If you’d like to take a break from drinking, but not from your social life, Sonoma County’s bar and restaurant scene has plenty of alcohol-free options. And we’re not just talking tonic water.
The growing popularity of zero proof spirits have been a game-changer for mixologists, giving mocktails all the flavor and complexity of their signature cocktails, minus the alcohol. The rise in sober and sober-curious drinkers has driven demand for creative, food-friendly sippers made with vinegar shrubs, herbs, fruit juices, bitters and syrups.
We’ve lined up some favorite Sonoma County bars that serve up fabulous mocktails and nonalcoholic beverages for Dry January observers and anyone else eager for a break from booze.
Fern Bar, Sebastopol
At Fern Bar, “free spirited” beverages are given spotlight treatment on the cocktail list rather than being pushed down to the bottom of the menu. And there’s no shortage of creativity — the mocktails include top shelf spirit alternative with housemade shrubs and syrups made with seasonal fruits and spices.
Mocktail Faves: Try the ruby-toned Euphoria, made with nonalcoholic gin, hibiscus, jasmine, goji berry, schisandra berry and prickly pear or the Free Spirits Margarita with zero-alcohol tequila, lime, agave and a vitamin B boost. 6780 Depot St., Suite 120, Sebastopol, 707-861-9603, fernbar.com
Stark’s Steak & Seafood, Santa Rosa
Stark’s is the go-to place for classic cocktails and giant steak, and a happy-hour hot-spot, but your visit doesn’t have to be booze-infused.
Mocktail Faves: The Fig-It-Out features black mission fig and allspice simple syrup, while the Piña Coolada has caramelized pineapple, coconut, lime and orange. Want something more old-school? Ask the bartender for a nonalcoholic version of your favorite cocktail or go for a bitter and soda — the bar offers housemade bitters. Railroad Square, 521 Adams St., Santa Rosa, 707-546-5100, starkrestaurants.com
Perch + Plow, Santa Rosa
Perch + Plow is serves up “boozy magic” cocktails, but the restaurant’s cocktail program also includes several standard mocktails and nonalcoholic creations made on request.
Mocktail Faves: The Strawberry Mint Smash is a refreshing blend of strawberry puree, mint syrup, lime juice and club soda. The Spicy Peach Pit — with peach puree, lime juice, habanero syrup and pepper garnish — offers a sweet-spicy kick. Try their mocktail flight for a sampling of several drinks. 90 Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa, 707-843-3582, perchandplow.com
Bravas Bar de Tapas, Healdsburg
Bravas is a Healdsburg favorite for tapas and paella on the back patio. Their Spanish-influenced food is great with flavor-packed, seasonal mocktails.
Mocktail Faves: The Warm Apple Cider — cider infused with cinnamon, clove and orange — is perfect for the cold weather. While the Pomegranate Fizz and Blood Orangina make use of seasonal winter fruits, combined with soda for those classic bubbles. 420 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-433-7700, starkrestaurants.com
Lo & Behold, Healdsburg
Owners Laura Heffernon and Laura Sanfilippo are known for their cocktail-making magic — and that extends to alcohol-free drinks as well.
Mocktail Faves: For a tropical treat, try the Caribbean Queen, made with coconut, lime, orange and passion fruit. The Guava-Cucumber Cooler is super refreshing, while the Fruity Rumba — with kiwi, strawberry, lime and seltzer — is what La Croix dreams it could be. 214 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-756-5021, loandbeholdca.com
Lazeaway Club at The Flamingo
The lounge vibes are strong at this beachy-themed restaurant inside the Flamingo Resort. Naturally, they’ve got some tasty booze-free cocktails that make you feel like you’re on vacation.
Mocktail Faves: The Pier Pressure is an exotic trip to Thailand with this concoction of Thai tea, honey, lime and a piña colada float or the Donald Palmer with roobios tea, guava, lime and Thai basil. 2777 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-545-8530, lazeawayclub.com
Jackson’s Bar and Oven
Having one of the most popular happy hours in Santa Rosa, Jackson’s knows what they’re doing behind the bar. The craft cocktails are great, but the innovative mocktails shouldn’t be overlooked.
Mocktail Faves: The Bad Girls Club is fun and delicious, made with passion fruit, coconut, lime and sparkling water. But the Flavor of Love is a cutesy standout — lemon, ice tea and prickly pear with a pink salt rim. It feels like a leveled-up Arnold Palmer, without the dull association to golf. 135 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-545-6900, jacksonsbarandoven.com
Honorable mentions
Palooza Brewery & Gastropub
Among its impressive list on beers, wines and cocktails, Palooza offers a crisp and delicious mocktail. The Garden Gimlet has muddled cucumber, garden Seedlip, lime juice and elderflower syrup. 8910 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, 707-833-4000, paloozafresh.com
Maci Martell, Heather Irwin and Sarah Steirch contributed to this article.
