Atlanta has entered into an exciting new stage in terms of non-alcoholic drinks. In fact, more diverse and creative options for non-alcoholic beverages are readily available now than ever before. You can find everything from dedicated bottle shops that only sell non-alcoholic spirits to craft cocktail bars mixing creative mocktails throughout the city’s neighborhoods, including Midtown, Buckhead, and beyond.
Whether you are newly sober, supporting a sober loved one, or just curious about social life without alcohol, this guide will help you identify the best zero-proof drinks available in Atlanta.
Atlanta’s Zero-Proof Movement: Why It’s Growing
A few years ago, ordering a non-alcoholic beverage at most bars in Atlanta was limited to sparkling water or a soft drink. Today, we see a very different scene. Across Atlanta, various restaurants, cocktail bars, and specialized retailers have invested in real zero-proof programs — things like non-alcoholic spirits selections, NA cocktail menus, and even full bars of NA drinks— providing sober and sober-curious guests as much consideration as their drinking counterparts.
There are several factors that have influenced this shift. Dry January is one of them, growing from a small wellness program to a large cultural phenomenon, and introducing millions of people each year to the idea of socializing without alcohol. The sober-curious movement also continues to gain popularity and encourages people to look at their relationship with alcohol without necessarily seeking total sobriety, and has allowed for continued demand for more non-alcoholic options well after January.
This cultural shift has significant meaning for those in recovery from substance use. With the increase of zero-proof options available in environments most would not expect, it creates more opportunity to enjoy time in social settings without being the only person not drinking.
The Zero Co: Atlanta’s Non-Alcoholic Pioneer
No discussion of zero-proof alcohol in Atlanta is complete without mentioning The Zero Co, one of Atlanta’s largest advocates for zero-proof beverages. The Zero Co has truly made its mark on the zero-proof beverage world by providing a curated assortment of non-alcoholic spirits, wines, beers, and mixers that exemplify the quality and creativity now found in the alcohol-free drink industry.
Whether you are looking for a sophisticated non-alcoholic aperitif before your dinner, a non-alcoholic spirit to make cocktails with at home, or just need direction on how to explore the world of non-alcoholic beverages, The Zero Co offers the type of specific expertise you would typically associate with a bottle shop, wine shop, or specialized retailer. It helps to further support the idea that zero-proof drinking is no longer an afterthought and is truly an up-and-coming category that needs its own special attention.
Non-Alcoholic Spirits Making Waves in Atlanta
Atlanta is seeing a surge in popularity with new non-alcoholic spirits brands that are transforming what is possible when creating zero-proof cocktails. Many of these brands have made their way to the shelves of Atlanta restaurants, bottle shops, and specialty retailers.
Here are a few of our favorites:
Lyre’s is one of the most widely known non-alcoholic spirits brands on the market and features an extensive variety of alcohol-free alternatives to whiskey, gin, rum, and other classic spirits. Lyre’s is made to closely resemble the flavor profiles of its alcoholic counterparts, helping to create an outstanding base for zero-proof versions of classic cocktails such as the Negroni and Margarita. Many bars and restaurants in Atlanta have started to create NA cocktails using Lyre’s products as the base and have dedicated sections of their cocktail menus to them.
Ghia has developed a loyal following with its non-alcoholic aperitif (a light, appetite-stimulating drink typically enjoyed before a meal) that is complex in flavor with herbal and bitter notes. It contains an assortment of ingredients such as yuzu, gentian, and ginger, and can be enjoyed by itself on ice or used as a base for zero-proof sips and cocktails. Ghia’s branding and its genuinely complex flavor have made it one of the top choices for consumers who identify as sober-curious.
Oddbird specializes in non-alcoholic wine and offers sparkling whites, rosé, and blanc options that pair nicely with food. If you miss the ritual of enjoying a glass of wine during dinner, Oddbird offers a truly enjoyable substitute that does not taste like grape juice — this is especially true for their sparkling wines, which make for an excellent substitute during New Year’s Eve and other occasions when it is customary to drink wine.
ISH produces a full line of non-alcoholic spirits designed to replicate the bartender’s experience of mixing cocktails without the alcohol. Some of the most popular ISH offerings are ISH American Malt and ISH Caribbean Spiced, both of which create a delicious and satisfying base for zero-proof classic cocktails. ISH spirits are now available at more retailers and online than ever before.
