Best Non-Alcoholic Cocktails in Sonoma County

As much as Sonoma County represents wine and beer, it also accommodates a non-alcoholic lifestyle (or day) with the same attention to quality ingredients, looks and amazing taste, that has become synonymous with the county.

Here are some of the best places to find your great virgin cocktail:

The Shuckery, Petaluma

This Petaluma gem, nestled in the historic Hotel Petaluma, is so much more than amazing oysters. They have a curated, seasonal cocktail and mocktail menu.

Currently on the menu, and made with freshly squeezed juices, are my favorite, the zesty “Paloma” made with grapefruit and ginger. They also make an amazing Spiced Coconut Cream Fizz and a Fresh Cucumber & Mint Lemonade. You have the option of sitting inside or outside in the charming hotel courtyard and you can of course accompany your mocktail with oysters galore.

Perch & Plow, Santa Rosa

Overlooking the historic Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa, Perch & Plow prides itself with local ingredients and high-quality, exquisite cocktails.

It is clear that they have put just as much effort into the four standard mocktails they make on request, as they have with their alcoholic versions.

Try the refreshing Basil Lemonade (basil, in-house-made lemonade and soda) or the dessert in a  glass, Orange Julius (orange juice, orange sherbert and vanilla ice cream).

Fern Bar, Sebastopol

Fern Bar serves not only delicious drinks, but also amazing and healthy food, be it snacky finger food or a full meal. But the cocktails are where they really shine. Created by the former bar manager at the 3 Michelin star Restaurant Meadowood, Sam Levy, each cocktail has been designed with creativity and great taste in mind, using exotic ingredients and interesting flavor combinations. The same creativity and care has been put into their mocktail menu. I recommend the Euphoria; seedlip grove, goji berry, schisandra berry, prickly pear-hibiscus puree and jasmine water … seriously, have you ever heard anything that fancy being served in a glass?

For those cool nights, how about a Not So Naughty Toddy; chai tea, hot water, spiced pumpkin, brown sugar and lemon?

Lo & Behold, Healdsburg

Whether you are enjoying a delicious dinner on the lush patio or cozying up in the lounge with a snack, at Lo & Behold, have a mocktail to compliment. Their fruity spirit-free menu is fun and fresh and goes really well with the food that has plenty of vegetarian options, seafood and comfort food with a twist.

My favorite is the Fruity Rumba; kiwi, strawberry, lime and seltzer. But the Caribbean Queen is definitely a close second; passion fruit, lime, orange and coconut.

Maya Restaurant, Sonoma

If you are in the mood for great Yucatan-style Mexican food, Maya in the historic downtown of Sonoma is your answer. They are known for their tequila and mezcal cocktails made with fresh fruit, but they also have great non-alcoholic options such as their Pink Limonada (lemon, grapefruit juice, topped with Squirt) or daily Aqua Fresca made with fresh seasonal ingredients.

Starks Restaurant, Santa Rosa

Apart from offering amazing steaks and seafood, Starks also offers accompanying mocktails made with house-made infusions, fresh fruits and herbs. You can order from the menu, such as the Honey Rosemary Spritzer or the delicious Vanilla Mint Julep, OR you can ask the bartender for a virgin version of your favorite cocktail.

Lastly, for the dry beer lover; local Petaluma brewery Lagunitas now makes the zero alcohol, zero calories and zero carbs “Lagunitas Hopwater” that tastes just like an IPA, without all the “bad stuff.”

In conclusion, a dry weekend in Sonoma County can definitely be just as fun and tasty as the traditional weekend in wine country.