MOCKTAILS are taking over the big apple!

Ophelia Rooftop Lounge, signature mocktail ‘Suspiro Rojo’.

2026 is coming and it’s goodbye hangovers and hello mocktails!

New York City, is the only of the busiest cultural center in the world. Full of energy and partying and endless happy hours. However in 2026, the cocktail hour is quietly changing. The clink of ice is there, the citrus peels still garnish your favorite martini glass, but increasingly, the booze is optional.

As 2026 unfolds, alcohol consumption is on a downward trend, especially among Millennials and Gen Z. The reasons are compounding. A sharper focus on mental health, a wellness-forward lifestyle, rising costs, and a cultural pivot toward being more present have all played a role. Being “Sober curious” is no longer a phase. It’s a lifestyle. In a city of constant reinvention, mocktails have stepped up their game and are now a featured player in the hospitality scene.

Today’s non-alcoholic drinks are complex, intentional, and often just as beautiful as their boozy counterparts. Bars and restaurants across NYC are embracing zero-proof menus not as an afterthought, but as a leading attraction.

Why New Yorkers Are Drinking Less

The shift is not about abstinence. It is about choice. Health consciousness has gone mainstream, with people more aware of how alcohol affects sleep, mood, productivity, and anxiety. Social media has amplified this awareness, with influencers normalizing nights out without drinking. Factor in economic pressures, a renewed focus on work-life balance, and an awareness of alcohol dependency… the appeal of mock-tails becomes obvious.

Additionally, we are now spoiled for options. The non-alcoholic beverage market has exploded. Zero-proof spirits, botanical elixirs, alcohol-free wine, and thoughtfully layered mocktails now offer the ritual of drinking without the hangover.

Below are some of our top picks for mocktail in NYC.

Soft Bar (Greenpoint)pictured above

Low-key, cool, and unmistakably Brooklyn. This spot has quietly earned a reputation for thoughtful non-alcoholic offerings and strong community energy. the space was built from scratch and has a energy of health and wellness through the entire menu.

The space is conjoined with a cafe which is open daily from 8am, but the non alcoholic- bar is open from 4pm Thursdays-Sundays.

Apothéke (Chinatown)
A theatrical, apothecary-inspired lounge where non-alcoholic cocktails are complex, herbal, and beautifully crafted. Ideal for a date night that does not revolve around alcohol.

Hekate Café & Elixir Lounge (East Village)

They are ranked #1 among the Best Sober Bars in America. They have the largest variety of NA wines, beers, and cocktail in the city. They are not super busy on weekdays so we definitley recommend visiting then.

PS Kitchen (Midtown)
A plant-based, mission-driven restaurant serving polished mocktails that align with its sustainability ethos. Feel-good visit in every sense. They have great hours opening at 11 am daily and closing between 10-11pm and aren’t super packed on weekdays.

P.S. the crabby cakes are delicious.

Mockingbird (Park Slope)
One of the city’s first dedicated booze-free cocktail bars, offering elevated, spirit-free drinks that feel just as ritualistic as classic cocktails. The bar also showcases seasonal cocktails which are innovative and highlight some women-owned brands and small businesses.

Eavesdrop (Greenpoint)
A sound bar where music and mood take center stage, paired with a curated selection of non-alcoholic drinks. A true vibes-first experience. With the warm lighting and harmonious ambience, prepare to have yourself transported with a signature drink in hand.

Nur Thai (Astoria and Rego Park) 

I addition to an expansive food menu, the authentic thai flavors are captured with artistry and their mock-tail menu is created with immense attention to detail and flair. The drinks are definitley on the sweeter side so you may be able to get through them quickly, we recommend the basil smash if you happen to visit.

The New NYC Night Out

The rise of mock-tails is not about what is missing. It is about what is gained. Clearer mornings, deeper conversations, and nights out that do not derail the next day. In a city that never sleeps, more New Yorkers are choosing to wake up feeling good.