(StatePoint) Kentucky’s bourbon legacy draws millions of visitors to area bars and distilleries each year. But those looking for booze-free options need not worry, Bourbon country is for everyone, whether they plan to indulge or not.
Designated drivers, health-conscious travelers, teetotalers and sober month challenge participants alike will have more than enough fun mocktails to order as they sip their way through Kentucky!
Distilleries and restaurants across the Bluegrass State have made huge strides in mocktail creation and innovation, developing sophisticated beverages often curated to be paired with items on a food menu. Here are just a few of the beverages being served across Kentucky.
Fresh and Fruity Mocktails
At Barrel House Distilling Co. in Lexington, the rustic Elkhorn Tavern is a timber-lined slice of old Kentucky where you can while away the day with the Elkhorn Porch Swing, a concoction of fruity blackberry syrup balanced with tart lemon and cranberry juice. A ginger beer float finishes things off with a little heat. Catch live music most nights!
With duckpin bowling, ping pong and golf simulators, there’s plenty to do at District 7 Social in Lexington. Stay hydrated with the Blackberry Lemon Fizz, a zingy blend of sweet blackberry syrup, tart fresh lemon juice and sparkling water. Fill up on smokehouse eats and test your brain power at trivia in this warehouse-style social lounge.
Herbal and Botanical Mocktails
Each ingredient of the Prohibited Paradise at Bardstown Bourbon Company is more than meets the eye. First, Lyre’s American Malt NA spirit is house-infused with black peppercorn, juniper and cardamom. Monin Agave Nectar with sage and peppercorn brings sweetness. Finally, lime and orange juice (with juniper and lime peels) give it a citrusy lift. A crushed black peppercorn rim adds heat with each sip!
The Shelbyville Spritzer at Bulleit Distilling Co. in Shelbyville is an ode to nature’s abundance. Herbal NA spirit Seedlip sets the tone with pea and thyme notes, while pear-rosemary syrup brings garden freshness. Fresh lime juice and zingy Fever Tree Sparkling Lime & Yuzu balance it out. Enjoy from a comfy sofa under the towering rows of bourbon barrels in the distillery’s modern tasting room.
Just Like the Real Thing Mocktails
The bellini is a brunch staple. Head to Danville and visit The Still at Blue Rook Distillery for its booze-free version, the Baby Bellini, which combines summery peach juice with Sprite to give it those all-important bubbles. A bit of cranberry juice adds tartness and tannin, cutting through that sugary sweetness. It’s perfect paired with the Smoked Salmon Tartine on The Still’s relaxed patio!
At Juniper’s Gin Bar in Covington, you can hardly tell the difference between its Aper-All Spritz and its inspiration, the Aperol spritz. In place of Aperol, this drink stars Giffard Sirop Aperitif, a bitter orange and gentian root syrup. Topped with seltzer and Freixenet Alcohol Removed Sparkling Wine, you get all the bubbles and all the flavor of the real thing—with none of the booze.
There is no reason to miss out on all the fun just because you don’t drink bourbon. Kentucky bourbon country’s top-notch mocktails make the trip a fun and festive experience for everyone.
