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A wine glass filled with orange cocktail garnished with a sprig of rosemary and lemon. — The Plot

Where to Sip Artful Non-Alcoholic Cocktails in San Diego

From zero-proof spirits to house infusions, these mocktails have all of the vim and with none of the vigor of a regular cocktail

by Kelly Bone@TheVegFoodie Sep 23, 2021, 9:05am PDT

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The Plot

| Hannah Guthman

by Kelly Bone@TheVegFoodie Sep 23, 2021, 9:05am PDT

House infusions, fresh-pressed juices, and aromatic bitters have taken center stage in the growing field of mocktails as the interest in alcohol-free drinks is on the rise. Local bars and restaurants have taken notice and many now offer much more than Shirley Temples. Zero-proof spirits have also found their way behind the bar, opening new possibilities for bartenders and ensuring that abstainers, as well as those who are just cutting back on their liquor intake, can still enjoy a night out.

Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; the latest data about the delta variant indicates that it may pose a low-to-moderate risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial transmission. The latest CDC guidance is here; find a COVID-19 vaccination site here.

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The Plot

At the Plot, diners can indulge in the herbaceous joy of a gin and tonicw ithout the buzz. The Plot’s NA GnT features house tonic syrup, sparkling water, and Seedlip Grove (a light non-alcoholic spirit distilled with bitter orange and lemongrass), garnished with sprig of rosemary. The Kismet hibiscus shrub and soda is made with a slightly tart and floral vinegar from San Diego-based refinery Kismet combined with soda water and blue basil from the Plot’s own garden.

1733 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054

Visit Website

A bottle of Seedlip along with a mocktail and bitters from The Plot — The Plot

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The Shop: Pizza + Cocktails

Pair your pizza with the perfect mocktail at Rancho Bernardo’s the Shop. Go tart with passionfruit and citrus or take a refreshing sip of its cucumber mint mocktail between slices of loaded deep-dish pizza.

11967 Bernardo Plaza Dr, San Diego, CA 92128

Visit Website

A view of the dining room and bar at the Shop. — The Shop

Also featured in:

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Beeside Balcony

On the breezy balcony of Beeside you can hold the spirits from any of its cocktails. Enjoy a Prickly Lady with prickly pear, lime, and Burlesque bitters or try a virgin Black’s Beach, a blend of grapefruit and lemon juice spiked with grapefruit bitters beneath a black salt rim.

1201 Camino Del Mar #200, Del Mar, CA 92014

Visit Website

The two-story storefront with glass windows at Beeside Balcony. — Beeside Balcony

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Addison

Perfection runs through the bar program at Addison regardless of its spirit status. Let the bartenders know your preferences and they will craft a mocktail — punctuated with seasonal fruits and herbs — tailored to you and the evening’s tasting menu.

Open in Google Maps

5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego, CA 92130

Visit Website

The grand entryway of Addison at sunset. — Addison Restaurant

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Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

The weight of the world lifts as while meandering through the gardens of Estancia La Jolla. Keep the visit light with mocktails like its summer fizz, a bubbly blend of Seedlip Grove 42, ginger beer, lemon syrup, and mulled spices.

Open in Google Maps

9700 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

A cluster of outdoor tables on the patio at Mustangs & Burros. — Mustangs & Burros

Also featured in:

Raised by Wolves

Always aiming to please, the bartenders at Raised By Wolves can make many of the menu’s selections alcohol-free. Ask for an adult Shirley Temple and you may receive a pile of pebble ice, pink with grenadine and acid phosphate with club soda and brandied cherry. Or, point them in a flavor direction and trust their imagination to deliver a mocktail designed just for you.

Open in Google Maps

4301 La Jolla Village Dr #2030, San Diego, CA 92122

Visit Website

The dome-shaped central bar inside Raised by Wolves. — Raised by Wolves

Also featured in:

16 Speakeasies to Check Out in San Diego

Duke's La Jolla

The pale purple hue of the virgin lavender colada will delight diners of all ages. This frozen slushie concoction features local and organic lavender simple syrup and coconut with fresh pineapple. Or, go a little lighter with a ginger lime fizz, a sparkling glass of ginger beer and pineapple.

