across Los Angeles. Each one is meticulously crafted, maintaining every bit of flavor without the accompanying headache. The only thing left out is the morning-after regret!

No-Groni

The Terrace at the Maybourne Beverly Hills

The rooftop bar at the hotel is where you’ll find Dante, a well-known NYC establishment famed for crafting exceptional Negronis. While it also offers enticing non-alcoholic alternatives, they are carefully balanced with bitterness and served over a block of ice. Daniel Sabo, the food and beverage director, explains that these versions incorporate blood orange juice to give them a touch of brightness and acidity, teetering on the verge of being sour.

Homemade Yuzu Soda

Rokusho, Hollywood

This drink offers a refreshing twist on the highball, blending a zesty lemon flavor with earthy undertones from agave. It’s adorned with lime peel for an appealing visual appeal that’s perfect for social media. However, it’s not just about looks; it has a strong minerality that complements the sleek, monochromatic ambiance of this Japanese restaurant, giving it a moody charm.

Waste Not, Want Not

Bacari, Beverly Hills

At this exceptional small-plate restaurant, they creatively utilize leftover pineapple rinds and peels from their dishes to brew a non-alcoholic version of the traditional Mexican beverage, Tepache. They blend this concoction with freshly squeezed ginger, honey, lime, and a hint of cayenne, then add soda for a slightly sweet, refreshing drink reminiscent of springtime.

N/A-Groni

Mother Wolf, Hollywood

Experiencing one of the city’s top Italian feasts without the tantalizing allure of a well-crafted Negroni seems hard to fathom. The non-alcoholic version mimics the bitter and herbal qualities found in Lyre, a widely recognized zero-proof brand that offers stand-ins for both Campari and gin. These alternatives are blended harmoniously with Italian orange for a zesty twist that resembles the original, visually and in taste, to a large extent.

Winter Sour

Hatchet Hall, Culver City

There’s no requirement that something without alcohol necessarily has to be simple, as shown in this autumnal twist on a whiskey sour recipe. The foundation of this drink is a homemade non-alcoholic “whiskey” concocted by our beverage director, Dave Purcell, using leftover toasted sourdough bread from the kitchen. He then incorporates dried peaches and figs, molasses, cinnamon, sandalwood, and a hint of chipotle spice. Shaken without any actual liquid, this drink can even be savored by vegans due to the use of an egg white substitute.

Akabanaa

Uchi, West Hollywood

This compelling non-alcoholic margarita substitute blends Ritual’s mineral-rich tequila stand-in with a homemade syrup made from hibiscus and lime infused with agave. Nicknamed after the Japanese word for “red flower,” this drink is tart, zesty, and boasts an almost magenta color. The citrus undertones in the cocktail complement its flavor particularly well when paired with the restaurant’s intricately spiced dishes, such as pork belly glazed with pepper rose sauce.

Zero Proof G+T

Stella, West Hollywood

On occasion, simplicity can be astonishingly remarkable, a fact that gin and tonic connoisseurs would wholeheartedly agree with. At Stella, this timeless favorite is played on repeat. The star ingredient is Seedlip Spice 94, which boasts flavors reminiscent of allspice and cardamom. To complete the mix, an artisanal tonic is included, along with lavender and grapefruit to enhance the floral fragrance.

The original simplicity of gin and tonic can sometimes be surprisingly impressive. At Stella, this classic drink is frequently played, featuring Seedlip Spice 94 as its main component, which has a subtle hint of allspice and cardamom flavors. A premium tonic water is added, along with lavender and grapefruit to intensify the floral aroma.)

Flush Reale

Marea, Beverly Hills

This creative twist on a Kir Royale offers an appealing blend of visual and gastronomic delight. It commences with a crisp white vermouth infused with rosemary and thyme, followed by muddled fresh fruits and mint, and concludes with a non-alcoholic fizzy wine as the finale. “It skillfully combines the tangy richness of morello cherries with the refreshing flavor of mint,” proudly asserts Kaleb Kiger, the wine director for the recently launched upscale seafood eatery.

Sea Spritz

Tomat, Westchester

Tomat blends Japanese, Persian, and Californian influences, offering a rooftop bar and garden that mirrors the creativity in its kitchen. Notably, they produce their own cordials, shrubs, and kombuchas, all inspired by the changing seasons. The Sea Spritz is particularly popular – a refreshing blend of woodruff, sea buckthorn, and wild seaweed, subtly hinting at the taste of the sea.

Dreamsicle

Cara Cara, DTLA

On the rooftop of the Proper Hotel in downtown L.A., guests can enjoy cocktails with a panoramic view. This includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, as there are at least six options for the latter. The Dreamsicle is a delightful, creamy drink that serves as an excellent introduction. It combines blood orange, lime, and almond milk to resemble a beloved childhood treat.

The story you’re reading was published in the February 12th edition of The Hollywood Reporter Magazine. To ensure you don’t miss out on future issues, consider subscribing.

2025-02-15 22:25