Credit: @rich_loud on Instagram
Lift your spirits without drinking them! Whether you abstain from alcohol year-round, are taking part in Dry January (or Sober October), or just want to wake up without a headache, New York State is the place to sip on a delicious mocktail. From New York City’s first totally sober dive bar to a garden cafe with mocktail flights, indulge in fresh flavors and hand-crafted goodness without the taste of alcohol at these 30 places throughout the state.
JUMP TO: New York City | Capital-Saratoga | Finger Lakes | Hudson Valley | Long Island | Catskills | Thousand Islands-Seaway | Greater Niagara | Adirondacks | Central New York | Chautauqua-Allegheny
Hekate Cafe & Elixir Lounge (Manhattan)
Credit: @hero_proof on Instagram
Looking for an alternative to your average bar? In the East Village, revel in the atmosphere of New York City’s first totally sober dive bar, Hekate. Named after the Greek goddess of magic and witchcraft, this mystical lounge serves a unique menu of creative elixirs, classic mocktails, and zero abv wines and beers, that rotates regularly. Currently in the lineup for Dry January is the Alchemistress made with Pentire Seaward (a non-alcoholic spirit), blueberry basil simple syrup, lemon juice, and seltzer.
Contento (Manhattan)
Credit: Anna Pakman
This vibrant Peruvian-influenced neighborhood restaurant is a staple of the East Harlem community with delicious dishes, dazzling drinks, and an inclusive and accessible environment. Contento’s Mindful Drinking menu features four refreshing mocktails, an alcohol-free sparkling rosé, and a low-abv pilsner. Fan-favorite Cos-No is best enjoyed from the bar (half of which is positioned at a height to accommodate wheelchair users) or the floral-decorated outdoor patio.
Dante NYC (Manhattan)
Credit: @777cocktails on Instagram
Since opening its doors in 1915, Dante has been a New York City favorite and rated the world’s best bar in 2019. Their award-winning cocktail menu features an assortment of creative non-alcoholic cocktails including a blood orange spritz, an espresso shakerato, and cosmojito. Take in the friendly vibe and historic setting at one of their two New York locations in West Village or Greenwich Village.
Shaker & Vine (Schenectady)
Credit: @theshakerandvine on Instagram
Enjoy a relaxing evening sipping hand-crafted mocktails in the hip and modern atmosphere of Schenectady’s Shaker & Vine. While this lounge is the Capital Region’s first self-serve wine bar, the zero-proof menu also features tasty libations made with fresh-pressed juices and house made-syrups. Don’t Mock Me, made with chamomile syrup and apple cider, is sure to satisfy, but if nothing on the menu catches your eye, mixologists are happy to shake up custom requests.
Hamlet & Ghost (Saratoga Springs)
Credit: @rich_loud on Instagram
Once a hidden gambling spot disguised as a hardware store, Hamlet & Ghost is now a staple in the Saratoga community, known for experimental small plates and expertly-crafted beverages. The interior gives an industrial-chic vibe which pairs perfectly with its seasonally-updated spirit-free menu featuring creations like Smart Move, where tangy blackberries meet aromatic rosemary.
The Nest (Schenectady)
Sip back and relax in the fashionable atmosphere of The Nest in Schenectady. This locally-owned bar and restaurant serves up Southern cuisine and a rotating cocktail menu that’s sure to please. The non-alcoholic lineup includes a Lyres Spritz, made with pear, aperitif, lemon, and alcohol-free prosecco, which is best enjoyed alongside a classic Nest brunch.
Crazy Daisies Garden Cafe (Syracuse)
What better place to sip on a refreshing hand-crafted drink than from a garden cafe surrounded by flowers! Crazy Daisies in Syracuse features a seasonally-rotating menu with dishes made from ingredients grown right on site plus a tasty lineup of specialty-crafted mocktails made with fresh-squeezed juices and homemade simple syrups. Having trouble deciding what mocktail to indulge in? Sample them all with a mocktail flight.
Quincy Exchange (Corning)
Credit: @corning_societyy on Instagram
Experience fresh flavors, homemade dishes, and a relaxing atmosphere at the Quincy Exchange in Corning’s historic Gaffer District. Peruse the cocktail menu backed by a thoughtful bar program at the marble top bar, in the bright and spacious dining room, or from the lush garden room. The Dry menu offers a variety of options including mocktails made with Seedlip non-alcoholic spirits, as well as non-alcoholic beer.
