With the new year comes a wave of wellness-focused resolutions and more mindful beverage choices, and Greater Fort Lauderdale emerges as an ideal destination for travelers seeking alternatives to traditional alcoholic drinks.
Whether you’re participating in Dry January, choosing to drink less or simply curious about zero-proof options, the area’s dining and bar scene proves you don’t have to sacrifice taste or experience. From rooftops and waterfront restaurants to buzzy lounges and brunch spots, here’s your guide to the best mocktails and where to find them.
Mocktail Heaven
Nubé Rooftop
Soar 26 floors above Fort Lauderdale Beach for panoramic ocean views, craft cocktails and shareable plates at Beach House Fort Lauderdale’s Nubé Rooftop experience. The whimsical cocktail menu also includes “free-spirited” libations for those who prefer to sip sans alcohol. Try the Seaside, a ritual tequila alternative made with pressed watermelon, lemon, lime, agave and sea-salt air foam.
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila
While noshing on tacos and cheesy quesadillas at Bodega Taqueria y Tequila in downtown Fort Lauderdale, wash it all down with a Gingerberry Mule. The libation blends blackberries, spiced agave, lime, apricot, and blood orange ginger beer. It’s the perfect complement to your Mexican feast without the second guess.
Mai Kai
Following an extensive four-year, $20 million-plus restoration and renovation, the Polynesian gem Mai Kai has returned to Fort Lauderdale, offering that classic Mai-Kai charm feel with modern updates. While the bar is a rum lover’s paradise, non-alcohol drinkers will be happy to know that the restaurant offers guests four incredible mocktails, ranging from a traditional twist on the piña colada to the Mai kai tropical fruit punch.
YOLO
A true Las Olas original, YOLO—short for “you only live once”—continues to wow locals and visitors alike with its ever-evolving menu and lively indoor-outdoor atmosphere. Grab a seat next to the 15-foot custom art piece dubbed The Burning Tree, and cheers with Our Little Secret. This equal parts tropical, spicy, and savory concoction comes together with Ritual Tequila Alternative, pineapple, lime, spicy Agave, and tajín.
Casa Sensei
Escape to the hidden waterways of Fort Lauderdale when you dine at Casa Sensei. The Pan-Asian Latin fusion sushi bar in the heart of Las Olas Boulevard offers cozy waterfront dining, with dishes such as ornate sushi boats and lobster guacamole. Pair your meal with one of two fruity mocktails: the Tropical Fusion, a mix of orange and pineapple juices, almond syrup, lime juice and grenadine, or the Insta-worthy Casa Sunrise, made with fresh watermelon juice and an orange slice topped with orange juice.
Ocean Prime
Set on the Intracoastal at the Las Olas Bridge, Ocean Prime Fort Lauderdale from the award-winning Cameron Mitchell Restaurants serves zero-proof cocktails alongside its prime steaks and indulgent seafood. The Blackberry Club leans bright and slightly tart with muddled berries and fresh lime, while the Panoma delivers a refreshing grapefruit bite with a touch of sparkle.
Ol’Days Farm to Table
Ol’Days takes pride in presenting farm-to-table recipes crafted from scratch, inspired by the cherished childhoods of the sister owners, Martina and Juliana Fracchia. For those starting the new year on a sober journey, a delightful array of non-alcoholic selections awaits. Two of our favorite options include the butterfly pea cloud mocktail (steamed with oat milk, lavender, and butterfly pea flower tea) and the sunset brew, a blend of “aired” coffee with a splash of natural orange juice.
Lona Cocina & Tequileria
Bask in the beachside ambiance of Lona Cocina & Tequileria on Fort Lauderdale beach and complement your meal with the Lauderdale Limonada. This refreshing blend of Seedlip Garden 108, lychee syrup, lemon, and mint is so enticing you’ll probably order a second. It pairs well with Lona's signature lobster quesadilla or the Baja fish tacos. the Baja fish tacos.
The Wilder
One of downtown Fort Lauderdale’s beloved bars is rolling out a Dry January mocktail menu that is just as delightful as its alcoholic counterparts, sans the hangover. Here’s a sneak peek at what to expect at The Wilder: True Colors, featuring fresh-pressed cucumber, lime, agave and club soda; and Lush Lofi, made with mango, almond orgeat syrup, fresh lime and pineapple. Kick back with your mocktail inside one of three lounges or on the al fresco terrace
Rooftop @W1LO
Meeting up with friends and family for a little nightcap on vacation just got even better, thanks to Rooftop’s two zero-proof libations. Enjoy gorgeous downtown Fort Lauderdale views while sipping on creative “free-spirited” cocktails, like the refreshing Garden Retreat (a blend of cucumber, strawberry, and lemon) and Thyme-Off–thyme and apple paired with Sicilian lemonade.
American Social Bar & Kitchen
A Las Olas staple for big energy and late nights, American Social proves you don’t need alcohol to keep up with the vibe. The Zero & Lavender—a zero-proof riff on the popular Fifth & Lavender—mixes a lavender-lychee blend with lemon juice, Q Club soda, and a touch of aquafaba for a light, foamy finish.
Rocco’s Tacos
Rocco’s Tacos’ dining room doesn’t slow down just because you’re going zero-proof. Order your favorite tableside guacamole and quesadillas, and pair them with one of two mocktails on the menu. The Mockarita, made with a tequila alternative and the house sour mix, keeps the classic citrus bite intact, while the Mulecumber is crisp and cooling with cucumber, basil, ginger beer, and tonic.
