Modern Mocktails For The Sober-Curious

Set that Shirley Temple aside and use your Arnold Palmer to water the plants. There’s a new drink in town. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option for your next night out or during your wedding planning sessions, just ask the bartender to mix it up with a mocktail.

Mocktails, or non-alcoholic cocktails, can be just as fun to sip as their alcohol-infused counterparts. These booze-free beverages are making a splash, drizzle, garnish, and dash at establishments all over the world, as more folks “put the plug in the jug” or just don’t want to be that guest at the reception. Make sure to ask your mixologist what specialties they might have for your sober, or just sober-curious, wedding guests, and see how inventive they can be.

If you’re on the East End, we have a few places you might want to try, not only as wedding venue possibilities, but because of their fancy mocktail prowess.

The Halyard — Take in the breathtaking views at the Sound View in Greenport while sipping on a mocktail that blows your mind. The hotel’s restaurant, The Halyard, offers “The Flower Bomb,” a mixture of fresh-squeezed orange juice, cranberry juice, aquafaba, and soothing lavender syrup. Served up in a coupe glass, it’ll be hard to find another drink as dashing and delicious as this. www.thehalyardgreenport.com

Almond — Want something sweeter? Pop on by Almond Restaurant in Bridgehampton for its signature “Cherry Mocktail.” With pineapples, oranges, and limes, this drink is packed with a fruity punch that only Almond can offer. Drizzled with cherry juice and garnished with a slice of orange, this mocktail seems like it should be sipped as the sunset dips over the Atlantic Ocean on a perfect Hamptons beach day. www.almondrestaurant.com

The Clubhouse — If you’re looking for something that shakes, ask for a “Mock-a-rita” at The Clubhouse in East Hampton. A little bit of citrus mixed with some lime juice and fresh mint is all you need to serve up this fruity favorite. Throw the ingredients into a shaker and shake, shake, shake! Serve in a frozen salted glass and garnish with a lime for a good (sober) time. www.ehitclubhouse.com

Not your cup of tea? Then order a “Kaylee.” Affectionately named after its creator, the “Kaylee” is made up of thirst-quenching watermelon juice and sweet agave syrup. Garnished with a slice of cucumber and sprig of mint, this mocktail is as fresh as it gets.

The Maidstone — And while you’re in town, stop by and have a rest at The Maidstone in East Hampton. This home-style hotel serves up a bubbly treat to top off your evening. Ask for its “Watermelon Mocktail” and you won’t be disappointed. Club soda, fresh watermelon juice, orange juice, and a splash of grenadine are all you need to set the scene as you end your booze-free event in the Hamptons. www.themaidstone.com

Gurney’s Montauk — Scarpetta Beach, with its forever views of the ocean, offers up two different signature mocktails (or, as it says on its menu, soft cocktails). First is the “No-Groni,” a combo of dried orange zest, chinotto, and sparkling soda, and second, the “Ditch Plains,” a tangy beverage with cucumber, lime, mint, and soda. www.scarpettarestaurants.com

Although the champagne toast to the bride and groom is the traditional drink, for some, that’s just one drink too many. Offering up mocktails for your guests and bridal party can be a way your sober friends and family can partake without falling off the wagon. Cheers!