If you are tired of the usual ‘mocktail’ consolation prize which is mostly just grenadine and orange juice, then you are in luck. Many of our best-loved bars and restaurants have been busy creating innovative and sophisticated alcohol-free offerings to ensure nobody feels left out in 2020. Take your pick of these tantalising, teetotal delights that are bound to cause a stir.
Chaiwala
This vibrant restaurant and bar has caught our attention with its diverse alcohol-free range. Named Dabawalla’s Drinks after the street food pioneers in India, they are designed to take you on a tour of the country. For those of us looking for a new twist on a familiar taste, their Masala Coke ($55) made with coriander and chaat masala is bound to intrigue. To get the fully authentic experience, though, why not try their Roohaza Afza Lassi ($80), flavoured with almond and rose syrup to give a delicious, delicate flavour.
Find Chaiwala by entering through Hugger Mugger on Wyndham. Look out for the big, red door.
Basement, No. 43-55, Wyndham Street, Central | 23628988
Ozone at The Ritz Carlton
As well as boasting the accolade of the tallest rooftop bar in the world, Ozone are also renowned for their substantial cocktail menu, upon which they offer some delicious alcohol-free options. One that has captured our interest is simply named Ruby ($110): a new take on the classic Sangria. This innovative concoction includes a distilled non-alcoholic spirit Seedlip Grove 42, along with Merlot Juice to replicate the tastes of a traditional Sangria. Perfect if you’re looking to have all of the sophistication and taste of a cocktail, without the dreaded hangover. Delicioso!
Level 118, International Commerce Ctr., 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong | 2263 2270
Sip Song
Warm but not humid, January can be a great time of year to venture to the beach. Now there’s even more reason to plan that day trip as Sip Song are providing us with the perfect place to kick it back with a drink down at Repulse Bay. Their alcohol-free beverages aim to let you cool off and can be enjoyed alongside their Thai street-food style dishes. Our favourite thirst-quencher on the menu is the Lavender and Coconut Soda ($65). This inventive blend is delicate and floral. The perfect pairing for a sunny day at the beach.
The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong | 2898 3788
Quinary
This ambitious and award-winning bar have long been serving alcohol free drinks to customers from the extensive Spiritfree section of their menu. Pioneers in all things cocktail, they describe their drinks as being a multi-sensory experience. One of their more adventurous concoctions is the Oolong Tea Collins ($110) which combines homemade oolong tea cordial and black plum with haw flakes and Osmanthus. As well as this, you can order a getaway in a glass in the form of Wishful Thinking ($120). Here you can enjoy a combination of guava purée, coconut water and homemade lemongrass cordial, served up in a glass rimmed with white chocolate and coconut flakes.
56-58 Hollywood Road, Central | 28513223
Beef & Liberty
Famed for their delicious burgers, Beef & Liberty are a firm Hong Kong favourite. They are more than just a one-trick-pony, however, and also offer an impressive array of alcohol-free drinks. From cooling mocktails to low-alcohol beers and indulgent shakes, there is something for every customer to enjoy. One stand-out option is the Garden Elderflower & Tonic ($89), a new version of a classic G&T. Otherwise, for those of us craving an indulgent sweet treat, the Banoffee Signature ‘Shake ($89) is not to be missed. Other tempting flavours such as Cookies and Cream and Oreo are also available.
3/F California Tower 30-32 D’Aguilar Street, Central | 24505778
Shop No. G07, G/F, One Island South, No. 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang | 2568 1098
G04, G/F, 23 Carmel Road Stanley Plaza, Stanley | 2563 2798
Unit 7E138, Departures East Hall, Terminal 1, Hong Kong International Airport | 2152 1966
Djapa
It’s hard to miss this Brazilian/Japanese fusion spot when strolling down Lee Tung Avenue, and it seems that their delightful alcohol-free drinks are just as inviting as their colourful décor. Their nod to Brazil comes in the form of the fabulously fruity Brazilian Paradise ($78). Here they combine the flavours of five kinds of citrus against a backdrop of peach and passionfruit. Alternatively, if you’d rather opt for their Japanese style mocktail, then sample the Fuji Tea ($68). This grapefruit and breakfast tea beverage is a little sourer and more sophisticated than its Brazilian counterpart, but equally as refreshing.
Shop 18-20, G/F, Lee Tung Avenue, 200 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai | 26172900
Havana
An LKF favourite, Havana has lots to offer. Its party vibes, its cosy terrace and now its alcohol-free offerings. This Cuban inspired bar is perfect if you’re looking for fuss-free drinks and a great place to start (or end) the night. Their Dry January special is named Guarapo y Limon ($88). This is an authentic Cuban favourite with freshly squeezed sugarcane juice, lemon and mint. With the sugarcane giving a distinctive green colour and rumoured health properties, this is a drink you’ll be intrigued to try. They also have a whole host of other mocktails on the menu. Enjoy!
4 / F, The Plaza, No. 21 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central | 2851 4880
Hue
Swanky bar and restaurant, Hue, is located in TST’s new-look Museum of Art. With a stunning view and a tasty selection of food and drinks to feast upon, this really is the place to be if you’re on Kowloon side and in need of a pick-me-up. They also boast a hue-ge booze-free menu which includes the Jewel of Winter ($85) made with coconut, lime and pomegranate as well as B-A-L-Y ($85), a blend of blackberry, apple, lemongrass and yuzu. The perfect way to unwind and reacquaint yourself with the beauty of Hong Kong’s harbour.
Hong Kong Museum of Art, 1/F, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon | 3500 5888
Veda
Vegetarian favourite Veda are helping to take the ‘mock’ out of ‘mocktail’ with their health forward, alcohol-free menu. All named after songs from the good ol’ days, there is something enticing for all tastes. For the vegans amongst us there is Like A Virgin ($88). Fresh, spicy and sweet all in one gulp, it features coriander, house-made jalapeño and cucumber syrup and aquafaba (a chickpea alternative to egg-white). Not your thing? Instead, how about their most popular AF beverage Lady in Red ($88)? Here, they blend house-made strawberry syrup with freshly squeezed lime and aloe vera juices. Be sure to stop by for their Social Hour from 3-7:30 for lower prices!
Ovolo Central, 2 Arbuthnot Road, Central, Hong Kong | 37553067
Old Bailey
Tai Kwun’s restaurants and bars ooze cool and sophistication, and Old Bailey is no exception. Here, they pride themselves on their authentic, yet up-to-date Chinese cuisine and their beautiful outdoor terrace. Each beverage pays homage to the tea-drinkers of the Jiangnan region, the first being The Lemon Tree and the Pomelo ($60). This features a partnership of jasmine green tea and pomelo, accompanied by lemon, sea salt and soda for a refreshing yet mellow effect. Another option is Why Dog and Cat Are Enemies ($70) a unique concoction which features non-alcoholic spirit Seedlip Garden 108 blended with Osmanthus Oolong. Tea-lighful!
2/F JC Contemporary, Tai Kwun, Old Bailey Street, Central | 28778711
Now there’s really no excuse to abandon that new year’s resolution!
Find new bars & restaurants to try in this roundup!
Kindergarten Teacher, tea-obsessive and serial bruncher, Emily moved from the UK to Hong Kong 3 years ago. When she’s not working, you can find her planning holidays and hunting for books to read while travelling! She’s passionate about body image, wellness and ex-pat life – check out her other writing at https://
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