A note from Syd: I’m in the early stages of exploring NYC’s nonalcoholic cocktail (“mocktail”) scene and have developed a deep appreciation for restaurants that offer fun, complex alcohol-free drink options. I’ll add new options as I find them, so consider this a growing list. Cheers!

Looking to make nonalcoholic cocktails at home? Check this out.

Brooklyn restaurants

Rule of Thirds (Greenpoint): A cool Japanese restaurant with a full “spirit-free” section on their cocktail menu. I loved the “Watermelon Daisy”: a watermelon-forward drink with several complimentary ingredients that create the complexity of a classic cocktail.

Miss Ada (Fort Greene): A cozy, delicious mediterranean restaurant with a list of nonalcoholic versions of a few of their classic cocktails. I loved the Veridian mocktail - a cucumber and lime forward drink that’s as refreshing as it sounds.

Francie (Williamsburg): An upscale yet relaxed European-inspired restaurant that already has a Michelin star one year into its existence. They have one nonalcoholic cocktail on the menu - I believe it’s called “Cucumber” - and it’s a great one made up of cucumber (surprise!), elderflower, soda, lime, and a couple other ingredients.

Manhattan restaurants

Thursday Kitchen (LES): A multi-cultural menu, great vibes, and no reservations makes Thursday Kitchen the perfect option for a fun, casual meal with friends. They’re known for their cocktails served in LED-lit capri sun-inspired pouches, so I was delighted to find that they have nonalcoholic options served in the same fun pouches. I got the Yuzu Tonic, which mixes yuzu with strawberry, and really enjoyed it. Definitely on the sweeter end of the nonalcoholic cocktail spectrum, but not overly sweet.

On my “want to try” list:

Sunday in Brooklyn (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)

Planta Queen (Nomad, Manhattan)

Looking to make nonalcoholic cocktails at home? Or want something to bring to a party?

Head to one of Boisson’s five NYC locations, or order from their online store. Boisson is a nonalcoholic liquor store with a huge assortment of nonalcoholic spirits, wines, mixers, and beers. I love grabbing a couple cans of Kin, Athletic Brewing, or Sovi to bring to a night out.