Raise a glass — National Mocktail Week runs from January 8 through January 14, 2023.
Mocktail mixologist and blogger Marnie Rae founded the holiday in 2018. Her goal was to prove that zero-proof cocktails could be as refined, inspired, and delicious as any mixed drink. And it seems to be working. In a 2021 survey, over half of respondents said that they were ordering more non-alcoholic (NA) cocktails than they were a year before.
Whether you avoid alcohol year-round, plan to do Dry January, or want to celebrate National Mocktail Week with a zero-proof creation, you’ll find delightful drinks all over Orlando.
This January, quench your thirst with a mocktail at one of these eight Orlando bars.
1. The BANDBOX
The BANDBOX, a ‘20s-style speakeasy, is one of Orlando’s newest bars.
It’s also the only one on this list that exclusively serves NA drinks.
Since opening in 2022, the BANDBOX has delighted Orlando with its charming craft mocktails. Using unique NA spirits, the BANDBOX serves drinks with all the complexity of traditional cocktails. Just without an unwanted buzz. BANDBOX also serves a variety of NA wines and beers.
BANDBOX is in Ivanhoe Village, a trendy lakeside neighborhood north of downtown Orlando.
Several train lines run through the “Ivanhood.” When trains come chugging through, many local bars serve free shots. If you’re at BANDBOX and hear the rumble of a train, expect to receive a shot of one of BANDBOX’s premium NA liquors.
If you plan to sip a mocktail in BANDBOX’s intimate art deco lounge, reservations are required.
Patio seating is first-come, first-served. Since everything is non-alcoholic, you’re also welcome to order a drink to go. A lovingly made mocktail is the perfect complement to a walk around scenic Lake Ivanhoe.
If you’re traveling with kids, keep in mind that BANDBOX is 18+. A few of their offerings may contain traces of alcohol and are only for guests 21 and over. The talented mixologists can help you find the drink that’s right for you.
2. Tori Tori
Just east of Ivanhoe Village, you’ll find Mills 50. The hip neighborhood is home to many of Orlando’s best Asian restaurants, including Tori Tori. This yakitori (chicken skewer) restaurant won “Best Zero-proof Cocktail” in Orlando Weekly’s 2021 best-of list.
Tori Tori stocks its bar with unique ingredients like kumquat juice, ancho chiles, and rose syrup.
Upon request, Tori Tori’s bartenders will skillfully craft a mocktail based on your favorite flavors.
Tori Tori’s food and ambiance were also a bit hit with Orlando Weekly readers. So be sure to pair your mocktail with delicious Japanese cuisine. In addition to freshly grilled yakitori, you can enjoy skewers of shrimp, beef, pork belly, or veggies. Other options include fried rice, crab croquettes, and fried chicken with citrus-pepper sauce.
3. Hampton Social
After a busy day exploring International Drive’s amazing attractions, unwind with dinner and a mocktail at Hampton Social.
The Pointe Orlando restaurant boasts a chic coastal vibe and a huge menu. Options like ceviche, avocado pizza, oysters, and lobster rolls pair perfectly with their NA drinks. The popular Carry On mocktail features lemon and pear juices, fizzy ginger beer, and blackberry and thyme garnishes.
You can also enjoy a glass of non-alcoholic sparkling rosé.
4. Earl’s Kitchen
If your Orlando trip involves a shopping spree at the Mall at Millenia, be sure to stop by Earl’s Kitchen for a tasty NA drink.
The family-run restaurant chain has served unique and flavorful offerings in Orlando since 2016. Mocktails at Earl’s include a sparkling yuzu lemonade with orange essence, plus delicious NA takes on the Moscow mule and Aperol spritz. If you’d rather have a cold beer, try Athletic Brewing’s Run Wild NA IPA.
Earl’s also serves fantastic food, from sirloin steak to shrimp curry to tofu tacos.
5. Domu
In 2022, Domu became one of seven Orlando restaurants to earn a coveted Bib Gourmand designation from Michelin.
And with good reason: their flavorful ramen bowls and crisp Asian-fusion wings make for an unforgettable meal.
And if you dine at Domu’s flagship location, in Audubon Park’s East End Market, you can enjoy your noodles with an equally mind-blowing mocktail. Their bar menu includes the Lemony Snicket, which pairs lemon juice, orgeat syrup, and soda water. You can also enjoy a mango lychee lemonade with bountiful boba. Or sweeten your meal with a virgin pineapple daiquiri.
Other NA bar options include Topo Chico and a dry-hopped seltzer by the brewmasters at Lagunitas.
6. The Neighbors
Upstairs from Domu, you’ll find the Neighbors, a colorful lounge and gift shop.
Pick up a delicious mocktail before browsing their superb selection of fun candles, art, and apparel. Sip on a Zephyr, a breezy drink with ginger beer, lime, and cinnamon. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love the Toasted Monkey. It blends papaya milk, banana, cinnamon, and apple spice.
The Ferncreek Farm Refresher cleanses the palate with grapefruit, lime, tonic water, and herbs. Or mellow out with a Lavender Pomojito, which features lavender, pomegranate, mint, and basil.
In addition to a growing mocktail scene, Orlando has a great music scene. You can explore both if you visit the Neighbors on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon when they host live performers.
7. The Edison
Light up the night at the Edison, a fan-favorite Disney Springs restaurant.
The first thing you’ll notice when you enter the Edison is its steampunk and art deco décor.
The second thing you’ll notice is its impressive mocktail menu. Pay homage to Thomas Edison with the Phonograph, a blend of citrus juice, orgeat, and red bull. Enjoy the fruit flavors of the Smoke & Mirrors, which features pineapple and lemon juice with orgeat. Or pick a freshly made Apple Propellant mocktail with apple cider, lemon juice, honey, and ginger ale.
The Edison also serves unique Sprite-based drinks with fresh fruit syrups and botanicals.
Come with an appetite. The restaurant offers a scrumptious menu of burgers, salads, flatbreads, and mouthwatering ribs. End your meal with an indulgent slice of chocolate cake or cheesecake.
8. ’39 Poolside
Complete Orlando’s tropical Florida vibe with a frozen drink by the pool.
At ’39 Poolside on International Drive, you can vacation like a boss with a refreshing mocktail. Enjoy a virgin piña colada, daiquiri, or mudslide as you take in gorgeous views of shimmering water. Our outdoor restaurant also offers expertly made poke bowls, sandwiches, wings, and salads.
Our restaurant is in Rosen Plaza, a centrally located hotel known for top-tier hospitality.
We’re a short walk away from the Orange County Convention Center and Pointe Orlando. And we’re a quick car ride away from top Orlando theme parks, attractions, and bars with great mocktails.