Seedlip rounds out the roster of well-respected non-alcoholic spirits worth knowing. Seedlip has become a pioneer in the industry, and is available at select Atlanta bottle shops and restaurants, creating botanically complex drinks for consumers looking to enjoy zero-proof cocktails at home or at the bar.
Where To Find Zero-Proof Cocktails in Atlanta
Midtown and Poncey-Highland
One of the most progressive neighborhoods in Atlanta when it comes to zero-proof options, Midtown offers several cocktail bars and restaurants with developing creative NA cocktail programs in response to demand from sober and sober-curious consumers in the area. The North Highland corridor in Poncey-Highland is home to many independent, food-first restaurants and cocktail bars, and the number of places within this area that have developed serious zero-proof cocktail programs reflects that food and beverage culture.
When you visit a cocktail bar in Midtown, don’t hesitate to ask your bartender or server about their zero-proof options. Many have far more available than what appears on their printed menu, and a good bartender will happily create something specific for you using the non-alcoholic spirits and mixers they have on hand.
Decatur and Kirkwood
Decatur and Kirkwood are two neighborhoods that are quickly adopting zero-proof cocktails. Decatur has long been one of Atlanta’s most popular dining destinations and has been relatively quick to incorporate zero-proof cocktails into its culture. When visiting one of the great Decatur restaurants, you can find creative non-alcoholic cocktails made with seasonal ingredients such as hibiscus, agave, and fresh citrus that offer the same flavor and complexity as their alcoholic counterparts.
Kirkwood shares a similar independent food and beverage culture to Decatur, and you will find a growing number of restaurants expanding their zero-proof offerings consistent with the rest of the city.
Buckhead
With the growth of upscale restaurants and cocktail bars in Buckhead, there has been an increase in zero-proof cocktails being offered as a substitute for their alcoholic counterparts. Several restaurants in Buckhead now offer a dedicated section on their drink menus for cocktails made with non-alcoholic spirits, including alcohol-free spritzes, mocktail margaritas, and non-alcoholic wine selections from brands like Oddbird.
Atlanta Restaurants Across the City
Hundreds of restaurants all over Atlanta now have zero-proof drink sections set up with the same significance and intention as their wine and cocktail menus. When eating out, if you are looking for a non-alcoholic cocktail, consider asking for something other than a “mocktail” — this signals to your server that you want something made with genuine craft rather than a simple fruit juice combination.
Building a Zero-Proof Bar at Home
If you prefer to host parties at home or just want to experiment with creating your own non-alcoholic cocktails, check out specialty retailers throughout Atlanta and its surrounding suburbs. You’ll be able to find dedicated selections of non-alcoholic spirits, wine, and beer for you to choose from. There are also numerous online retailers who will ship non-alcoholic beverages directly to your home in Georgia, making it easy to try different brands such as Lyre’s, Ghia, ISH, and Oddbird.
To have a successful non-alcoholic home bar, aim to have at least one or two non-alcoholic spirits, a quality non-alcoholic wine like Oddbird for celebrating, and a bitter aperitif like Ghia for after-work sips. Rounding out your setup with non-alcoholic mixers such as sparkling water, tonic, fresh juices, and syrups will allow you to create several different non-alcoholic cocktails, including a hibiscus spritz or a zero-proof negroni.
Zero-Proof Drinking and Recovery
For those in recovery from alcohol use disorder, Atlanta’s growing zero-proof scene offers access to social situations that may have previously been impossible to navigate. It provides access to the ritual and enjoyment of the drinking experience without actually consuming an alcoholic beverage. While drinking non-alcoholic drinks does not resolve the underlying challenges of recovery, they can be a helpful tool for those who are comfortable in their recovery and looking to participate more fully in social settings.
However, those in the early stages of recovery may find these beverages trigger cravings or reinforce a desire to drink real alcohol. If you are in this stage, it is worth discussing with a therapist or counselor. For those further along in their recovery journey, though, being able to choose non-alcoholic drinks is a way to bridge the gap between sobriety and full social participation.
At Marietta Springs, we support your recovery journey in every aspect of your life, including the social and lifestyle components of living free from alcohol. Our programs are based on evidence-based treatment and our dedication to helping every individual find a meaningful and sustainable path toward recovery. If you or someone you know is looking for help for an alcohol addiction, take the first step now and reach out today.
