Athens, Georgia, is known for its vibrant nightlife, live music, and fantastic food, but it’s also a great place to enjoy creative non-alcoholic drinks! There are countless reasons to reach for a mocktail, whether you’re the DD for the night, looking to avoid the hangover in the morning, or want a fancy drink for a 20th birthday cheers. Athens has a growing mocktail scene that doesn’t disappoint. Here’s where to find some of the best mocktails in town.

The National

Located in the heart of downtown Athens, The National is renowned for its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, and its mocktails are no exception to their culinary creativity. 

• Prop Comic: Lyre’s NA Agave, carrot, ginger, cinnamon, grapefruit, lemon
• Mambo Nassau: Lyre’s NA Rum, coconut milk, beet juice, lime
• House Tonic & Gin: Seedlip Garden NA, house tonic, soda, lemon
• Pomegranate-Lemon Soda: house-made lemonade, pomegranate syrup
• Turmeric Tonic: turmeric juice, honey syrup, lemon juice, ginger juice, water
• Blueberry-Mint Shrub
• Seedless (seasonal): watermelon-lime
• On Cloud Nine (seasonal): cucumber juice, lemon bell pepper, apple, kale, pineapple
• Agua Fresca (seasonal): watermelon, pineapple, lime juice

Osteria Olio

Come wine and dine at Osteria Olio. This elegant restaurant is located inside the Rivet House, a must-stay hotel in north athens. Enjoy modern-Italian cuisine with a southern twist, and pair it with a creative drink for the sober curious.

• Picking Roses: rosemary demerara, lemon, bubbles
• Everything Nice: house autumnal shrub, fever tree club soda, citrus oil
• Liberoni: Lyre’s london dry, italian orange, aperitif rosso
• Travelin’ Light: lyre’s agave spirit, grenadine, lime, fever tree grapefruit soda

Puma Yu's

A relative newcomer to Athens’ culinary scene, Puma Yu’s offers a creative take on Thai street food with a modern twist. Though the restaurant primarily focuses on craft cocktails featuring rums, gins, and agaves, their creativity has produced some phenomenal mocktails too! 

• Green Cooler: jasmine, aloe vera, cucumber, palm, lime
• Ghia Spritz: Non-alcoholic aperitif elixir, lime, salt, Pet Pet flower power
• Phony Negroni: St. Agrestis zero proof negroni, orange peel
• Sun Sour: yellow watermelon, sour pineapple, lemongrass, turmeric, agave
• Toni & Joe’s: jasmine, orange, coconut, milk, orgeat, passionfruit, chili oil
• Super Sour: blood orange, hibiscus, turmeric, ginger, lime
• NA Daiquiri: made w thai tea

Chuck’s Fish

Chuck’s Fish is renowned for its locally sourced seafood and award-winning sushi bar but also offers aged naturally-raised beef - cut in-house. Chuck's Fish also offers a variety of mocktails to complement their fresh, flavorful dishes. Many of the times on the regular bar menu can be made non-alcoholic. Here are a few great new flavors to try:

• Semester Abroad: creamy virgin piña colada
• Hey Baby: cherry lemonade
• Guava Sour: guava juice, lemon, thai basil
• Mojito: sweet mint, lime, soda water
• Custom mocktail upon request

Oak House Distillery

Located in the old Henry Bishop home built in 1864, Oak House is a locally loved distillery known for its small-batch, handcrafted spirits made with high-quality ingredients. Offering a modern yet cozy atmosphere, it’s a popular spot for tasting innovative cocktails and spirits. Their inviting ambiance and focus on craft make it a welcoming spot for all guests to enjoy handcrafted beverages with bold, innovative flavors.

• Pear Grove: sweet pear juice and zesty lemon combine for a refreshing burst of flavor
• Harvest Moon: fresh rosemary and lime balance each other resulting in a light and invigorating drink
• Apple Ginger Fizz: crisp apple cider meets spicy ginger beer with a hint of warming cinnamon enhancing this drink's comforting profile.

Emmy Squared Pizza

Emmy Squared Pizza offers a unique blend of New York and Detroit-style pizza, known for its thick, crispy crust and gourmet toppings. Popular for its creative pies and cozy atmosphere, Emmy Squared has become a favorite spot for pizza lovers seeking high-quality ingredients and bold flavors. Alongside their gourmet pies, they offer a variety of refreshing mocktails, making it a great spot for flavorful drinks and delicious food.

• Cherry Sundrop: sparkling cherry lemonade
• Pineapple Express: pineapple mojito
• Paloma: grapefruit
• Mule: ginger beer and mint

Seabear Oyster Bar

Seabear Oyster Bar is famous for its coastal cuisine, but their bar menu offers something for everyone, including excellent mocktail options.

• The Gilligan: virgin tiki with house-made cocoa cream, orange juice, lime, pineapple, grenadine, soda
• Persimmon Ginger Shrub
• Custom mocktails upon request

And More!

Athens, Georgia, continues to evolve as a culinary hotspot, and its mocktail offerings reflect the city’s creative and inclusive approach to food and drink. Whether you’re looking for something fruity, spicy, or floral, the diverse range of mocktails available around town ensures there’s something to satisfy every palate! And the list of restaurants and bars offering non-alcohol options is increasing daily so be sure to ask your bartender the next time you're out on the town!