7 Best Mocktails in Chicago: A Guide to Non-Alcoholic Delights in the Windy City
There are a thousand reasons why you might not want to drink while you’re out with your friends in Chicago, but we’re not going to get into any of them right now. Fortunately, the Windy City is a leading non-alcoholic beverage stronghold, and mixologists from Streeterville to Jefferson Park are developing signature mocktails to stand alongside full-proof spirits.
At Ritual Zero Proof, we believe that a mocktail should get the same street cred as a traditional margarita, so we’ve compiled a list of the best mocktails in Chicago that mindful drinkers can enjoy anytime!
Take a Tour of the Best Mocktails in Chicago
Chicago's mocktail scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. From elegant steakhouses to buzzing nightlife hotspots, you’ll find expertly crafted non-alcoholic beverages that rival their boozy counterparts. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing citrus blend or a bold botanical twist, these top spots are serving up the best mocktails in Chicago with creativity and flair.
1. Façade — Prime & Provisions, 222 N. LaSalle Blvd.
Let’s begin our journey in the heart of downtown Chicago known as The Loop. Here, you’ll find no shortage of upscale dining establishments. Head to Prime & Provisions, an extravagant oversized steakhouse that looks like it belongs in Las Vegas. Here, the non-alcoholic beverage selection includes a list of mocktails as sophisticated as their fully loaded counterparts. Our favorite is the Façade, which starts with the aromatic Ritual Aperitif Alternative laced with Giffard Elderflower syrup and lemon and topped off with tonic.
2. Michoacán Mango Margarita — Costera Cocina Tulum, 850 W. Fulton Market
Next, we’ll head to the West Loop’s historic Fulton Market District, which has evolved over the years to feature a vibrant nightlife. Costera Cocina Tulum is a modern Mexican clubstaurant where you can dance the night away in a jungle setting, complete with fog machines, flaming pineapples, and Peruvian Ceviche. Their craft cocktails don’t include an extensive list of mocktails — only two on the menu at the moment — but you shouldn’t pass up the Michoacán, a mango margarita spiked with Ritual Tequila Alternative and a squeeze of lime.
3. Secretariat — Fioretta, 318 N. Sangamon St.
Continue through the Fulton Market culinary hotspot to the highly stylized 1950s Italian-American steakhouse called Fioretta. Walk past the rose and lavender dining room to the sunken curved bar with an Italian marble chessboard floor and green mohair booths, where you wouldn’t be surprised to find Don Draper. The spirit-free selection includes mocktails in addition to various non-alc wines, and we suggest that you try the Secretariat. It’s a simple concoction of Ritual Whiskey Alternative with mint and lime that drips sophistication.
4. Prickly Encounter — The Publican, 837 W. Fulton Market
Jump right out of Mad Men and straight into Game of Thrones at The Publican. It’s a self-proclaimed tribute to English beer halls with high ceilings and a thick wood communal table surrounded by dozens of high-backed chairs. Their focus is “oysters, pork, and beer,” which essentially means simple farmhouse fare emphasizing high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Our choice from the Zero Proof menu is definitely the Prickly Encounter, which features Ritual Gin Alternative, lime, and — you guessed it — prickly pear.
5. Guavalicious — Bar Goa, 116 N. Hubbard St.
If you didn’t get enough of your party on in the Fulton Market District, the dynamic nightlife of River North will be more than enough for you to have the time of your life. Check out the Indian-Portuguese Bar Goa, which is as much a clubby cocktail bar as it is an upscale restaurant. Right in the center, you’ll find low-hanging tree lights and hundreds of bottles displayed in its tiki bar. Move to the late-night electronic rhythms with the Guavalicious in hand, made with Ritual Tequila Alternative, ginger mint syrup, pureed guava, and soda.
6. No Más Tequila — Barrio, 65 W. Kinzie St.
Amble on up to Kinzie and head into Barrio for creative American-influenced traditional Mexican fare. It’s quite a scene — the restaurant is huge, featuring three dining rooms, a sprawling outdoor patio, and a disco ball in the ladies’ room. The DJ booth is thumping, and it seems like every vacationer in the city has found their way to this party. Order up some shareables and browse the menu to find No Más Tequila, which, true to its name, features Ritual Tequila Alternative mixed with strawberry, lime, and a splash of grapefruit for a kick.
7. Crescent Moon — Nobody’s Darling, 1744 W. Balmoral Ave.
It’s time to wind down after a long night, so hop on the #22 Clark Street bus and head north to Andersonville for a quiet nightcap in this inclusive neighborhood. This inviting mocktail bar in Chicago called Nobody’s Darling has a classic neighborhood feel, disco lights, and upbeat music. This LGBTQ+ bar opened in 2021 and almost immediately received the prized James Beard Award for Best Bar Program in 2022. After sampling their chic mocktails, you’ll understand why. Don’t call it a night before you try their “tart + fruity + bubbly” Crescent Moon, layering Ritual Tequila Alternative with the flavors of blood orange, lime, and fizzy grapefruit soda.
Savor the Flavors of the Best Mocktails in Chicago
This collection of the best mocktails Chicago has to offer all feature Ritual Zero Proof, the #1 non-alcoholic spirit in the U.S. Now, you can enjoy a classic Gin Alternative and tonic or choose one of our favorite Chicago mocktails without experiencing any of alcohol’s negative effects. Even if you aren’t in the middle of a dry month, try Ritual Zero Proof and enjoy your cocktail ritual without the alcohol.
Frequently Asked Questions: Mocktails
Whether you’re new to the world of mocktails or just curious about how non-alcoholic spirits work, our FAQ section has helpful info to help you enjoy the best alcohol-free beverages Chicago has to offer.
What kinds of ingredients can you use to make a mocktail?
Mocktails often start with non-alcoholic spirits and can include traditional fruit juices and infused syrups. They also may contain aromatics such as mint or basil that add depth. Creative mixologists might incorporate unusual ingredients like chrysanthemum tea to mimic the complexity of alcoholic beverages.
What are non-alcoholic spirits made from?
Non-alcoholic spirits, or zero proof alternatives, are typically crafted from a blend of botanicals, including herbs, spices, fruits, and other plant extracts. Distillation extracts the flavors of the ingredients, which are usually combined with filtered water. Some spirits may include small amounts of cane sugar or other sweeteners to balance the flavor profile.
Are non-alcoholic spirits healthy?
By eliminating alcohol, zero proof spirits generally have fewer calories, and they avoid the toxic effects that contribute to health issues. At Ritual Zero Proof, we keep our non-alc spirits healthy by only using all-natural flavors so you can enjoy the best mocktails in Chicago guilt-free.