Best Places to Grab a Mocktail in Louisville
Whether you’re testing the waters of mocktail culture or have been happily alcohol-free for years, here are more than 10 local establishments to shake, stir, and sip a booze-less beverage in the 502.
Canary Club | 1247 S. Shelby Street
One of Shelby Park's newest watering holes is serving up a variety of non-alcoholic cocktails, beers, and other bevs at their Shelby Street bar. Grab a Wild Rose Spritz which is made with Figlia Fiore Aperitivo, orange, lemon, and simple syrup, or for gin lovers, the Maleficent which includes NKD LDY (non-alcoholic) gin, pomegranate, lime, Ginger, and house grenadine.
Copper & Kings Rooftop Bar & Restaurant | 1121 E. Washington St., 3rd floor
Located on the top floor of Louisville's first and only American Brandy distillery, this rooftop bar and restaurant is serving up brunch and dinner along with a variety of mouthwatering mocktails. Try the Lavender Sky, a vanilla lavender lemonade, the Movin' To The Country, a peach puree, pineapple, lime, and ginger beer, or, the Jazz Ensemble, which allows you to add a variety of flavors to a tasty Topo Chico.
NoraeBar | 717 E. Market St.
This NuLu-based karaoke bar prides itself on offering alcohol-free alternatives to its house cocktails, beers, and spirits. Try the Ocean Eyes or Pineapple Skies without the liquor for a wintertime pick-me-up that will take your taste buds to the beach. Don’t forget to belt out your favorite karaoke song while you’re there, either on the main stage or in one of Norae's nine private song rooms.
Cultured Cheese Shop | 1007 E. Main St.
The superfood drink mixers from local brand Modica are the stars of the mocktail menu at this Butchertown-based cheese shop. Its three flavorful expressions include a Tart Cherry Old Fashioned, a Turmeric Ginger Mule, and Cucumber Aloe Margarita, which are all made with natural ingredients and fortified with vitamins + antioxidants. Enjoy one on Cultured’s spacious outdoor patio with one of its beautifully-curated charcuterie boards.
Planet of the Tapes | 640 Barret Ave.
In addition to offering any of its movie-inspired cocktails as mocktails for $5, this comedy club and bar also house-makes a variety of sodas, including mango pineapple, raspberry pomegranate, and lavender lemon flavors. Try the Shirley Temple of Doom or The Mangolorian sans alcohol at a Movie Trivia night the next time you're in Phoenix Hill.
Naive Kitchen & Bar | 1001 E. Washington St.
Named the Best Butchertown Restaurant in LEO Weekly’s 2022 Readers Choice Awards, this West Coast-inspired, vegetable-forward eatery prizes healthy lifestyles, making it an ideal pick for your Dry January. Its alcohol-free offerings include a Grapefruit Thyme Spritz, Modica’s Ginger Tumeric Mule, and an Apricot Tarragon Shrub Soda.
Barrel Bar & Grill | 110 W. Main St.
Heading downtown for a show at Louisville Comedy Club? This bar and grill — which is attached to the venue — has several striking mocktails to choose from, including a Zero Proof Old Fashioned using Kentucky 74, a non-alcoholic spirit produced by the local brand Spiritless. If you’re feeling more adventurous, try the Pineapple Upside Down Cake with caramel, ginger, and grenadine, or the Cinderella — with a blend of orange and pineapple juices, ginger ale, grenadine, and bitters.
LouVino Restaurant & Wine Bar | 1606 Bardstown Rd. or 11400 Main St. (Middletown)
LouVino has been recognized for its expansive wine list and fancy brunches since its opening in 2014, and regularly hosts themed dinners with food and beverage industry experts. With two Louisville locations, this swanky wine bar and restaurant also offers two varieties of mocktails for $5: its Summer Spritz and Ginger Snap.
Fork & Barrel | 1722 Frankfort Ave.
You may recognize this establishment's sister restaurant, Morning Fork, from its “The Office” and other themed brunches, but both are shaking up a variety of refreshing mocktails in their shared venue on lower Frankfort Avenue. The non-alcoholic beverages are flowing regardless of the time of day, with options like a sweet pepper lemonade, Molly & Lucy’s Punch, and the Ain’t Easy Being Green. Grab one during happy hour on Wednesday-Sunday, 3-6 p.m.
The Merryweather | 1101 Lydia St.
While this Schnitzelberg-based bar only officially offers one mocktail — the Sober Ghia Spritz — it’s worth including for its outdoor patio alone. In addition to its wealth of outdoor seating, the bar also regularly hosts local food truck pop-ups from POCO, Renshoku Ramen, Good Belly, and more.
Epiphany | 1525 Highland Ave.
Since opening at the end of 2022, this Highlands-based craft cocktail bar has come out swinging with its non-alcoholic offerings, which include an Orange Tumeric Limeade crafted with local honey from Happy Jack's Pumpkin Farm, orange blossom water, and mint. Similarly to the rest of its cocktails, Epiphany’s liquor-free libations will rotate seasonally, so hurry and try the Rose Ginger Lemonade before it’s gone.
To keep up with local mocktail happenings and recipes, check out The Mocktail Project, a locally-founded group looking to elevate the profile of non-alcoholic beverage options.
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