Tallman Cocktail Club (Syracuse)
Fresh ingredients and tasty small bites can be found at this stylish yet inviting lounge in Syracuse. Dimmed lights and candle lit tables decorate the industrial interior of Tallman’s Cocktail Club, where you can peruse the assortment of zero-proof beverages. If you’re looking to try something new, Greener Pastures is made with refreshing cucumber syrup and orange blossom, or stick to non-alcoholic classics like the Margarit-0 and Dr. Zero Sour.
Huckleberry (New Paltz)
Credit: Emma Frisbie
Delectable mocktails, cocktails, and housemade pub bites with a twist can be found at this cozy bar nestled in the heart of New Paltz. Enjoy the laid back vibe from the downstairs pub area, upstairs sitting room, or cobblestone outdoor patio (with fire pits and patio heaters) while you sip on one of Huckleberry’s tasty mocktails. The Lavender-Ade and Yellow Jacket mocktails are must-tries and best paired with one of the shareable appetizers.
Padrona (Hudson)
Lift your spirits without drinking them at this playful, relaxed, yet delicious cocktail bar in Hudson. Padrona’s “fast-casual” craft cocktail menu features a vast selection of beverages including booze-free creations. The Standard, made with blueberry shrub, soda water, and orange, is a standout on the No Proof menu, and “damp” January goers may want to take a look at the Low Proof lineup for a cocktail and mocktail happy medium.
Wonderbar Beacon (Beacon)
Credit: @wonderbarbeacon on Instagram
Craft cocktails and small bites can be found at this speakeasy-style bar in Beacon. Connected to the historic Beacon movie theater, Wonderbar is packed with all kinds of charm fitting of the Roaring 20s. Sit under the sparkling chandeliers and sip on a spirit-free beverage like Every Night is Girls’ Night with turmeric simple syrup, rosewater, lemon juice, and pink peppercorn.
Bell & Anchor (Sag Harbor)
Sip waterside at Sag Harbor’s Bell & Anchor serving up new American seafood-centric cuisine and a creative medley of non-alcoholic cocktails to boot. On the menu, you’ll find a ginger sparkler with muddled mint, lime, and ginger beer, best enjoyed with oysters from the raw bar and a stunning view of the water.
The State Room (Patchogue)
Along Patchogue’s lively main street is The State Room’s intimate second floor cocktail lounge. Found in a historic building that dates back to the 1800’s, this bar boasts a spirit-free and low abv menu that features a Na’da Colada and Sans-gria plus a non-alcoholic sparkling rosé from Wolffer Estate is also on the list.
Gatsby’s Landing (Roslyn)
Credit: Marta Zielinska
Step into the world of F. Scott Fitzgerald at this Gatsby-inspired bar and restaurant in Roslyn. Check out the cocktail menu which features a non-alcoholic mint basil mojito and an aromatic berry elixir while you relax in the elegant dining room adorned with chandeliers. The outdoor patio is also open seasonally with a waterside view and patio heaters.
Nat’s Mountain House (Tannersville)
Revel in a spectacular view of the Catskills while you sip abv-free at Nat’s Mountain House in Tannersville. The quirky yet cozy design of this establishment is the perfect place to enjoy a mocktail whether you choose to sit by the fireplace or at the bar. On the non-alcoholic menu, you’ll find the cucumber cooler and Barbie drink which both pair perfectly with one of Nat’s lighter bites.
Good Night (Woodstock)
You’re bound to have a good night amidst the welcoming space at Good Night in Woodstock. Have a drink from the non-alcoholic menu over dinner, and choose from an array of globally-inspired dishes. Spirit-free cocktails include a refreshing pineapple basil fizz, a citrus almond julius, and the Concord Rickey (concord grape juice, lime, soda).
The Prospect at Scribner’s Lodge (Hunter)
Credit: @scribnerslodge on Instagram
Get a taste of mountainside ambiance from The Prospect Restaurant at Scribner’s Lodge. The menu features non-alcoholic options like the Catskill Fawn with spicy ginger, lime, and soda, and tasty local cuisine. Whether you choose to cozy up by the fireplace, have a seat at the bar, or gather with friends at one of the tables, you’ll be surrounded by spectacular views of the Catskills and sipping on a superb beverage.
The Rooftop Lounge (Oswego)
Look out at panoramic views of the heart of downtown Oswego from the Rooftop Lounge. This luxurious and vibrant space offers a place to unwind with a delicious lineup of mocktails and non-alcoholic beer. The lounge is currently featuring a Figgy Mock-Sour and Sugar Plum Spritz for the winter season which pair perfectly alongside a famous Oswego sunset.
