With the New Year comes a wave of resolutions focused on wellness and making mindful beverage choices, and the Greater Fort Lauderdale area emerges as a perfect destination for those seeking alternatives to traditional alcoholic drinks.
Whether you're embracing a teetotaler lifestyle, participating in Dry January, or simply eager to explore the world of exciting zero-proof beverages, Greater Fort Lauderdale is the place to be. These alternatives are so yummy that your commitment to wellness doesn't mean compromising on flavor or fun. Here’s your guide to Greater Fort Lauderdale’s best drinks and where to find them.
Mocktail Heaven
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 and won’t have you second-guessing your beverage choice.
Casa Sensei
Escape to the delightful reprieve of Fort Lauderdale’s hidden waterways when you dine at Casa Sensei. The Pan-Asian Latin fusion and sushi bar in the heart of Las Olas Boulevard is the perfect spot to enjoy cozy waterfront dining with dishes like ornate sushi boats, lobster guacamole, and Korean grilled steak chimichurri with wasabi mashed potatoes. Pair it with 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 orange slice topped with orange juice.
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 inside the new Ol’Days on Las Olas Boulevard, including refreshing mocktails. Two of our favorite options include the butterfly pea cloud mocktail (steamed with oat milk, lavender, and butterfly pea flower tea) and a mocktail espresso tonic infused with blood orange.
Lona Cocina & Tequileria
Bask in the beachside ambiance of Lona Cocina & Tequileria on Fort Lauderdale beach and complement your meal with the El Chavo mocktail. This refreshing blend of Seedlip 108, orgeat syrup, cranberry, and lime is so enticing you might find yourself requesting a second serving. It pairs perfectly with Lona's signature lobster quesadilla or the Baja fish tacos.
The Wilder
One of downtown Fort Lauderdale’s beloved bars, is once again introducing a Dry January mocktail menu that will be just as delightful as its alcoholic counterparts — sans hangover if you drink one too many. Here’s a sneak peek of 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 three lounges or on the al fresco terrace.
Palm Room
Another great bar to visit with friends and family is Palm Room. Located on Las Olas Boulevard, this tropical sports lounge is the quintessential spot to enjoy Dry January specials like the Cool It. This mocktail is a mixture of watermelon, fresh lime, and mint combined with strawberry rose Recess Sparkling Water and mood-enhancing magnesium and adaptogen. Talk about a libation that sounds just as good as it looks.
The Modern Rose
With locations in Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and a soon-to-open Hollywood locale, The Modern Rose is spreading its delicious food and beverage concept like wildfire in South Florida. This beloved cafe is known for inventive bites, creative coffees, and a tea program featuring more than 60 different organic, single-origin, locally sourced, and boutique teas. But that’s not it; the concept is rolling out its new “All Spirit, Zero Proof” cocktail menu, available as a part of nighttime programming in partnership with Lyre's. The five mocktails range from the Matcha Coupe: Modern matcha, Lyre's Dry London, lemon, vanilla, and egg white to the Modern Espresso Martini: Modern Deco espresso, Lyre's Coffee Originale, Lyre's Dark Cane, and Lyre's Amaretti.
JWB Prime Steak and Seafood
Boasting one of the most extensive zero-proof cocktail lists in Greater Fort Lauderdale is JWB Prime Steak and Seafood inside the famed Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort. The menu features an array of delightfully refreshing libations that will have you forgetting your drink is made without alcohol. Think: the Passion Fruit Sour, with passion fruit purée, lemon juice, vanilla, green apple, and jalapeño and the Spicy Watermelon ‘Rita, a refreshing blend of watermelon purée, lemon juice, basil, cucumber, and jalapeño.
South Bar & Kitchen
Photo Credit: South Florida Date Night
Elevate your Dry January experience at South Bar & Kitchen. The new restaurant in downtown Pompano Beach offers a mouthwatering 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 enjoying the gorgeous Ube Coconut Purple Orchids, a mocktail encompassing the essence of Florida paradise with a fusion of coconut and sweetness of ube, adorned with picturesque purple orchids.
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.
Teas & Juices
Java & Jam
Who said brunch had to be boozy? Next time you’re looking for the perfect breakfast spot on Las Olas Boulevard, check out Java & Jam. This quaint yet sophisticated outpost offers breakfast favorites all day, which you can enjoy 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 the newly opened Cafe Bastille in Fort Lauderdale. The all-day French cafe is serving up globally inspired brunch delights all week long alongside a non-alcoholic lineup of crafted concoctions. Favorites include the Passion Sunshine (honey coconut water, passion fruit, mango, and pineapple), cold-pressed juices like the Healer (apple, lemon, and ginger); and specialty drinks like the Collagen Mocha.
Carrot Express
Everyone’s favorite fast-casual restaurant, Carrot Express, has finally opened on Las Olas Boulevard, offering delicious and nutritious foods that elude most health-conscious meals. Aside from the eatery’s famous wraps and bowls, Carrot Express features an abundance of delicious and nutrient-dense refreshments to support guests in keeping their New Year's resolutions. Stay hydrated with the Pitaya Colada, made with Brazilian nuts, pitaya, pineapple coconut water, banana, strawberry, and chia seeds. If you’re a juice lover, opt for the Here Comes the Sun, a blend of carrot, orange, apple, lemon, ginger, and turmeric.
JB&C
One of Flagler Village’s most popular hangouts for a great refuel is JB&C (Juice Bar & Cafe). Known for avocado toasts and acai bowls, the cafe also serves a tasty offering of smoothies for any time of day. 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 date, 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.