1216 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Two blended drinks garnished with pineapple at Duke’s La Jolla. — Duke’s La Jolla

Also featured in:

Sycamore Den

With its late summer menu still going strong, house favorites like the Ukrainian Dance Party can be made virgin while retaining its vibrancy due to a combination of beets, buckthorn berries, lemon juice, and orange slices.

3391 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116

Visit Website

An overhead view of a red cocktail garnished with an orange slice at Sycamore Den. — Sycamore Den

Also featured in:

619 Spirits North Park

This North Park spot is known for its locally-distilled libations but it has plenty of alcohol-free drinks like the rhubarb limeade or a refreshing blackberry lavender lemonade.

3015 Lincoln Ave, San Diego, CA 92104

Visit Website

An outdoor patio and drinking rail at 619 Spirits. — 619 Spirits North Park

Also featured in:

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Mister A's

With sweeping views of San Diego, Mister A’s is a prime spot for a classy night out, and if that night doesn’t involve booze this bar has you covered. Currently on offer is the no proof cactus-pineapple fresca, an agua fresca with juiced and blended fresh fruit and cactus.

2550 Fifth Ave 12th floor, San Diego, CA 92103

Visit Website

A green cocktail on a white tablecloth at Mr. A’s. — Mister A’s

Also featured in:

The Rose Wine Bar

While it’s home to one of the best collections of natural wines in San Diego, those looking for zero-proof drinks will be just as pleased. Utilizing Lyres alcohol-free spirits, the Rose has crafted the Summer Daz with orange sec, cucumber-limeade and mineral water and the Not an Aperol Spritz with an Amalfi bitters cordial.

2219 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104

Visit Website

A wall of wine shelves at the Rose. — The Rose

Also featured in:

Juniper & Ivy

Beverage director Nicholas Gergen always keeps no-proof choices on the menu. As the name implies, the Something Seasonal mocktail evolves throughout the year. Right now, guests can sipa blend of Granny Smith apple juice with fresh lemon, cinnamon demerara syrup, and soda.

2228 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

A yellow-hued cocktail in a tall glass garnished with a cinnamon stick. — Juniper & Ivy

Also featured in:

Herb & Wood

Duality plays into the mocktail selection at Herb & Wood. Try the Lemon & Herbs with fresh lemon juice, roasted lemon and thyme syrup, grenadine, and soda. Or, get a small kick of caffeine with the Honey & Tea, a blend of green tea, blueberry, honey, and cucumber with a splash of soda.

2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Herb & Wood

Also featured in:

Kindred

With a top-tier cocktail program, South Park’s Kindred pours the same levels of creativity into its non-alcoholic “XXX” menu. Try the Miracle Cure, a tropical goth blend of pineapple, lime, coconut, passionfruit, Thai basil, and lemongrass stained black with charcoal. Or. keep things light with the Amalfi spritz, a non-alcoholic orange and peach apéritif.

Open in Google Maps

1503 30th St, San Diego, CA 92102

Visit Website

A black cocktail garnished with an orchid and pineapple next to an orange cocktail garnished with rosemary.

Also featured in:

Garibaldi

Take in the bay views but none of the booze at downtown’s Garibaldi, located within the InterContinental hotel. The house mocktail, Little Giuseppe, combines non-alcoholic Seedlip with prickly pear juice, myrtle, lime, and a splash of bubbles.

Open in Google Maps

901 Bayfront Ct Suite 1, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Orange bar chairs on the balcony of Garibaldi overlooking the San Diego Bay. — Garibaldi

Also featured in:

Punch Bowl Social San Diego

Bowl without the booze at East Village’s Punch Bowl Social. Keep your focus with a strawberry rhubarb fizz made with Fee Brothers rhubarb bitters and strawberry syrup or punch up your play with the Let’s Get Physical, an invigorating mocktail with jalapeno syrup, lime juice, and a Tajin rim.

1485 E St, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

The lounge and bowling lanes at Punch Bowl Social. — Punch Bowl Social

Also featured in:

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Sea180

Chill with the sea breeze at Imperial Beach’s Sea180. Blend in with the view while sipping on an Ocean Blue mocktail with blueberries, rosemary, lemon juice, lemonade, and soda. Or take in a sunset with a golden glass of Ginger Shirley with floating cherries and lime.

