Cutting back on alcohol but still want to go out? 9 KC bars serving specialty mocktails
If you’re looking for libations but want to hold off on the alcohol, Kansas City has great bars and restaurants serving up mocktails and non-alcoholic wine and beer.
Whether you love a cocktail mixed by your local bartender or a fresh IPA, non-alcoholic drinks and mocktails can be for everyone.
Sales for low and no alcohol sales in the U.S. rose by $395 million in 2022, according to NielseniQ, a company that studies consumer behaviors. In 2021, non-alcoholic beverages took up nearly 40% of all alcohol sales in the U.S. The company also reported that more than 80% of people buying those non-alcoholic options are also buying drinks that contain alcohol.
The COVID-19 pandemic may be behind the new trend, according to Distill Ventures, an investment company that supports alcohol-centric start-ups. The firm reported that more time at home during lockdown inspired many people to look for low and no-alcohol options for health and wellness purposes.
In general, customers can always ask bars to whip up a mocktail, but if you want to go beyond a Shirley Temple, these bars across the metro have more options to try for the sober, sober-curious and those just wanting to take it easy.
306 Armour Road, North Kansas City
Mitch e Amaro has a full menu for non-alcoholic cocktails. From their own spin on a vodka tonic to one-of-a-kind cocktails, Mitch e Amaro has options to satisfy anyone’s tastes. Their “Unbuzzed” cocktail includes a spice rum alternative by Seedlip Non-Alcoholic Spirits, cold brew coffee, rhubarb bitters and simple syrup. If you are looking for something fresh with citrus, you can try the “Garden Sour,” which includes another Seedlip spirit, lemon juice and simple syrup.
11022 Johnson Drive, Shawnee
Wild Child KC is a new bar from the minds behind the James Beard award-winning Drastic Measures that prioritizes its non-alcoholic menu. The neighborhood cocktail bar has 10 non-alcoholic cocktails on its menu. Drinks include classics like a non-alcoholic French 75 or Negroni. They also serve craft mocktails like their twist on a Paloma, which includes grapefruit, clarified watermelon, chipotle vinegar and lime acids. Wild Child also offers small-producer wines and regular craft cocktails. To make a reservation visit here.
5424 Troost Ave.
Next time you’re by Gael’s Public House on Troost Avenue, make sure to check out their “Party without Alcohol” menu. Whether you want a cocktail like the Blackberry Mock-Mojito or a non-alcoholic wine or IPA, Gael’s has 10 options to choose from.
1531 Genessee St.
Spend a night in the West Bottoms and try out the spirit-free drinks at The Campground. The bar is open Thursday through Sunday and has a small menu of alcohol-free cocktails. Their shandy drink is made with non-alcoholic whiskey and lager plus orange sorbet and lemon — perfect for the summer.
101 E. 14th St.
4705 Rainbow Blvd., Westwood
This sushi joint has multiple locations and both have a selection of alcohol-free cocktails to choose from. Make sure to try the dragon fruit lemonade, the hibiscus and pomegranate lemonade or the coconut water and strawberry lemonade.
1707 Locust St.
The Parlor serves two non-alcoholic beers from Athletic Brewing Company, based in Connecticut. The bar also serves Red Bull and Capri Sun, according to their non-alcoholic menu. “Seriously, it’s a Capri Sun,” the menu reads.
1733 Locust St.
This Crossroads bar has a solid selection of mocktails, including their “Loosey Goosey” mocktail with ginger, citrus, cherry and pomegranate juices and non-alcoholic aperitif. For $2 any mocktail on the menu can be turned into a cocktail.
4149 Pennsylvania Ave.
This midtown French wine bar has two non-alcoholic wines on the menu including a sparkling rosé and a sparkling dry riesling. There is also one lavender, lemon and honey mocktail on the menu.
1663 Summit St.
The Westside Local has four mocktails on the menu and sparkling lemonade and limeade. One is a passionate fruit drink with carrot juice, coconut water, lime and toasted coconut. There’s also non-alcoholic sparkling white wine and a THC drink to choose from.
Do you know of a great place in Kansas City for a mocktail? Leave us a suggestion at kcq@kcstar.com.
