Where to Find Detroit's Best Mocktails

The alcohol market is worth nearly $200 billion a year. But, an important statistic is showing that there may be a change in the marketplace.

“30% of people who are of drinking age do not drink alcohol,” Tracy Stuckrath, president/chief connecting officer of Thrive! Meetings and Events told Meetings Today in 2022. “A lot more people are very concerned about their health and so they're looking to not drink as much, or they want to have maybe one (drink) and then they don't want to have any more after that.”

The trend is being driven by younger generations--Millenials and Zoomers. In fact, according to Nielsen’s “Coming of Age: Gen Z” study, Gen Z consumers are significantly reducing their alcohol consumption, with 66% of them stating that they are actively trying to drink less alcohol.

Major corporations and restaurants are paying attention. Sober or Sober-Curious consumers don't just want to drink soda or juice. They are looking for attractive and tasty mocktails that make it possible for them to still be active in their social scenes.

Here in Detroit, the city's first Zero Proof gathering space, Mockery, opened early this year. The founder, Karlyta Williams said that she began a non-alcoholic journey during the coronavirus pandemic when she like many others coped with the drastic changes by drinking. She eventually took the time to reevaluate her relationship with alcohol and explored becoming a zero proof bartender.

Given the rise in the popularity of mocktails, Visit Detroit thought it only right for us to help you find the best places to enjoy them around town.

Mockery Zero Proof

7400 W McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48221

Mockery Zero Proof features dozens of meticulously crafted non-alcoholic alternatives that promise the complexity and zest of traditional cocktails, minus the hangover. A bottle bar where you can buy non-alcoholic spirits, Mockery is also a place where people can gather that is about more than drinks, but a place where one could be "present."

Basan

2703 Park Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Tucked neatly into the ground floor of the historic Eddystone, Basan is a marriage of distinctive food and inimitable beverage with a lifestyle of hospitality. Home of some delicious sandwiches like the Twice Fried Chicken with Honeycrisp apple, curry, and carrot--they also pair well with their five non-alcoholic beverages. Try the Vanishing Act with oolong iced tea, chrysanthemum, honey, orange blossom, and salt.

M Cantina

13214 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126

Named "Best Place for Tacos in Michigan," M Cantina's menu features ingredients both familiar and exotic fused together to create an unforgettable & shareable experience for your senses. While Mexican food also pairs deliciously with beer or tequila, M Cantina also recruited Executive Chef Junior Merino - The Liquid Chef who crafts specialty cocktails including mocktails. Try a Caipirinha with muddled lime & aloe that can be blended with 14 additional flavors.

Ima Izakaya

2100 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

Inspired by a traditional Japanese izakaya, an array of sharable small plates build the communal and convivial nature of the menu. Try the Japanese Barbecue Eggplant and pair it with a Caribbean 75 that features Guava Juice, Gruvi Dry-Secco, and Lemon.

The Black Salt

2764 Florian St, Hamtramck, MI 48212

The Black Salt specializes in crafting magical experiences. At this Hamtramck bar, they use these same practices to create cocktails with intentional purposes. Pairing cocktails with spell processes using magick to conjure all kinds of experiences. Try the Black Cauldron which features Ritual NA tequila, orange juice, blackberry, lime, and activated charcoal.

Zao Jun

6608 Telegraph Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301

A next-level pan-Asian restaurant, Zao Jun blends creativity with vibrant flavors and high-quality ingredients to create innovative dishes that will exceed your expectations. Their menu includes an array of options made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, ensuring every dish is packed with flavor. Try Thai Iced Tea, described as an orange and vanilla fusion with sweet cream, or try the Kafir Lime Soda for a more floral flavor or any of the other four NA beverages.

Castalia @ Sfumato

3980 2nd Ave Suite E, Detroit, MI 48201

Focusing on the harmony between flavor and fragrance, each of their drinks is paired with a scent from their sister company, Sfumato. At Castalia, every cocktail comes as an alcohol-free option. Castalia's co-owner Dr. Kevin Peterson literally wrote the book on pairing cocktails with fragrance. Cocktail Theory - A Sensory Approach to Transcendent Drinks is a detailed look at the theory and philosophy behind Castalia and is available online. If you go in make sure you say hi to Ellie who is the Master Mixologist. Try the Cash Rules Everything Around Me which is a whimsical twist on a Root Beer Float--it's non-alcoholic twin is Wu Tang is For the Children.