800 Seacoast Dr, Imperial Beach, CA 91932

Visit Website

The outdoor patio overlooking the beach and the IB pier at SEA180. — SEA180 Coastal Tavern

Also featured in:

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The Plot

1733 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054

At the Plot, diners can indulge in the herbaceous joy of a gin and tonicw ithout the buzz. The Plot’s NA GnT features house tonic syrup, sparkling water, and Seedlip Grove (a light non-alcoholic spirit distilled with bitter orange and lemongrass), garnished with sprig of rosemary. The Kismet hibiscus shrub and soda is made with a slightly tart and floral vinegar from San Diego-based refinery Kismet combined with soda water and blue basil from the Plot’s own garden.

1733 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054

Visit Website

A bottle of Seedlip along with a mocktail and bitters from The Plot — The Plot

The Shop: Pizza + Cocktails

11967 Bernardo Plaza Dr, San Diego, CA 92128

Pair your pizza with the perfect mocktail at Rancho Bernardo’s the Shop. Go tart with passionfruit and citrus or take a refreshing sip of its cucumber mint mocktail between slices of loaded deep-dish pizza.

11967 Bernardo Plaza Dr, San Diego, CA 92128

Visit Website

A view of the dining room and bar at the Shop. — The Shop

Beeside Balcony

1201 Camino Del Mar #200, Del Mar, CA 92014

On the breezy balcony of Beeside you can hold the spirits from any of its cocktails. Enjoy a Prickly Lady with prickly pear, lime, and Burlesque bitters or try a virgin Black’s Beach, a blend of grapefruit and lemon juice spiked with grapefruit bitters beneath a black salt rim.

1201 Camino Del Mar #200, Del Mar, CA 92014

Visit Website

The two-story storefront with glass windows at Beeside Balcony. — Beeside Balcony

Addison

5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego, CA 92130

Perfection runs through the bar program at Addison regardless of its spirit status. Let the bartenders know your preferences and they will craft a mocktail — punctuated with seasonal fruits and herbs — tailored to you and the evening’s tasting menu.

Open in Google Maps

5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego, CA 92130

Visit Website

The grand entryway of Addison at sunset. — Addison Restaurant

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

9700 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037

The weight of the world lifts as while meandering through the gardens of Estancia La Jolla. Keep the visit light with mocktails like its summer fizz, a bubbly blend of Seedlip Grove 42, ginger beer, lemon syrup, and mulled spices.

Open in Google Maps

9700 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

A cluster of outdoor tables on the patio at Mustangs & Burros. — Mustangs & Burros

Raised by Wolves

4301 La Jolla Village Dr #2030, San Diego, CA 92122

Always aiming to please, the bartenders at Raised By Wolves can make many of the menu’s selections alcohol-free. Ask for an adult Shirley Temple and you may receive a pile of pebble ice, pink with grenadine and acid phosphate with club soda and brandied cherry. Or, point them in a flavor direction and trust their imagination to deliver a mocktail designed just for you.

Open in Google Maps

4301 La Jolla Village Dr #2030, San Diego, CA 92122

Visit Website

The dome-shaped central bar inside Raised by Wolves. — Raised by Wolves

Duke's La Jolla

1216 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

The pale purple hue of the virgin lavender colada will delight diners of all ages. This frozen slushie concoction features local and organic lavender simple syrup and coconut with fresh pineapple. Or, go a little lighter with a ginger lime fizz, a sparkling glass of ginger beer and pineapple.

1216 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Two blended drinks garnished with pineapple at Duke’s La Jolla. — Duke’s La Jolla

Sycamore Den

3391 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116

With its late summer menu still going strong, house favorites like the Ukrainian Dance Party can be made virgin while retaining its vibrancy due to a combination of beets, buckthorn berries, lemon juice, and orange slices.

3391 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116

Visit Website

An overhead view of a red cocktail garnished with an orange slice at Sycamore Den. — Sycamore Den

619 Spirits North Park

3015 Lincoln Ave, San Diego, CA 92104

This North Park spot is known for its locally-distilled libations but it has plenty of alcohol-free drinks like the rhubarb limeade or a refreshing blackberry lavender lemonade.

