The rise of mocktails has proven one thing: you don’t need alcohol to enjoy a well-crafted drink. Across Grand County, bars and restaurants are elevating their non-alcoholic offerings with fresh ingredients, inventive flavors, and the same care that goes into a signature cocktail. In the Best of Grand contest, locals recognized the places mixing drinks that prove “spirit-free” doesn’t mean compromise.
At Fraser Valley Distilling, craftsmanship extends beyond spirits. Their mocktails showcase the creativity of the bar team, layering fresh herbs, fruit, and house-made syrups into drinks that feel just as celebratory as their cocktails. It’s an inclusive approach that makes sure every guest has a reason to raise a glass.
Idlewild Spirits in Winter Park may be known for whiskey and gin, but their bartenders also know how to play with flavor outside the spirit world. The mocktail list highlights the same seasonal ingredients and innovative techniques, creating options that stand on their own. For non-drinkers, it’s proof they won’t miss out on the craft experience.
Tabernash Tavern adds a culinary angle to its mocktails, often weaving kitchen ingredients into drinks with unexpected depth. Whether it’s citrus-forward refreshers or herb-infused blends, the results feel as refined as anything else on the menu. Guests who skip alcohol still enjoy something distinctive and flavorful.
Deno’s Mountain Bistro in Winter Park ensures that everyone at the table gets a thoughtfully prepared beverage. Their mocktails combine fruit juices, tonics, and garnishes with the same presentation as their bar menu staples. For families or groups with mixed drink preferences, it’s an easy choice that keeps the experience consistent.
The Birdie Lounge, with its modern vibe and curated drink list, has embraced mocktails as part of the social scene. Expect vibrant colors, crisp flavors, and a touch of flair in every glass. It’s the kind of place where non-alcoholic options aren’t an afterthought, but an integral part of the bar’s creative energy.
Thanks, ChatGPT.