A side from a Shirley Temple – those sweet concoctions so many of us guzzled as kids during family events at the old 1025 Club in Johnston – creative non-alcoholic options used to be scarce. Today, more and more restaurants are adding zero-proof bevvies to the menu with all the flourishes of their boozy counterparts but none of the alcohol. If you’re opting to stay dry but want something more inspired than a seltzer, read on for local spots that have you covered.
My husband and I live for Bar Cino’s grilled pizzas and salads, and since he always seems to be training for another marathon, he tends to gravitate toward spirit-free. Thankfully, the team at BC have some splendid healthier options to pick from, like the C.L.A.M. (cucumber, lime, mint, and herb simple) and Don’t Call Me Shirley (ginger beer, lime juice, and hibiscus simple). Newport
Don’t let the beer garden sign out front stop you – a spacious back patio is also host to plenty of mixed drinks for those who would rather not imbibe. Sea Spray is a concoction of grapefruit juice, lemon, lime, rosemary, and soda water, and Blue Anchor also offers three flavored CBD seltzers and zero-alcohol beer. All pair well with a burger or club and hand-cut fries. Portsmouth
Regulars and newbies flock to this comfort food eatery for their creative cocktails. Whether meeting friends for a lively brunch or planning a relaxed supper with your significant other, they also have three delightful non-alcoholic drinks – Lemon Love (elevated club soda), Wild Berry Splash (think fresh berry puree), and Pomegranate Punch (with a ginger kick) – designed for clinking glasses. Newport
Nestled on a side street on Federal Hill, this speakeasy-style watering hole has been winning folks over since opening their doors in 2017. Beyond the beer, cider, wine, sake, and signature Courtland cocktails, they also have carefully curated spirit-free selections. Partake in the lounge atmosphere without the booze by trying a mocktail option that changes nightly. Providence
This multi-location eatery is known for their scrumptious Mexican-inspired dishes and ginormous drink menus of tequila and mezcal. Among the expansive list, they definitely haven’t overlooked zero-proof with a whopping five faux-tails to choose from. For a caffeine boost, there’s even one called Java Juice made with Nitro Cart cold brew and a surprising combo of citrus. Middletown, Newport & Providence
This iconic vegetarian eatery is one of my all time Rhode Island faves, so I was jazzed to see that they have several options when it comes to “unleaded” beverages. For starters, there’s a Luluna Kombucha Draft that’s sure to put a little pep in your step post lunch or din din. They’ll also mix up any of the traditional ’tails without alcohol. Pawtucket
This downtown bar in the Omni Hotel is a great spot for grabbing drinks before a PPAC show. In addition to ambiance and Mediterranean bar food, they craft some of the most delicious (and loveliest) adult beverages around. While they do have a selection of spirit-free sips on the menu, they even went above and beyond, mixing up a custom mocktail just for my husband. Providence
Perhaps you’ve enjoyed a Scorpion Bowl, Mai Tai, or Whiskey Samurai along with the fried oysters, tempura, and rock shrimp at NAMI, but did you know they also have a zero-proof menu? Along with non-alcoholic beers, they have several mixed drinks, including a Strawberry Jalapeño Margarita made with strawberry puree and muddled lime perfect for beating the summer heat. Providence
This sushi, brunch, and now nighttime (on Saturdays and Sundays) destination has plenty of refreshments for those seeking sans alcohol. I was wowed after spotting no less than six inspired mocktails on the menu and then learned they also offer non-alcoholic tequila and gin to mix up dry versions of any of their cocktails. Warren
Best enjoyed on their sunny patio, multiple mocktail options from Stoneacre Gardens go great with tasty seafood or vegetarian entrees. My go-to is their Passion Ginger (a simple yet refreshing concoction of ginger, club soda, and lime), but I highly recommend their Berry and Lemongrass Spritzes, prepared with fresh berries and citrus, respectively. Newport
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