CULINARY
Top 10 Must-Have Mocktails in the Art Coast
While this charming coastal destination is renowned for its craft breweries, wineries, and cideries, there’s a rising trend that’s taking center stage: mocktails. Mocktails, the alcohol-free counterparts to cocktails, have become a celebrated choice for all occasions. Whether you’re looking for ways to observe Dry January or Sober October, are a year-round teetotaler or just a weekend designated driver, the Art Coast invites you to discover some mocktail magic that’s sure to leave you thirsting for more.
From classic concoctions with a twist to innovative creations inspired by the region's natural bounty, we’ve curated this list of crave-worthy mocktails that are sure to please all tastes and preferences.
Wicks Park Bar & Grille’s Saugatuck Sunset
With its charming park-side setting, Wicks Park Bar & Grille is a casually elegant restaurant perfect for sharing a memorable meal among friends. Don't miss the chance to savor their signature Saugatuck Sunset mocktail, which blends the vibrant flavors of orange and pineapple juices with a touch of grenadine and soda for a palate-pleasing experience.
Known for its commitment to fresh, local, and seasonal cuisine, this modern American eatery elevates the mocktail experience with its signature alcohol-free Mojito. Combining the sweetness of simple syrup with tart lime juice, club soda, and the unmistakable essence of fresh mint, this delightful drink pays an impressive homage to its spirited counterpart.
Honoring the regional cooking traditions of the American South with an uncomplicated yet elevated approach, The Southerner offers several delightful mocktails worthy of praise. Our favorite is the No Fly Zone, which combines Italian Orange, Aperitif Rosso, and Lyre’s Dry “Gin” for a flavor-filled alcohol-free beverage.
Pennyroyal Café & Provisions’ Cranberry Ginger Sling
At Pennyroyal, every dish is artfully crafted with locally sourced ingredients, highlighting the abundance of West Michigan farms and the Fruit Belt region. This commitment to quality extends to their craft mocktails, like the Cranberry Ginger Sling, featuring spiced cranberry syrup, lime, and ginger beer for a refreshing accompaniment to any meal.
Renowned for its iconic Butler Burger and captivating waterfront setting, The Butler restaurant offers several mocktail options, including their refreshing Razzle Dazzle, artfully crafted with pineapple and lemon juices and complemented by the zing of their homemade raspberry vinegar.
Salt of the Earth’s Pomegranate Fizz
Located in downtown Fennville, Salt of the Earth embodies the rustic charm of Midwest American farm-to-table dining. Their specialty mocktail, the Pomegranate Fizz, blends fresh pomegranate juice, zesty lime, fragrant mint, and a touch of simple syrup with a splash of soda for a vibrant beverage experience.
This local Fennville favorite is known for its eclectic menu, which features a fusion of flavors and locally sourced ingredients. An absolute must-try for the discerning mocktail enthusiast is their Gunner, a tantalizing beverage crafted with lemon juice, ginger beer, aromatic bitters, and a refreshing hint of mint.
Bowdie’s Chophouse’s New Fashioned
Known for its rustic elegance and sumptuous dining options, Bowdie’s offers a delicious alcohol-free take on an Old Fashioned. Their New Fashioned features Spiritless Kentucky 74, Bab Louie & Co. non-alcoholic bitters, muddled orange, maraschino cherry, and brûléed orange for a well-balanced mocktail full of complex flavors.
Coast 236’s Unleaded Whiskey Sour
Sourcing meaningful ingredients from both land and sea, Coast 236 crafts approachable coastal-inspired fare with unexpected details. Their Unleaded Whiskey Sour mocktail, a delightful twist on a classic favorite, is also approachable and unexpected, featuring Kentucky 74 zero-proof bourbon, zesty lime, cranberry, and ginger beer.
New Holland Spirits’ Not So Loco
Located in downtown Saugatuck, New Holland Spirits has a tasting room that also offers several Zero Proof drinks for those who don’t wish to imbibe any alcohol. Try their No So Loco mocktail made with coconut, pineapple juice, lime juice, and ginger ale for a taste of the tropics.
Honorable Mentions
If you’re in the mood to make your own, Isabel's Market + Eatery carries the full line of spiritless alcohol, including zero-proof bourbon and tequila. They also carry alcohol-free wines and beers for guilt-free consumption. The market will also craft non-alcohol versions of an Old Fashioned, a Margarita, and a Side Car upon request.
This summer, for anyone lucky enough to be staying at the historic Maplewood Inn in downtown Saugatuck, you’ll be treated on the weekends to a refreshing Ginger Orange mocktail made with orange juice, pineapple juice, orange bitters, and ginger beer.
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