Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
Platypus mocktails (from left: Huff and Puff, Cape Floral spritzer, Baloney Negroni, Blueberry Plush, Big Head)
Melinda Cooper, Niche Food Group’s beverage and bar director, is responsible for curating the non-alcoholic drinks across the local hospitality powerhouse’s properties. At Bowood, guests can choose from a hefty selection of boozeless beverages, including a trio of cocktails made with BARE zero-proof. 4605 Olive. 314-454-6868.
Try this: N/Aked and Obscure (BARE zero-proof tequila, rosemary, lavender, lime, Leitz 0% Rosé)
In addition to the standard cocktails offered in the restaurant and at neighboring Brass Bar, Brasserie offers a handful of mocktails. Two cocktails in particular, the Pamplemule and Sour Cherry Mule, feature ginger beer. The spicy complexity of the ginger will make you forget there’s no booze included. 4580 Laclede. 314-454-0600.
Try this: Pamplemule (lime juice, simple syrup, ginger beer, grapefruit juice)
The creativity that has made chef-owner Nick Bognar’s Botanical Heights hot spot one of the leaders on the local dining scene extends to the drink menu. indo offers one dedicated boozeless drink, the Let That Man-Go made with non-alcoholic gin, and can make several other standard cocktails spirit-free. 1641D Tower Grove. 314-899-9333.
Try this: Whisky Cha Boran (BARE zero-proof bourbon, Earl Grey-infused palm sugar, aromatic bitters, Peychaud’s bitters)
Upon walking into City Foundry’s Dining Hall, guests are greeted by the sight of a large bar that serves as the center point for drinks. The good news is that there are several non-alcoholic options to be found at Kitchen Bar, including cocktails. You’ll be able to find a drink to match whichever of the many restaurants you order from. 3730 Foundry Way.
Try this: On Call (Excel R-Pep, cold brew, orange).
In addition to non-alcoholic beers by WellBeing Brewing and Athletic Brewing Co., this Clayton eatery offers a trio of cocktails that are both tasty and made so that anyone can enjoy a sip. Available mocktails include drinks made with either zero-proof gin or sparkling wine. 7734 Forsyth. 314-862-6603.
Try this: N’Dontcha (BARE zero-proof gin, blood orange cordial, Limonata)
It’s hard to top the selection found on the expansive drink menu at this St. Louis institution, where knowledgeable bartenders mix exquisite versions of the classics as well as creative drinks unique to the restaurant. Of course, Planter’s House also makes mocktails that are sure to please. 1000 Mississippi. 314-696-2603.
Try this: Jungle Gym (Giffard Aperitif syrup, pineapple, lime juice)
The constantly updated drink menu at this bar in The Grove means every trip is sure to be unique. Co-owners Meredith Barry and Tony Saputo use their expertise in mixology to create fun, lively cocktails that are as gorgeous as they are tasty. Some are spirit-free versions of classic cocktails, such as the Baloney Negroni (Ritual gin, Bare zero-proof gin, Abstinence Blood Orange Aperitif, Coca Cola “vermouth”), and others are their own unique creations, like the Huff and Puff (Bare zero-proof gin, Abstinence Cape Floral, Abstinence lemon bitter, lemon, agave, Giffard Aperitif). 4501 Manchester. 314-448-1622.
Try this: Blueberry Plush (Abstinence Cape Citrus, Abstinence Lemon Aperitif, blueberry hibiscus tea syrup, lemon, grapefruit)
Pops’s serves more than 30 non-alcoholic canned options, and also has several zero-proof spirits and bitters behind the bar. Available brands include WellBeing, Cheerz, Mighty Kind, BARE, Pathfinder, All The Bitter cocktail bitters, and Athletic Brewing. 5249 Pattison. 314-776-4200.
The beverage menu at this Central West End gastropub can hold its own with the best in town. In addition to the nearly two dozen boozy cocktails available at the bar, Retreat’s mocktail menu covers all the bases. You’ll find sparkling wine, CBD seltzer, zero-alcohol beer, and, of course, a handful of spirit-free cocktails. 6 N. Sarah. 314-261-4497.
Try this: Mango No-jito (mango, mint, orgeat syrup, lime, sugar, Topo Chico)
This cozy neighborhood bar near Tower Grove Park has a well-earned reputation for crafting great cocktails. The backyard courtyard is also a great place for sipping a drink and enjoying nice weather. If you’re looking for non-alcoholic mixed drinks, the Royale has a handful of choices based on classic cocktails. 3132 S. Kingshighway. 314-772-3600.
Try this: French 77 (Club soda, Earl Grey-honey simple syrup, lemon, lemon twist)
Salve opened last year as the successor to Cafe Natasha, an institution on the South Grand dining scene. Like its predecessor, Salve continues to offer a robust selection of cocktails and wines curated by the neighboring Gin Room. The restaurant also serves a variety of non-alcoholic drinks that feature all of the taste of a traditional cocktail, minus the booze. 3200 S. Grand. 314-771-3411.
Try this: Garden Marg (BARE zero-proof tequila, simple syrup, lime juice, toasted dehydrated lime)
Come for one of the most distinctive date night experiences in St. Louis. Stay for a drink or two, while choosing from a varied selection of mocktails, non-alcoholic beers and more. To get in, find the password on Instagram. 1009 Olive.
Try this: Fauxrita (BARE zero-proof tequila, lemon, simple syrup, orange)
This vegetable-forward restaurant offers a one-of-a-kind, thoughtfully-executed dining experience at its location in Cortex. Vicia is also leaning into the spirit-free trend, expanding its selection of non-alcoholic beverages to be offered year round. Options include mocktails, wines, and beers. 4260 Forest Park. 314-553-9239.
Try this: Lemongrass (tamarind, ginger, lime)
This buzzy spot in the Central West End features a drink menu full of creative cocktails to please a variety of tastes. That extends to the non-alcoholic offerings, which focus on fruity, flavorful mocktails made with a range of fun ingredients. 4659 Lindell. 314-499-1509.
Try this: Belly Bump (coconut, pineapple, ginger, turmeric, lime)
