The popularity of zero-alcohol cocktails has significantly increased in recent years in Dubai, even as the city’s dining and nightlife scene shows no signs of slowing down. Whether it’s a result of most of the local population’s culture or shifting lifestyle preferences, there’s never been a better time to browse the non-alcoholic drinks sections of menus around town.
Expect to sip on elevated mocktails at these Dubai hotel restaurants and bars.
Tucked away at the Restaurant Village at Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Coya Dubai impresses with its lush interiors (plush velvet sofas, carved wood panels, Peruvian art and artifacts, antique mirrors and abundant indoor plants) set against beautiful views of downtown Dubai. As chefs plate Peruvian dishes in the open kitchen, talented mixologists shake up cocktails at the Pisco Bar and resident DJs create a lively vibe late into the night.
While the drinks are inspired by some of the oldest bars in Lima, those looking for non-alcoholic cocktails will be delighted by creations such as Purple Rain, crafted with Chicha morada (a purple corn drink), pineapple juice, passion fruit purée and fresh lime juice, or the Cúmachata, featuring housemade tropical water, lucuma (a sweet South American fruit), horchata and date syrup.
At Hakkasan Dubai at Four-Star Atlantis, The Palm, intricately carved wood screens, moody lighting, a sleek bar and elegant dining areas create a sense of intrigue, cementing this Chinese restaurant’s status on Dubai’s dining scene.
Though you can expect to sample a bold and modern take on Cantonese cuisine, Hakkasan is also renowned for its innovative mixology. The non-alcoholic winners include the Cloudy Passion, made with Lyre’s American malt, passion fruit, lime, basil and kumquat syrup, and the Juzi Spritz, which includes peach pure, orange juice, 0% ABV Italian Spritz and lemonade.
In The Dubai EDITION, Masti Dubai’s dramatic chandeliers, colorful chainmail tunnel, velvet chairs, eclectic art hanging on textured walls and stained glass bar create a glamorous setting for a contemporary Indian meal and innovative pours.
While gin is the star of the show, mocktails such as the Mellow Yellow (mango cordial, cinnamon, 0% chardonnay and rose water) and Fig Brew (Lyre’s Amaretti, fig, orange, basil and strawberry sparkle) are equally appealing choices.
The retro-futuristic, steampunk-inspired Dubai outpost of Beirut’s Amelia Restaurant and Lounge at the Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Address Sky View is one of Dubai’s hottest nightlife venues. Inside the lounge, the DJ booth looks like a pipe organ, a plane propeller hangs above the bar and illuminated ceiling arches lend the fine-dining restaurant grandeur.
The dinner menu features Japanese-Peruvian dishes, and the extensive cocktails roster includes a host of non-alcoholic choices. Try the Orange Spritzer, made from Lyre’s spritz, or Green Garden, which infuses Lyre’s London Dry spirit with cucumber, mint and anise flavors.
At NoLo, Dubai’s first dry bar on the 24th floor of Dusit Thani Dubai, expect to sip on drinks in a sophisticated setting complete with luxurious velvet seats, wrought-iron chandeliers, skyline views and soulful jazz.
The menu reflects the founders’ vision to redefine the idea of a fun night out with non-alcoholic hops, wines and cocktails, such as the Lavender Bees Knees Royale, made with Lyre’s London Dry, lavender honey and lemon juice, and the Spice Date Espresso Martini that features Lyre’s dark cane, cold espresso and spice date syrup.
Within the regal Five-Star Jumeirah Al Naseem, MayaBay Dubai’s lagoon views, glamorous crystal chandeliers, carved wood panels and Japanese kokeshi dolls set a stylish scene. Between your feast of Japanese and Thai dishes, sip from a cocktail menu featuring alcoholic concoctions influenced by Thai and Japanese flavors and another list with zero-proof takes on classics such as the London Mule (non-alcoholic gin, lemon and ginger ale) and a Campari Spritz made with non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
