Where to Find Sydney’s Most Delicious Mocktails This Dry July
Looking for alcohol-free inspiration to kick-start Dry July? We’ve sipped our way around Sydney’s best bars and restaurants to bring you the tastiest mocktails around.
Cutting out alcohol, whether for a month, a week or a year, holds plenty of benefits for your mental and physical health. And if you're doing it for a good cause like Dry July, even better. Whatever your reason, we applaud you! But no need to miss out on a night out, eh?
There are more options than ever when it comes to alcohol-free bevvies in Sydney so you won't be stuck drinking flavoured mineral water anytime soon. Here, we round up the Sydney bars and restaurants that have mastered the best mocktails.
Gin Lane
Sure, this charming little cocktail den specialises in gin – 75 delicious varieties to be exact – but Gin Lane are big on options so you can order their entire cocktail menu alcohol-free. Putting a 'dry' twist on some perennial classics, quench your thirst with the likes of a Lyre's Negroni or Zero Alcohol Spritz. Served by cocktail masters at the top of their game and packed with flavour, we guarantee you won't leave disappointed.
16A Kensington Street, Chippendale
The Library Bar
If you haven't yet popped by this secret rooftop bar, located above the State Library, then gee wiz, you're in for a treat. Open from Wednesday to Saturday each week, The Library Bar is the perfect spot to unwind with the rest of the local literati and glitterati. If you're missing the taste of your favourite gin, opt for the Sanjito laced with Lyre's Dry London Spirit. And if you're feeling parched, the Quoits Refresher - fresh passionfruit, orange and lime - will have you hydrated in no time. And, for the espresso martini Africando's, expect to be well taken care of with Lyre's Coffee Orginale. Toasties, bar snacks and charcuterie platters have you sorted for food.
State Library of New South Wales, 1 Shakespeare Place, Sydney
Charlie Parker’s
This charming little speakeasy in Paddington is all about quality produce so expect big things from their food menu including LP's smoked mortadella to market fish carpaccio. For drinks, they're stocking Beesbucha, a naturally fermented honey-based drink similar to mead. They're currently serving the banana and raspberry & Eucalyptus flavours - both must try's!
Basement, 380 Oxford Street, Paddington
Reign
Not quite a mocktail but deserved of a mention nonetheless, Reign, the home of one of Sydney's bougiest high teas, is going all out this Dry July with a delicious bottomless brunch offering. For $85 per person, you can score a non-alcoholic brunch. The four-course feast includes a selection of sweet and savoury bites and free-flowing Classico Grande Sparkling.
Available until 2pm on weekdays only
Level 1, Queen Victoria Building
Alice
If you're feeling sophisticated and seductive pop down to Alice. This 2022 opening sits below a historic bond store in The Rocks. Descend the ambient staircase lined with rich velvet and enter an intimate space with jewel tones and gold accents that channel vintage glamour. There are three options for mocktails, all of them inventive and fun. The Covert Fizz blends Lyres Dry London with rhubarb syrup and non-alcoholic prosecco whilst the Mal'e Highball combines Lyres Cane, coconut water, orgeat and tiki bitters. And for something spicy, sour and salty, the Sboria Margarita serves Lyres Agave, agave syrup, cucumber, mint, chilli and black salt. Pair your mocktails with chicken parfait profiteroles, beef empanadas or the bougiest grilled cheese you’ve ever seen.
16 Argyle Street, The Rocks
NOMAD
Nomad, everyone’s favourite Middle Eastern restaurant has aced their mocktail menu. There are five cocktails to choose from including the Nogroni, and the Amaretti Sour, made up of Lyre's Amaretti, lemon, sugar, bitters and whites. Our pick? The Italian Spritz with Lyre's Italian Spritz, NON n.2, soda and orange. If you fancy something simple, the yuzu soda and hibiscus & Elderflower iced tea are also delicious non-alcoholic options.
16 Foster Street, Surry Hills
Catalina
There's no need to miss out on Catalina’s million-dollar view of the harbour if you've gone alcohol-free. Just sip on one of their delicious mocktails instead! The Homemade Seasonal Lemonade – pear, lemon juice, sugar syrup and soda – tastes vibrant, as does the Pink Paradies - Lyre's White Cane, watermelon syrup, lychee, pineapple juice and pineapple and coconut foam.
Lyne Park, Rose Bay
Once you've finished sipping your way through Sydney's best mocktails, you might want to sort yourself out for something to eat. Head here for Sydney's latest foodie openings and here for best fine dining in town.