Where to Get the Best Zero-Proof Drinks in Rhode Island
Whether you’re always alcohol-free or sometimes sober, you never have to miss out on tasty flavors or fancy presentations at these local bars.
A “frozen in Amber” spirit-free drink at the Eddy. Photo courtesy of the Eddy.
The Eddy Bar
At the Eddy, a multi-time “Best Cocktail list” Best of Rhode Island winner, it’s easy to find which drinks can be made spirit-free: just look for a single asterisk next to the name on the menu. Our current pick? The Mai Chai or the Autumn Gimlet. 95 Eddy St., Providence, 401-831-3339, eddybar.com
Bar ‘Cino
Pronounced ‘chee-no,’ Bar ‘Cino is a chic dining destination with four original mocktails on the menu year-round: the Don’t Call Me Shirley, made with ginger beer (as in the carbonated, non-fermented kind), lime juice and hibiscus simple; the Spicy Pal-No-Ma, essentially a twist on the popular paloma that drops the tequila; Pearly There which relies on clarified black tea as the base, and the Rumor Has It featuring spiritless white cane, coffee, vanilla, cream and fresh espresso. 22 Washington Sq., Newport, 401-619-8201, barcino.com
Cuddles on the Beach from 345. Photo by Jamie Coelho
345 by Plant City
Much like its predecessor (Plant City), this new downtown speakeasy and mixology bar serves up delicious plant-based and vegan offerings. In addition to an ever-changing array of eclectic concoctions and elevated snacks, the menu also offers up four enticing mocktail options. Good luck making up your mind between the White Wedding (chrysanthemum tea, oat milk and cacao-coconut cordial), Cuddles on the Beach (ginger beer, soda water, cucumber shrub, lychee syrup, lime juice and five spice syrup), Liquid Gold (citrus, jalapeno, simple, mint and cardamom bitters) and the Spring Sunrise (peach nectar, ginger, house made cherry grenadine). 334 South Water St., Providence, 401-429-2029, plantcitypvd.com/345
White Wedding from 345.
Diego’s
This beloved Mexican joint known for its tequila creations and mezcal libations is also a genius when it comes to mixing up delectable drinks minus the hard stuff. If you’re hitting the bar with a group who’s ready to party, we suggest the Falling Down, featuring local apple cider reduction, muddled cranberries, ginger, lemon, soda and cinnamon. With a date? Order the Mango Tango, a yummy drink with muddled cucumber, mango, agave, lime and ginger beer. 11 Bowen’s Wharf, Newport, 401-619-2640, diegosnewport.com
Blue Anchor Grill
The Blue Anchor Grill serves up a chill evening along with booze-free picks like flavored CBD seltzers, a Heineken 0.0, and the Bitter End mocktail (a.k.a. juniper syrup, fresh lime juice and tonic). 506 Park Ave., Portsmouth, 401-293-5007, blueanchorgrill.com
Ceremony Providence
In addition to tea ceremonies and tastings, this independently owned café and tea house is celebrated for its handcrafted, zero-proof cocktails containing fun flavor profiles. Think your favorite oolong, matcha or lapsang teas mixed and infused with ingredients like simple syrup, rice wine, coconut milk, lime juice and more. 406 Brook St., Providence, ceremonypvd.com
A strawberry matcha mocktail at Ceremony.
Persimmon
Persimmon’s regularly rotating drink menu can always be ordered in original form or their neutral counterpart. It simply swaps fixings like jalapeno for mezcal, prune juice for sherry or Lagunitas’ Hoppy Refresher non-sparkling IPA for beer in a shandy, and dresses drinks up in the appropriate flute, low-ball or pint glass. 99 Hope St., Providence, 401-432-7422, persimmonri.com
Rhody Roots
The locally minded Rhody Roots boasts a good selection of non-alcoholic spirits and beers and thus can easily turn any of their cocktails into a mocktail, including their citrussy Queen Cobra, flowery Poison Ivy, spicy Two Face and refreshing Mintimizer drinks. 511 Warren St., Warren, 401-903-9159, rhodyroots.com
Sushi at Rhody Roots with the mintimizer mocktail in the background.
