Contrary to popular belief, non-alcoholic cocktails aren’t just juice; they are crafted alchemy made with as much intention as any cocktail, hold the liquor. Here’s my guide to some of the best in Cape Town:

Nikkei | 87 Bree Street

IG @nikkei_za

In the dim-lit ambience of Nikkei, sat around the bar, I asked Joshua Jacobs what inspires their non-alcoholic creations. “There’s more effort in a non-alcoholic cocktail as you have to think about how you’re going to make it shine without the spirits,” he said with a smile, as bartender Phil set off to shake my order. Nikkei’s pisco non-alcoholic cocktails are an homage to the pisco, with each inspired by a fusion of their Japanese-Peruvian roots. The absolute drama of the “Nikkei Tikki”, topped with grapefruit, pineapple, cherry and mint, in a tiki cup makes one picture themselves sat under a palm tree. The true star is the “Chicha Tropicalia”, with warm ginger notes and yet a different pineapple tone to that of the former, with a deliciously edible garnish of in-house dried pineapple – an experience right down to the last sip.

Maru | 107 Bree Street

IG @maru__za

Walking into Maru feels like a long overdue catch-up with friends. Warm welcome, incredible hosts and a non-alcoholic menu best described by the manager, Samuel Williams. “We keep the menu small and tighten our focus on the details to make sure that our offer is the best.” True to his word, the Fantastic Baby is a definite winner; not too sweet, refreshing with a hint of savoury from the surprising gochujang, garnished with a fresh flower and fresh mint.

Aperitif | 227 Bree Street

IG @aperitifonbree

Aperitif offers a relaxed and welcoming space, where bartender Biza Matshalemani describes their drinks as “eye-catching drinks that create a vibe”. My absolute favourite is the “Berry Lavender Spritz”, a balanced drink with a slight pucker and sweetness and a light lavender finish. A close second is the “Spicy Cucumber Spritz”, garnished with a thin strip of fresh cucumber and a chilli rim that commands you to sip from the glass for a warming kick at the back of the throat.

Burger and Lobster | 105 Bree Street

IG @burgerlobstersa

As bartender Siphelele Fobosi layers the soft shell (that’s what the drinks are aptly called), “World Is Your Lobster” drink, I am told that the non-alcoholic cocktails are quite intentionally created and not considered as an afterthought to the menu. The absolute star of the show is the “Tropical Breeze”, garnished with a skewer snack of dried apricots, a slice of lemon and a luxurious foam made with apricot and yoghurt.

Gigi’s | 118 St George’s Mall

IG @gorgeousgeorgecpt

Six floors up in the Gorgeous George Hotel, is a bar with an incredible rooftop view of the city and a bar tended by the most conversational barmen. Our bartender, London, says they pride themselves on consistency and quality checks that ensure every drink speaks to the monument of their reputation, as a two-time winner of the Bar of the Year Award. The “Paloma” is garnished with a rim of Himalayan pink salt that balances the bitters and grapefruit. One can also get off-the-menu bartender-inspired drinks (as I discovered), such as the “Sweet Dreams”, a sunset-coloured drink comprising passionfruit, elderflower and cranberry juice, garnished with an edible flower and bitters.

Talking to Strangers | 61 Loop Street

@talkingtostrangersbar

A bar of contradictions, with a graffiti-style wall and a buzzing crowd within its cosy space, their drinks are no different. Having won the 2025 Best New Cocktail Bar at the Bar & Beverage Awards, they clearly have made their mark. The star of the non-alcoholic menu, “Shanghai Surprise”, comprises tonka bean, lemon, sesame, toasted basmati soda and a garnish of fresh lemon slice. Bartender Jay-Cee said the inspiration came from an old colleague’s experimentation of an ice cream made with the Asian tonka bean and lemon, and their collective love for Shanghai.

Cape Town’s non-alcoholic cocktail scene proves that choosing not to drink doesn’t mean choosing less. Each bar treats zero-alcohol cocktails with the same respect and creativity as their alcoholic counterparts. Whether you’re permanently sober, taking a break, or simply curious, these spots deliver drinks worth ordering!