3015 Lincoln Ave, San Diego, CA 92104

Visit Website

An outdoor patio and drinking rail at 619 Spirits. — 619 Spirits North Park

Mister A's

2550 Fifth Ave 12th floor, San Diego, CA 92103

With sweeping views of San Diego, Mister A’s is a prime spot for a classy night out, and if that night doesn’t involve booze this bar has you covered. Currently on offer is the no proof cactus-pineapple fresca, an agua fresca with juiced and blended fresh fruit and cactus.

2550 Fifth Ave 12th floor, San Diego, CA 92103

Visit Website

A green cocktail on a white tablecloth at Mr. A’s. — Mister A’s

The Rose Wine Bar

2219 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104

While it’s home to one of the best collections of natural wines in San Diego, those looking for zero-proof drinks will be just as pleased. Utilizing Lyres alcohol-free spirits, the Rose has crafted the Summer Daz with orange sec, cucumber-limeade and mineral water and the Not an Aperol Spritz with an Amalfi bitters cordial.

2219 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104

Visit Website

A wall of wine shelves at the Rose. — The Rose

Juniper & Ivy

2228 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

Beverage director Nicholas Gergen always keeps no-proof choices on the menu. As the name implies, the Something Seasonal mocktail evolves throughout the year. Right now, guests can sipa blend of Granny Smith apple juice with fresh lemon, cinnamon demerara syrup, and soda.

2228 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

A yellow-hued cocktail in a tall glass garnished with a cinnamon stick. — Juniper & Ivy

Herb & Wood

2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

Duality plays into the mocktail selection at Herb & Wood. Try the Lemon & Herbs with fresh lemon juice, roasted lemon and thyme syrup, grenadine, and soda. Or, get a small kick of caffeine with the Honey & Tea, a blend of green tea, blueberry, honey, and cucumber with a splash of soda.

2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Herb & Wood

Kindred

1503 30th St, San Diego, CA 92102

With a top-tier cocktail program, South Park’s Kindred pours the same levels of creativity into its non-alcoholic “XXX” menu. Try the Miracle Cure, a tropical goth blend of pineapple, lime, coconut, passionfruit, Thai basil, and lemongrass stained black with charcoal. Or. keep things light with the Amalfi spritz, a non-alcoholic orange and peach apéritif.

Open in Google Maps

1503 30th St, San Diego, CA 92102

Visit Website

A black cocktail garnished with an orchid and pineapple next to an orange cocktail garnished with rosemary.

Garibaldi

901 Bayfront Ct Suite 1, San Diego, CA 92101

Take in the bay views but none of the booze at downtown’s Garibaldi, located within the InterContinental hotel. The house mocktail, Little Giuseppe, combines non-alcoholic Seedlip with prickly pear juice, myrtle, lime, and a splash of bubbles.

Open in Google Maps

901 Bayfront Ct Suite 1, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Orange bar chairs on the balcony of Garibaldi overlooking the San Diego Bay. — Garibaldi

Related Maps

Punch Bowl Social San Diego

1485 E St, San Diego, CA 92101

Bowl without the booze at East Village’s Punch Bowl Social. Keep your focus with a strawberry rhubarb fizz made with Fee Brothers rhubarb bitters and strawberry syrup or punch up your play with the Let’s Get Physical, an invigorating mocktail with jalapeno syrup, lime juice, and a Tajin rim.

1485 E St, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

The lounge and bowling lanes at Punch Bowl Social. — Punch Bowl Social

Sea180

800 Seacoast Dr, Imperial Beach, CA 91932

Chill with the sea breeze at Imperial Beach’s Sea180. Blend in with the view while sipping on an Ocean Blue mocktail with blueberries, rosemary, lemon juice, lemonade, and soda. Or take in a sunset with a golden glass of Ginger Shirley with floating cherries and lime.

800 Seacoast Dr, Imperial Beach, CA 91932

Visit Website

The outdoor patio overlooking the beach and the IB pier at SEA180. — SEA180 Coastal Tavern

Related Maps