Cuisine Scene: Mocktails

There are few things as pleasant as enjoying a warm summer day in the company of good friends and a cool drink at one of Long Beach’s great bars, lounges or restaurants. Who could ask for anything more? Well, when it comes to alcohol, sometimes less is more. Check out these local spots that feature not only great views and vibes, but seriously good mocktails.

EL BARRIO CANTINA

Known for its modern yet always authentic take on Mexican dishes and tapas, El Barrio Cantina (1731 E Fourth St) applies the same creative method of using fresh seasonal ingredients in their cocktail program. That means that their mocktails pop with flavor, whether it’s the pomegranate, ginger and mint of the La Penelope or the cranberry, orange and pineapple in the La Esmeralda. Not surprisingly, the drinks and dishes pair spectacularly well.

COMPOUND

Compound (1395 Coronado Ave) is a community gathering space offering thought-provoking art exhibits, yoga and wellness workshops and in-house restaurant, Union. Union’s mocktail offerings include La Fresca, combining strawberry syrup, elderflower, non-alcoholic Amaro Lucano, soda water, and lime juice. Another option, Turning Violet, is made with coconut cream, orange, blueberry, and lime leaf. Try these at Union’s brunch at 11AM on Saturdays and Sundays, and choose a table outdoors in the sun-splashed sculpture garden.

BUNGALOW

The Bungalow, located in the 2ND&PCH (6400 E Pacific Coast Hwy) retail center, has a gorgeous view of the Alamitos Bay Marina and features a delicious menu of bar bites and small plates–street tacos, Neapolitan pizza, wings, etc.–to go along with it is a selection of non-alcoholic mocktails. Try the Do it with Passion, a passion fruit sangria made with non-alcoholic white wine. The restaurant also offers a selection of several non-alcoholic wines and beers.

BAMBOO CLUB

Since many of their drinks are of the tasty, punch variety, tiki bars mix very well with mocktails. Bamboo Club (3522 E Anaheim St), one of the city’s most popular destinations for good food and good times, offers some of its signature drinks sans alcohol without skimping a bit on the flavor. Get a Virgin Painkiller–a Bamboo favorite–with pineapple, orange and coconut juices, a Virgin Pina Colada–pineapple, coconut and lemon–or a Virgin Lava Flow with pineapple, coconut and lemon with a strawberry float.

WICKED WOLF

Founders of this Wrigley neighborhood bar/tea/coffee house described it as a “romantic living room in the forest.” Loungey cool mixed with fairy tale charm, The Wicked Wolf (2332 Pacific Ave) takes mocktails seriously. Its menu is extensive, with many mocktails themed on the fairy tale vibe. The Sleeping Beauty is made with lemon, pineapple and coconut syrup, and the Black Beard, combines zero proof rum, lime, prickly pear syrup, orgeat, and ginger ale.

About the Author

Claire Atkinson

Claire Atkinson is a Southern California native who has lived in Long Beach for 20 years. She spends her free time visiting local parks, farmers markets, and museums, and loves learning about Long Beach history and culture.