Twin Petrels (Buffalo)
Like a brewery but for seltzer! At Twin Petrels, the tasty mocktail menu lets you go all in on the fizzy fun without the alcohol. The bright and inviting bar and dining area is sure to draw you in, but the delicious beverages (and brunch) will make you stay. The Nickel City Pretty mocktail with guava, ginger, and lemon is a favorite.
The Hollow Bistro & Brew (Clarence)
Enjoy new American cuisine with Asian influences alongside a marvelous mocktail at this unique father-daughter owned bar and restaurant. The Hollow Bistro & Brew is a tried and true staple of the Clarence community, found in the historic building that was once Erie County’s first private school. Relax in the stylish yet cozy dining room with a mocktail list that includes a cranberry lime mule and mango citrus mojito.
Marble + Rye (Buffalo)
Credit: @marbleandrye on Instagram
Indulge in a creatively-crafted beverage amidst the eclectic and fun atmosphere of Buffalo’s Marble + Rye. Have a seat at the bar and check out the non-alcoholic menu which features All Aboard, a bright and tingly drink with rose aperitivo, white pepper, and clove. Plus, Marble + Rye has a rotating seasonal mocktail, non-alcoholic beer, and delicious dishes made from scratch.
Top of the Park (Lake Placid)
Credit: @topofthepark on Instagram
A stroll down Lake Placid’s vibrant Main Street will lead you to the Top of the Park bar. Unlock stunning views of Mirror Lake and the Adirondacks while you sip on one of their craft mocktails. On the menu is On the Wagon (agave, cherry, yuzu, and pineapple foam) and Dee Dee (malt, rosemary, and ginger kombucha), among others, which are best enjoyed from the second floor outdoor deck (weather permitting).
Great Hall Bar at Hotel Saranac (Saranac Lake)
Credit: @hotelsaranac on Instagram
Pay a visit to this iconic hotel bar first constructed during the height of the Roaring 20s. The elegantly-revamped palazzo-inspired Great Hall Bar promises a peaceful evening filled with well-crafted beverages. Their signature mocktail list features a Not So Dark and Stormy and Hot Sara (blood orange, house grenadine, and lemon) best paired with a happy hour appetizer (like a pickle plate).
Mint (Glens Falls)
Credit: @rich_loud on Instagram
Zero proof elixirs, an eclectic atmosphere, and a relaxing evening are in your future at Mint in Glens Falls. Chill out at the bar or in one of the soft blue table chairs while you sip on non-alcoholic delights like chocolate martinis, blood orange jalapeño margaritas, cranberry and ginger mules, and more.
CopperTop Tavern (Vestal)
With locations in Vestal, Camillus, and North Syracuse, a mocktail from CopperTop Tavern is never far away. The cozy pub vibe is sure to pull you in with a fireplace and a diverse lineup of delicious food. All three locations feature four mocktails on their regular menu including a passionfruit spritzer and raspberry mockmule.
205 Dry (Binghamton)
Hidden behind an old secret bookcase in Binghamton is an authentic 1920s speakeasy with a story to tell. At 205 Dry, you’ll discover a menu filled with elevated bar bites and hand-crafted libations. Among the drink options, you’ll find seasonal innovations and classic mocktails like a non-alcoholic strawberry mule and a NA-groni.
Garage Taco Bar (Binghamton)
Fresh tacos and good vibes can be found at Binghamton’s Garage Taco Bar. Relish in the lively and vibrant atmosphere and take a look at the street-inspired food menu which also features non-alcoholic drinks like margaritas and non-alcoholic beer.
West Rose (Ellicottville)
Credit: @716delish on Instagram
Spend the day at Holiday Valley and afterwards soak up the apres-ski vibes at the West Rose in Ellicottville. The warm ambiance and open kitchen layout highlighting the wood-burning pizza oven and seasonally-rotating food menu (with vegetarian dishes) are not to be missed. Booze-free options include a variety of house-made sodas and non-alcoholic versions of the extensive cocktail list, for half the price.
EBC Tap + Bottle & Taqueria (Ellicottville)
Sip on alcohol-free margaritas at Ellicottville Brewing Company’s newest addition Tap + Bottle & Taqueria. This authentically-influenced taqueria, inspired by Mexican Al pastor dining offers up a vibrant and inviting atmosphere where you’ll find spirit-free options of signature cocktails and house margaritas like blood orange and smoked pear.
Share your New York State adventures with us on Instagram and Twitter with #iSpyNY and tag us on Facebook!