We like to party here in Tampa Bay, but some people have sworn off the hootch for Dry January or trying to live a healthier lifestyle. Conveniently, the mocktail trend has been steadily growing in the area. Whether you’re practicing Dry January or have sworn off alcohol for good, multiple Tampa area bars are catering to everyone and including alcohol-free cocktails on their menu. We went to Yelp to see where the best Mocktails are in the Tampa Bay area and came up with a solid list that included a couple of our favorites that didn’t make Yelp’s list.
These drinks are tasty for anyone to order! Maybe you want to join in for an Instagram shot. Or let your kid feel like an adult with a “sophisticated” but fun beverage. One thing to look out for when ordering mocktails is the ingredient “Seedlip.” According to the Tampa Bay Times, Seedlip is known to be “the world’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirit.” You’ll find it as the base ingredient for a lot of these mocktails. A lot of other local restaurants will disguise the drinks on their menu as “Zero-proof” or “spirit-free.”
What are some benefits of Mocktails and Dry January?
There are many reasons to abstain from alcohol, even if it’s just for 30 days! Research shows that even a small break from alcohol can help improve weight loss, sleeping habits, improved mood and energy levels, and even healthier skin. The most obvious benefit is to your wallet. Not going out and spending $40+ on bar tabs can add up to savings. Some people do say that a challenge that comes from Dry January is they tend to eat more sweets in replacement of the alcohol.
Note that some of these places might change their menu depending on the season. Be sure to check out their website for more info!
Here are 9 tasty mocktails to try in the Tampa Bay Area
Emerald at Velvet Gypsy
Velvet Gyspy is a great little dive bar located in Seminole Heights. Their mocktails are named after gems/crystals! Try the Emerald, made with jalapeno, pineapple and ginger!
Photo by: Glorioso/BBGI