JWB Prime Steak and Seafood
Boasting one of the most extensive zero-proof cocktail lists is JWB Prime Steak and Seafood inside Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort. There’s the Rose Passion Lemonade, with passion fruit puree, passion fruit tea, agave, honey, and lemon juice. The Spicy Watermelon ‘Rita offers a refreshing blend of watermelon purée, lemon juice, basil, cucumber, and jalapeño.
South Bar & Kitchen
Elevate your Dry January experience at South Bar & Kitchen. The downtown Pompano Beach restaurant offers a Louisiana-inspired menu crafted from scratch, plus guilt-free and hangover-free alternatives to classic cocktails. Unwind on the spacious outdoor patio beneath a sparkling canopy of lights while sipping Ube Coconut Purple Orchids, a mocktail that captures the essence of Florida paradise with a fusion of coconut and the sweetness of ube, adorned with picturesque purple orchids.
Funky Buddha
This Oakland Park brewery is leaning into the zero-proof moment with a new mocktail menu made with fresh-pressed juices and house-made syrups, with the option to add a 2.5 mg hemp-derived THC boost for those in the mood for a different kind of unwind. One to try is the Blackberry Colt, a berry-forward sip that balances house-made blackberry ginger syrup with fresh lime juice and Funky Buddha Brewery ginger beer.
Bondi Sushi
Bondi Sushi made its highly anticipated debut in Oakland Park with its largest location yet, blending craveable sushi with a more fine-casual dining experience. It features The Bar at Bondi, a standalone cocktail bar developed in collaboration with sister concept Shinji’s. If you go, try the Yuzu Matcha, a crisp mix of matcha, cucumber concentrate, shiso, citrus, and sparkling water.
Revelry
Pompano Beach’s eclectic lounge and cocktail bar Revelry also serves up three tasty non-alcoholic mocktails dubbed “Beware Spirits” on its menu. Choose from options like the Pink Potion, a blend of Lyre’s agave blanco, orgeat, hibiscus simple, lime, pineapple, and a splash of tonic.
Fogo de Chao
A taste of southern Brazil awaits at this churrascaria on Las Olas. Be sure to pair your freshly cut meats and delectable sides with one of the clean cocktails featuring less than 0.5 percent alcohol and CleanCo Non-Alcoholic Spirits. Fogo de Chao’s options include a Clean Cosmo, Clean Sour, and Clean Cucumber Martini.
Boatyard
Set sail for the ultimate Intracoastal dining experience at Boatyard. The restaurant’s menu features two “free-spirited” zero-proof cocktails with inventive names, including the Knot Nauti (a ritual tequila alternative with strawberry and sea salt foam) and Pier Pressure (a whisky alternative featuring mango, citrus, and sparkling Sicilian lemonade).
Negroni Weston
For an urban-chic destination for international comfort fare, head to Negroni Weston. The restaurant is whipping up three mocktails from its two modern bars all season long. Choose between the Positano, with pineapple, passion fruit, aquafaba soda bitter, and orange, the NA-Groni, a non-alcoholic version of the classic restaurant's namesake, and the Free Sp(i)ritz, a zero-proof twist on the most refreshing Italian aperitif.
Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse
Whether you’re dining in during chef Michael Lewis’ New Year’s Eve tasting menu or stopping by on a quieter night afterward, Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse’s mocktails pair beautifully with its blend of Japanese flavors and American barbecue. The Kata Kana Rina layers passionfruit, chamomile, citrus, and tonic, while the Pineapple Express combines pineapple, yuzu, and matcha for a clean, balanced sip.
Teas & Juices
Java & Jam
Next time you’re looking for the perfect breakfast spot on Las Olas Boulevard, check out Java & Jam. This quaint yet sophisticated outpost offers all-day breakfast favorites, which you can pair with one of Java & Jam’s Shaker beverages. Order a favorite: Winter in Florida, a blend of mango, pineapple, fresh orange juice, cranberry, and soda. Be sure to ask your server about the seasonal rotations for super-fresh flavors.
Café Bastille
Hold the booze at Cafe Bastille in Fort Lauderdale. The all-day French cafe serves up globally inspired brunch delights all week long alongside a non-alcoholic lineup of crafted concoctions. Favorites include Passion Sunshine (honey coconut water, passion fruit, mango, and pineapple), cold-pressed juices like Healer (apple, lemon, and ginger), and specialty drinks like Beauty Protein.
Carrot Express
Everyone’s favorite healthy, fast-casual restaurant, Carrot Express on Las Olas Boulevard, offers an abundance of tasty, nutrient-dense refreshments to help guests keep their New Year's resolutions. Enjoy a tropical or power smoothie blended with collagen-boosting Vital Proteins. Or cool with a matcha lemonade or berry fusion—mixed berry tea, honey, and fresh strawberries.
JB&C
One of Flagler Village’s most popular hangouts for a great refuel is JB&C (Juice Bar & Cafe). The cafe is known for its avocado toasts, acai bowls, and fresh smoothies. If you’re looking for a healthy dose of veggies during your stay, opt for the Daily Greens. Or choose the Pick Me Up for a blend of banana, cold-brew coffee ice cubes, coffee beans, cinnamon, chia seeds, medjool dates, and almond milk.
The Soulful Steep
Dubbed “a home for your inner hippie,” The Soulful Steep is an escape into the unordinary, complete with delightful loose teas, baked goods and empanadas, a gift emporium, and a salt cave filled with 10,000 pounds of Himalayan salt for R&R. Amid mismatched furniture, soul-soothing blends, and a funky atmosphere, this Pompano Beach tea sanctuary strikes the perfect blend for those seeking a unique and flavorful experience. Pro tip: Order the locals’ favorite—the lavender latte.