Nonalcoholic cocktails are having a moment. In Fayetteville and across the country, more and more people are opting for booze-free beverages — which is easy to do, considering these drinks are often just as tasty as traditional cocktails. Gone are the days of too-sweet mocktails and simple seltzers. Many alcohol-free cocktails are creatively crafted with premium ingredients by bartenders who enjoy making these drinks as much as their alcohol counterparts. Whether you live a sober lifestyle, you’re considering doing Dry January, or you simply want to indulge in an aperitif sans alcohol every now and then, here are the best places to sip nonalcoholic cocktails in Fayetteville.
Maxine’s Taproom
107 N. Block Ave.
Iconic local bar Maxine’s changes their mocktail menu with the seasons, but you can expect a delicious range of offerings no matter the time of year. Sample the Muddled Fruit Soda (muddled fresh fruit, fresh mint soda water, honey syrup), the Sparkling Ginger Lemonade (fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, ginger beer), or the cleverly named Tajina Harding (pineapple and lime juice, vanilla, hibiscus syrup, Tajin, ginger beer) for a fun drink — without the hangover.
Pink House Alchemy
928 N. College Ave.
In addition to specialty coffee and lattes, Pink House crafts syrups, shrubs, and bitters that taste just as good in spirit-free cocktails as they do in regular ones. Stop in the shop for a recipe card, or check their website for nonalcoholic recipes that impress — the Salty Dog (an ultra-refreshing concoction of Herbalicious syrup, grapefruit juice, Topo Chico, and a fresh crack of salt) and Smoldered pHaux-Loma (a smoky-flavored blend of Mexican chile syrup, lime juice, grapefruit juice, soda water, and Smoldered bitters) are both outstanding.
Wood Stone Craft Pizza + Bar
557 S. School and 3619 N. Mall Ave.
Popular pizzeria Wood Stone has a range of zero-proof drinks, many of which use Pink House Alchemy syrups. Made up of almond syrup, orange bitters, and soda water, the Orange You Glad is a favorite, as is the Italian Cream Soda, which consists of sarsaparilla, lavender, and vanilla bean syrups. Other nonalcoholic drinks include the Lavender Lemonade, alcohol-free beers, Arsaga’s cold brew, and more.
Pinpoint
23 N. Block Ave.
Arkansas’s first and only pinball bar, Pinpoint serves delectable liquor-free cocktails alongside their extensive menu of craft cocktails and local brews. Nonalcoholic drinks include Spiced Horchata, housemade Horchata with Abuelita, and Rudolph’s Punch, an extremely sippable mix of cherry, pomegranate, and lime juice.
Theo’s
318 Campbell Ave.
Known for their sumptuous Southern and coastal cuisine, Theo’s also makes their own specialty spirit-free drinks in house. On the list are the Dark Cherry Bramble, which includes muddled dark cherries, mint, housemade rosemary syrup, lime, cranberry juice, and ginger ale. The Gatsby features lemon shrub simple syrup, ginger simple syrup, fresh lemon, and tonic. The bartenders are also happy to craft any of their regular cocktails without alcohol.
Vault
112 W. Center Suite B001
Cocktail bar Vault has a few (very inventive) nonalcoholic drinks on their menu. The Cinn-derella's Carriage is charred cinnamon-infused CleanCo Apple Vodka Alternative, pumpkinseed, passionfruit, pomegranate orgeat, lime cordial, and acidulated orange, shaken and served on the rocks in a Collins glass. If The Cashew Fits is made up of CleanCo Tequila Alternative, cashew, saffron orgeat, Vault ginger beer, pineapple, and lemon, served on the rocks in an old fashioned glass. And Toucan Play That Game consists of Lyre's White Cane Spirit, coriander, pandan syrup, and lime. Best of all, like with their alcoholic drinks, you can take these mocktails to go.
Feed & Folly
110 S. College Ave.
At Feed & Folly, sip on mouthwatering mocktails atop the rooftop bar while gazing out at the killer views. This beloved spot has three alcohol-free drinks in the lineup: a spritzer, a Moscow Mule (ginger beer and ginger shrub), and a margarita made with Mexican chile syrup, lime juice, and simple syrup.
Atlas
208 N. Block Ave.
Upscale restaurant Atlas doesn’t just serve impeccable seafood and meat entrees — they also serve excellent nonalcoholic cocktails. Nearly all their classic cocktails can be made without alcohol, so you can pair your meal with a spirit-free negroni, daiquiri, or paloma (to name a few).
Leverett Lounge
737 N Leverett Ave.
Leverett Lounge’s menu includes a variety of virgin cocktails. The Ring My Bell is made with a thoughtful combination of flavorful ingredients that include red bell and pink peppercorn simple syrup, red basil pepper juice, lime juice, basil, and soda. Or, opt for a Shrub & Soda, crafted with housemade orange, rosemary, thyme, and oregano shrub.
What’s your favorite place for nonalcoholic cocktails in Fayetteville? Let us know!