There are two months, every year, where the abstinence of booze is encouraged, and October happens to be one of them. If you’re doing Go Sober For October and need a pick-me-up (that isn’t a sad-looking glass of orange and passionfruit-flavoured J20) – you’re in luck. DesignMyNight have tried and tested a plethora of mocktails across the capital to bring us the best ten in town. From Harry Potter-inspired Butterscotch Brew to luxury mixes topped with gold leaves, you’ll ditch booze for good when you try these alcohol-free mixes.
Dandelyan was recently voted the World’s Best Cocktail Bar – and for bloody good reason. The interiors are the definition of Insta-worthy and as for the cocktails? There isn’t a superlative to do them justice. From fancy flutes to ice-cold coupes, you’ll find all manner of libations on the list, including mocktails. Eye up the booze-less section and you’ll see the Million Dollar Smile. Made with Seedlip Spice, roasted sweet potato, off-cut cordial and grass – one mouthful and you’d swear you were drinking the booziest cocktail in town.
Giving up alcohol can be hard – that’s why Joe’s Southern Table & Bar have a little section of their menu that’s dedicated to booze-free drinks. All three are on the money but we say go for the Creamy Lilt. It’s an exotic number marrying pineapple juice and freshly squeezed lemon juice, coconut cream and ginger beer. In the height of summer or in the depths of winter, this drink’s a sure winner.
Located on the eighth floor of the iconic OXO Tower, you don’t need us to tell you that the views from OXO restaurant are out of this world. It’s a swish spot for food and drinks, yes, but they have a selection of mocktails that are almost as impressive as the views. There are five mocktails to choose from including Seeds of Change, which is a sweet and satisfying mix of guava juice, crushed raspberries, lime juice and fresh pomegranate.
Wright Brothers Soho
Wright Brothers might be known for their seafood offering but they know a thing or two when it comes to alcohol-free cocktails too. They have four options printed on their menu, with quirky names like What’s Up Doc and Barely & Time enticing you to try all four. We have a soft spot for Purple Rain though. It’s made with Seedlip Garden 108, beetroot, apple and ginger juice, rosemary and sugar syrup. It’s so good, you’ll be wondering why you ever drank alcohol in the first place.
34 Mayfair is one helluva place. Whether you go here to celebrate something special or for no reason other than to treat yourself – make sure you check out their ‘Luxury Non-Alcoholic Cocktails’. The Gold Tea is made with oolong rare tea, cacao syrup, orange juice and grated cinnamon. It’s then crowned with an indulgent chocolate disc and an edible gold leaf.
Sexy Fish has been visited by many famous faces since opening in 2015, and it’s known far and wide for its opulent, outlandish interiors. The food is Asian-inspired and they have the biggest Japanese whisky collection in London. Impressive, huh? It hasn’t forgotten about bringing some booze-free options to the table though. Their Seedside mocktail is made using Seedlip Green Garden, lime juice, sugar, mint and a generous splash of soda.
Sitting pretty along the banks of The Thames, Rumpus Rooms is a beautiful cocktail bar with stunning interiors and views. It even has an outdoor terrace where you can steal away at snippets of St Paul’s and other iconic London buildings. The cocktail menu here is split into two sections: ‘The Brits’ and ‘The Americans’, and although there’s only one mocktail on there – it’s a bloody brilliant one. Innocent Pleasure is a sweet and sultry mix of raspberries, cherry nectar, egg white, Seedslip Spice 94, lime and grapefruit.
You’re a muggle and you’re doing Go Sober For October. If there’s one thing to get you through the month, it’s the new limited edition cocktails at St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. Pick from The Lemon Bomb or the Butterscotch Brew – that’s served in a tankard filled with salted caramel, butterscotch and bubbles – and watch as this magic mixology tricks you into thinking you’re drinking actual booze.
Dimly lit and boasting its very own wine wall, the Amaranto Bar at The Four Seasons is a place where the finer things in life reign supreme. Sink into one of their ruby red armchairs this October and order the Seedlip Spice. It’s a tongue tingling mix of Seedlip Spice 94, fresh pink grapefruit juice, cardamom and kumquat cordial.
There are plenty of bars to swoon over in London, and Aviator at Hush Mayfair is one of ‘em. Rocking ‘60s style furnishings and lots of cosy corners; they have a passport-style menu ready to whisk you away from the bustling streets outside. It’s not all about booze here either, they have plenty of mocktails to help keep you on the wagon. The Vanilla Sky is a tricky and fiery blend of apple juice, vanilla syrup, fresh lime juice, ginger, mint and ginger beer.
For more info on the best bars in London, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Instagram and Twitter; @DesignMyNight.
By Leighanne Bent
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