No Booze, No Problem: The Best Mocktails in Indianapolis
Whether you abstain from alcohol year-round, or you’re committed to beginning each year with Dry January, nonalcoholic cocktails (also known as “zero-ABV,” “spirit-free,” “mock-” or “soft cocktails”) are becoming — thankfully, finally — mainstream in Indy.
Many bars, breweries, and distilleries have expanded their alcohol-free options beyond a glass of fruit juice to something a little more, well, refined. (I still love you though, juice!) These are the best places in town to grab a drink, dry or otherwise, from now until Dry January and beyond.
Ball & Biscuit
The Ball & Biscuit is an Indy cocktail bar OG — they’ve seen cocktail trends come and go, and they excel at the classics. Thankfully, they’re also incredible at making craft alcohol-free cocktails with the same level of care that goes into a stiff drink.
They’ve got an entire page of their menu dedicated to AF drinks, including a delicious NA spritz. If you’re into that kind of thing, you can also add Delta-8 or CBD to your drink.
331 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
The Brasserie at Kan-Kan
Kan-Kan is a multi-faceted spot — part bar, part restaurant, part cinema. If you’re stopping in for a drink before a movie (or just stopping in for a drink or meal period!), don’t miss their zero-proof cocktail list. Their drink menus change seasonally, so their mocktails are constantly being updated.
Their zero-proof drinks please a wide range of palates. Kan-Kan always has a range of mocktails, so there’s something for everyone, no matter if you prefer a sweeter drink, something more classic, or even a spicy mocktail.
1258 Windsor St, Indianapolis, IN 46201
Parlor Public House
Work from Parlor Public House during the day to get your caffeine fix, then stick around in the evenings for drinks and music.
Their coffee and cocktail menus both change seasonally, offering unique flavor combinations that complement the time of year. As of writing, their fall drinks use ingredients like cranberry, chai, and ube.
600 E Ohio St Suite B, Indianapolis, IN 46202
16-Bit
16-Bit is a barcade — part bar, part classic video game arcade — where you can play for free. No need to bring your own quarters. Their mocktail list is smaller, and their alcohol-free beverages are on the simpler side, but few bars in Indy offer this kind of entertainment and AF options.
110 E New York St, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
Bodhi
On the other end of Mass Ave from The Ball & Biscuit, you’ll find Bodhi, a beloved Thai restaurant and bar. Bodhi means “enlightenment” in Sanskrit-Thai, and their cocktail menu is, well, enlightening. Their drink menu changes regularly, and is often themed. In the summer, they’ve got great drinks inspired by the seasonal bounty of fruits and vegetables.
Their spiritless cocktails feature alcohol-free spirits like Seedlip, and they serve NA drinks and craft sodas as well.
922 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202
The Inferno Room
Here’s the thing — The Inferno Room has a cocktail menu, but… you probably won’t need it. This Tiki bar takes a unique approach to serving, asking you for your flavor preferences in lieu of limiting you to a set list of drinks. In other words, you’ll get a drink customized to you!
If you’re abstaining from alcohol, let them know, and they’re build you a zero-proof Tiki-inspired drink that will transport you to a remote island. Don’t skip their food menu, either.
902 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203
Nowhere Special
Nowhere Special is definitely somewhere special. This subterranean bar is located on the same strip as your favorite Mass Ave spots, but it’s easy to miss. Walk down the staircase into their dark, vibey bar and you’ll be greeted with delicious drinks. They take their drinks seriously, but they still have fun — they’ve created unique beverages to celebrate events like the Indiana State Fair (featuring Hot Cheetos, hello) and played up nostalgia with school lunchbox-inspired drinks. Ask the bartenders for their mocktail recommendations, or let them know what flavors you like and they’ll create something special for you.
608 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Loren’s AF
This list wouldn’t be complete without a shout out to Loren’s AF, an alcohol-free bottle shop in Carmel. They’ve got a huge selection of spiritless spirits, alcohol-free beers and wines, mixers, and ready-to-drink beverages. If you’re hosting a party and looking for NA options to serve your guests, you’ll find a variety of drinks to pair with whatever you’re serving. Loren’s also has functional beverages with adaptogens, nootropics, and other natural ingredients to make you feel great.
5790 E Main St Suite 150, Carmel, IN 46033
Memento Zero Proof
Memento holds the title of Indiana’s first zero-proof lounge. Their zero-proof cocktail menu has range, with everything from refreshing spritzes to draft Butter Beer on offer. Their menu includes non-alcoholic takes on sours, daiquiris, martinis, and more.
If you’re not in the mood for a mixed drink, Memento also serves NA beer, wine, and coffee.
8701 E 116th St Suite 145, Fishers, IN 46038
Snug
If you’ve been to Ireland, you know the joy of finding a pub and cozying up with a great drink. You don’t have to travel to Ireland to get an Irish pub feel any more now that Snug has opened in Indy. This Irvington spot has a seasonal alcohol-free punch on the menu, as well as sparkling options from Rare Brew (a local tea company), NA beer, coffee, and tea. If you’d prefer to chill out, you can add CBD to your seasonal punch.
210 S Audubon Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46219
