Cutting back on alcohol? Try these mocktails at Atlanta-area gathering spots
With alcohol consumption on the rise, finding an alternative can be beneficial for your health. The pandemic has had an impact on increased consumption, according to Kaiser Permanente, which reported recently that 39% of people were consuming more than the recommended amounts of alcohol at the close of 2020.
Kaiser Permanente, citing Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendations, said women should limit themselves to one drink a day, and men should not consume more than two. Age and underlying health conditions have a further impact on these numbers, but the fact is that cutting back doesn’t have to be boring or painful. The availability of nonalcoholic libations today means you can still feel like you’re indulging, even if you’re decreasing your alcohol intake. Look for “zero-proof” or “mocktail” items on menus when you’re out, and check out these local spots for diverse and delicious options!
Sober Social
Nonalcoholic options abound at this Southern European-style eatery. Try the Eight Line Poem (sherry vinegar, ginger and lime oleo); Pomp and Pride (lavender, grapefruit, espresso, lemon, tonic); or the Phantom Mood (spiced oolong, lemon, vanilla, angostura bitters). These are just a few of the options for refreshment without the alcohol as you enjoy crispy duck lasagna, squid ink spaghetti, wagyu beef and black truffle ravioli or another culinary delicacy.
Location: Lyla Lila; Hours: Tuesday to Saturday - open at 5 p.m.; Sunday - open at 4 p.m.; Website: lylalilaatl.com
Atrium
Grab a table at Atrium for weekday lunch and enjoy the smoked salmon tartine or indulge in the challah French toast on Sunday. And it’s the perfect time of day to try zero-proof spirits that will quench you with unique flavors. There’s The Staten, a nonalcoholic muscadine wine with Amethyst blueberry mint zero-proof spirit. Or go for The Gemlet, an amethyst lemon serrano zero-proof spirit with cane syrup and lime.
Location: Ponce City Market; Website: atriumatl.com; Hours: Monday to Thursday - 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday - 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday - 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Puttshack
How about a little libation alongside your neon lights and mini golf? Puttshack Atlanta can deliver! The hibiscus mock mule with hibiscus syrup, ginger beer and fresh lime; the cotton candy crush with cotton candy syrup, red bull and lime juice; the peach free bellini with non-alcoholic spirit, peach puree and sparkling apple juice - they’re all waiting for you at the bar after you work up a sweat putting.
Location: Puttshack Atlanta; Website: puttshack.com; Hours: Monday to Wednesday - 11 a.m. to midnight; Thursday to Saturday - 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Sunday - 11 a.m. to midnight.
Foundation Social Eatery
And finally, there’s nothing like a creatively crafted, spirit-free drink to put a cap on your day, and you can find several great options at Foundation Social Eatery in Alpharetta. Try the Grey Fox: egg white, tonic thyme and Earl Grey tea; the Phony Negroni: orange and nonalcoholic negroni; or the Non-gin Sour: gin alternative, Earl Grey syrup, lemon, egg white and bitters.
Location: Foundation Social Eatery; Website: foundationatl.com; Hours: Tuesday to Thursday 5-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5-10 p.m.; Sunday - 5-9 p.m.
Dr. Belkis Pimental, physician director of performance and population health for Kaiser Permanente in the Georgia region, talks healthy lifestyle.
