You don’t need a kick in your cocktail to enjoy a night out. Keep reading to see where you can find mocktails in Swan City.
Criollisimo, locations vary
Who says mocktails have to be boring? Find this booth at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market for a refreshing taste of the tropics. Drinks are made to order with fresh fruit and juice — perfect for cooling off on a sunny Saturday.
Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar, 132 S. Kentucky Ave.
This downtown staple offers an entire selection of zero-proof “temperance cocktails.” Try the cucumber elderflower cooler, made with elderflower syrup, rosemary syrup, cucumber, lime, and sparkling water.
Krazy Kombucha, 1030 S. Florida Ave.
If you want a beverage with flavor and probiotics, check out Krazy Kombucha’s taproom. We like to mix kombucha with other beverages + fruits to concoct a refreshing mocktail — our favorite is the classic strawberry.
Level up while playing old favorites like Guitar Hero and pinball during Rec Room’s happy hour.
Photo by @recroomlkld
Rec Room, 202 N. Massachusetts Ave.
Stop by this arcade bar in the heart of downtown Lakeland for games, drinks, and the occasional pop-up. Pro tip: You can turn any of Rec Room’s cocktails into a mocktail version — root beer, cream soda, and Coca-Cola products are also available.
Revival, 119 S. Kentucky Ave.
This downtown bar can whip up any cocktail into a mocktail. We ordered a non-alcoholic riff on an Aperol spritz (shown above). This biz also keeps a variety of kombucha on tap.
Quinteassence Kava Bar, 839 N. Massachusetts Ave.
If you’re looking for an alternative to your regular wine-down Wednesday or cocktail, head here. Kava is a non-alcoholic beverage, but (like alcohol) it’s a nervous system depressant. That means you can expect a similar sensation, sans alcohol. Next time you’re looking for a refreshing drink, try the blue lotus kava lemonade.
Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St.
If cocktails aren’t your thing, try a non-alcoholic beer at Swan Brewing. Reader Miriam N. suggests grabbing a can of Athletic Brewing Co.'s non-alcoholic beer to enjoy on the patio.
Smith’s American Tavern, 124 S. Tennessee Ave.
Reader Ashley B. recommends the many mocktail options at this eatery + sports simulator spot. Try the No-jito for a twist on a mojito, or the Sans-gria for a fruity sangria alternative.
The Joinery, 640 E. Main St.
A few drinks from this food hall’s bar can be made zero-proof. We’re fans of the non-alcoholic Muh Muh Muh My Paloma and the Thai One On.
Is your favorite mocktail spot not on our list? Help us out and send it our way — we’re thirsty.
Make your own
Now that you’re a zero-proof pro, the next step is making your own at home. Thankfully, we have a recipe for a buzz-free shrub mocktail from Andrew Chenoweth, Kitchen Manager at Catapult. It starts with making a fruit syrup:
- Combine an equal weight of cut fruit and sugar of choice in a sealable container.
- Seal the container and let it sit in the fridge for 72 hours.
- Using a fine mesh strainer, separate the syrup from the solids.
- Bottle the syrup for use. (This syrup will be good for about two months.)
Combine 1 ounce of your fruit syrup with 1/4 ounce of your vinegar of choice (feel free to adjust to taste). Top it with about 3 ounces of club soda and serve over ice in a rocks glass.
