Where to Find the Best Mocktails in San Diego

San Diego may be famous for its craft breweries and Baja-style margaritas, but a new wave of mixologists is shaking things up with exquisitely crafted mocktails. Whether you're on a Dry January detox, a designated driver, or simply prefer to skip the alcohol, these San Diego mocktails at well-known bars and restaurants will tantalize your taste buds without leaving you feeling left out.

A favorite San Diego brunch spot amongst the plant-based crowd, KINDRED is also well known for its fully vegan beverage program.

Tickle your senses with "Zombie Prescription," a mocktail made with pineapple turmeric shrub, grapefruit, lemon, cinnamon, ginger and agave or try the "Kiss of Steel," a pick-me-up with cold brew coffee, oat milk, cinnamon, coconut and an orange twist.

KINDRED, 1503 30th St, San Diego

KINDRED's sister spot, the space adventure-themed Mothership cocktail bar offers fully plant-based non-alcoholic options alongside their boozy concoctions. Try the "Tracking Device" made with coconut water, coconut cream, lime + hibiscus, or the "X-Ray" featuring white cane non-alcoholic spirit, lime, Szechuan peppercorn, spearmint + peppermint oil.

Oh, and Mothership was also named one of the Best Bars in America in 2023 by Esquire?

Mothership, 2310 30th St, San Diego

On Thursday-Sunday nights, the popular cacao café, Maya Moon Collective, turns into Moon Flower, a dedicated zero-proof cocktail bar. Their seasonal mocktail menus feature local produce paired with herbs, adaptogens and plant medicines.

Past seasonal drinks include "Spiritual Rest," a blend of Drink Dromme calm, Everleaf Drinks forest, lemon, honey, ginger, turmeric and orange bitters, and "Hi Barbie!" featuring non-alcoholic gin, non-alcoholic bubbly, prickly pear, strawberry, yuzu, lime, kanna.

Moon Flower at Maya Moon Collective, 3349 Adams Avenue, San Diego

Mnemonic Coffee, a new coffee shop in Bankers' Hill, serves up coffee sodas alongside lattes, plus it's also home to a "zero-proof drink space."

Mnemonic Coffee's zero-proof menu includes "Maple St." with maple syrup, long pepper, cinnamon, apple foam and topo chico or transport yourself to Cuba with the "Soy Libre" made with Coke, simple syrup, soy sauce, lime juice + cinnamon.

Mnemonic Coffee, 2604 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

San Diego's first alcohol-free bottle shop hosts pop-up tasting events, happy hours and community mixers at its new tasting room in Pacific Beach. Stop by to grab to sample ready-made mocktails or grab supplies to make your own!

Monday Morning Bottle Shop, 1854 Garnet Ave, San Diego

Rated one of the top 25 mocktail bars in the U.S. by Yelp, this stunning La Jolla speakeasy is known for its exquisite cocktails, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Raised By Wolves' mocktail menu changes seasonally, but you might find delights like the tart + spicy "Hibiscus Phosphate" or the tiki-themed "Pirate's Anthem" mocktail that will evoke feelings of a tropical vacation.

Pro tip: stock up on non-alcoholic mixers + ready-to-drink options at their carefully curated bottle shop before you head out. 

Raised By Wolves, 4301 La Jolla Village Dr #2030, San Diego

Named the Best New Neighborhood Restaurant of 2023 by Eater San Diego, Leucadia's Atelier Manna has now developed several zero-proof "vitality tonics" to accompany its elevated farm-to-table brunch menu. Each tonic features seasonal fruit and herbs and are "designed with th-e intention to invigorate, refresh and restore.”

Standouts include the "Lisbon" made with quince, citrus, vanilla and baking spices, as well as the "Madera" with toasted fig leaf, juniper and lemon.

Atelier Manna, 1076 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas

This popular seafood restaurant extends its commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients to its beverage program as well.

Herb and Sea's mocktail menu features rotating options like the "Never Have I Heather" made with lemon juice, dragon fruit + basil syrup, and the "Sea Güey" featuring housemade pistachio horchata, strawberry reduction + cinnamon.

Herb and Sea, 131 W D St, Encinitas

So ditch the FOMO and raise a glass to these delicious San Diego mocktails. With these spots as your guide, you're sure to find delicious and satisfying drinks that will leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated. Cheers to a San Diego where everyone can have a seat at the table, regardless of their beverage of choice!

Bonus Tip: Many bars and restaurants in San Diego are happy to customize their existing cocktails to make them non-alcoholic. Just ask your bartender for their recommendations!

Browse our Food & Home articles for vegan recipes, farmers' market locations, plus foodie news and events around San Diego! Or browse our San Diego Wellness Business Directory to find a healthy dining hotspot near you!