Finding elevated mocktails in Wilmington is getting easier and more accessible now that more people are looking for non-alcoholic drinks and cutting back on how much they're imbibing. Many establishments in the city offer mocktails with fruit juice and syrups. Still, if you're a true non-alcoholic drinks enthusiast, you'll be looking for a zero-bar experience that serves up drinks with real non-alcoholic spirits. Step aside, Shirley Temple. Inventive, delicious—and even sexy—no-alcohol libations are a hot trend, and these are our best picks for sophisticated pours to enjoy, whether by lifestyle choice, spiritual strictures, or participation in a dry month.
Cape Fear Living Staff
Q&A with Mixologist Curran Brierley
At three10, we celebrate having delicious options for all our guests. We have put together a mocktail menu with a little something for everyone; whether you are seeking a drink to make you feel like you're sipping a cocktail or just looking for something refreshing to enjoy, we have you covered. We feature a few "zero-proof" spirits in some mocktails but also use ingredients from the kitchen and local shrub makers to help round out the mocktail program.
What makes the three10 Mocktail Menu unique?
We aren't trying to just put together non-alcoholic options to check all the boxes, but we take the time to balance each of our recipes and take pride in the final product. We love seeing our customers' faces light up when they try our mocktails for the first time and are elated to have something full of flavor and appealing to the eye.
Signature Mocktails
Our favorite mocktails are the Zero Proof Persephone and the Espresso Mocktini. The inspiration for the Zero Proof Perseohone was to have the components of a Paloma but to do it with the addition of pomegranate. The Espresso Mocktini is an excellent option for something to sip on while you enjoy one of our fabulous desserts while getting some caffeine to carry you through the rest of your evening.
Zero Proof Persephone
Ingredients: 1 oz pomegranate juice, 1 oz grapefruit juice, 1 oz lime juice, 3/4 oz agave, and about 2 oz of soda water. To make: Start by putting a salt rim on half of your glass and filling it with ice, then add all the ingredients to your shaker, except for the soda water. Shake the juice and agave mixture, then strain it into your prepared glass. Garnish with a lime wheel or pomegranate arils to add an extra "je ne sais quoi."
Espresso Mocktini
Ingredients: 1 oz espresso, 1.5 oz Lyre's Coffee Originale Non-Alcoholic Coffee Liqueur, .25 oz simple syrup, and a few small pieces of orange peel.
To make: Add all ingredients to your cocktail shaker, ice, and shake vigorously to aerate the drink while chilling and diluting it to perfection. Fine strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass, wait for the foam to settle, then finally add 3 coffee beans to the top.
What songs would you pair alongside them?
Zero Proof Persephone - Daydreaming by Milky Chance and Tash Sultana
Espresso Mocktini - You Go Down Smooth by Lake Street Dive
Q&A with Owner Anastasia Worrell
Half of our craft cocktail program at The Green House Restaurant is dedicated to non-alcoholic beverages. We devote equal, if not more, attention to these non-alcoholic cocktails than traditional ones. Our focus intensifies as we delve into the innovative realm of non-alcoholic spirits, crafting new and exciting drinks around these alternatives.
What makes The Green House Mocktail Menu unique?
At The Green House, non-alcoholic cocktails have the same level of popularity as their traditional counterparts. This trend might be unique to our bar, as our establishment attracts individuals seeking not only visually appealing and delicious food but also dishes and drinks that contribute to their overall well-being.
Signature Mocktails
Essence of Ocean
Ingredients: 1.5 oz Aplos Calme, 1.5 oz Spirulina Syrup, 1 oz Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice.
To Make: Add all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake. Strain into salt rimmed glass.
Raspberry Smash
Ingredients: Fresh raspberries, fresh mint, 1.5 Blueberry Amethyst, .75 Pomegranate syrup.
To Make: Muddle raspberries and mint. Add Blueberry Amethyst and Pomegranate syrup. Top with Soda water and garnish with mint.
What songs would you pair alongside them?
Q&A with Owner Ashley Tippler
Expect a variety of flavors as each mocktail is carefully considered and mixed with the freshest seasonal ingredients and unique twist.
What makes the Blind Elephant Mocktail Menu unique?
We put as much love into creating these mocktails as our original cocktails. Our goal is that the guest can experience the essence of indulgence without the alcohol. We have seen an influx in the craft mocktail demand, and we are delighted to offer an experience that rivals the satisfaction of cocktails. When our March cocktail & mocktail menu rolls out, we plan to offer a cannabis-infused mocktail.
Signature Mocktails
Deja Vu: 1oz Seeplip Grove, 1/2 oz peppermint tea, 1 oz coconut cream, 3/4 oz cranberry/vanilla syrup, 1/2 oz lime juice, cranberry garnish.
Oh, Bother 2oz Elderflower Immune Boost tea, 3/4 oz black peppercorn water, 1/2 oz pineapple juice, 1/4oz honey syrup, 1/2 oz orange juice, 1/2 oz lemon juice, garnish with bee pollen.
What songs would you pair alongside them?