Cuisine Scene: Mocktails

The mocktail scene in Long Beach has never been more popular or creative. From zero proof spirits that closely mimic classic cocktails to culinary-inspired sips and punchy blends, local bars and their patrons are embracing alcohol-free drinks. Laid back lounges, upscale restaurants, and even a fairy tale tavern are redefining what it means to drink spirit-free.

PARKER’S LIGHTHOUSE

Though the Parker's Lighthouse (435 Shoreline Village Dr) mocktail program–exceptionally crafted with Ritual Zero Proof and premium mixers–comes without alcohol, the drinks are nonetheless mood altering. Looking to celebrate? The Spicy Señorita brings the (jalapeno) heat with tangy grapefruit and Tajin on the rim, while The Blood Orange Bomb fuses citrus and raspberry with a zesty ginger kick. If you want to unwind, the floral Lavender Paradise is a refreshing blend of gin-free spirit, elderflower tonic and honeyed lavender, while the Cucumber Crush offers a crisp, minty escape.

OLIVE & ROSE

Olive & Rose (255 Atlantic Ave) brings the same culinary polish to non-alcoholic drinks as it does to its food, which feels fitting given it’s owned by the team behind Heritage, the city’s only Michelin-starred restaurant. The mocktails lean savory and thoughtful, like the Herbal Remedy, blending matcha, lemongrass, lime, and soda, and the Avo Verdita, a bold, vegetal mix of avocado, herbs, jalapeño, bell pepper, and citrus.

BABY GEE

One of the city’s definitive neighborhood bars, Baby Gee (1227 E 4th St) is a great place for flavor-first drinking. This friendly, intimate space is perfect for lingering over zero-proof drinks like White Lightning, a bright, bracing blend of lime, celery soda and adaptogenic spirit, with crisp citrus and subtle bitterness, or Suffusion of Yellow, a sunny, floral-forward sipper layered with agave spirit, verjus and pineapple, has a gentle sweetness.

BO-BEAU KITCHEN + ROOFTAP

The evolving non-alcoholic drink menu at BO-Beau (144 Pine Ave) leans into distilled zero-proof spirits that closely simulate classic cocktails. Customers of the the popular Downtown Long Beach spot increasingly order the likes of the Pink Madame, a floral, lightly sweet mix of Lyre’s White Cane, lavender honey syrup and sparkling water, the Grapefruit & Berries Smash, with Ritual Whiskey Alternative, citrus, and house syrup and the tropical French Riviera Whip, blending Lyre’s Dry London with mango, pineapple, lime and coconut cream.

BAMBOO CLUB

With many drinks leaning toward fruity, punch-style flavors, tiki bars are a natural fit for mocktails. One of the city’s most beloved tiki destinations, Bamboo Club (3522 E Anaheim St), has many alcohol-free versions of its signature tiki drinks that do not sacrifice flavor or fun. Try the Virgin Painkiller with pineapple, orange, and coconut juices; a Virgin Piña Colada with pineapple, coconut, and lemon or a Virgin Lava Flow–the Colada topped with a strawberry float.

WICKED WOLF

Wicked Wolf (2332 Pacific Ave) was founded on presenting folks with a “romantic living room in the forest,” blending loungey cool with fairy-tale charm. It has long been committed to offering non-alcoholic options, with its sizeable mocktail menu including the Sleeping Beauty–lemon, pineapple, and coconut syrup–the refreshing and citrusy Fountain of Youth–lime super juice, cucumber, butterfly pea tea–and Baby Dragon, combining Lyres orange sec and Free Spirits Milano for a fruity sweetness and gentle, playful spice.

About the Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.