What Is a Zero-Proof Cocktail? (And Why You’ll Love It)
Move over, mocktails. Zero-proof cocktails are here, and they’re anything but watered down.
At The Still Bar, we craft nonalcoholic cocktails that celebrate Michigan’s vibrant harvests. Bottled, balanced, and ready to pour, our drinks offer the flavor complexity of a craft cocktail, without the booze. But what exactly is a zero-proof cocktail, and how is it different from other alcohol-free options?
Zero-Proof Defined
A zero-proof cocktail is a drink that’s crafted like a traditional cocktail – with layered flavors, balance, and intentionality – but made entirely without alcohol. Unlike juice or soda, a true zero-proof cocktail has depth. Think of it as a sophisticated beverage experience that just happens to be alcohol-free.
Not Just a Mocktail
The term "mocktail" has been around for decades, but it often implies something less than a real drink – a sugary substitute or an afterthought on a menu. Zero-proof cocktails reject that idea. They're made with the same care, creativity, and palate awareness as traditional cocktails, just without the alcohol.
Our drinks are:
Balanced: Bright acid, bitter elements, herbaceous notes, and a touch of sweetness
Bottled: No shaker or garnish needed, just pour and enjoy
Seasonal: Crafted in small batches using peak-season Michigan ingredients
Why Go Zero-Proof?
Whether you're sober, sober-curious, or just cutting back, there are plenty of reasons to choose a zero-proof drink:
No hangover
Better hydration and fewer empty calories
More inclusive gatherings where everyone gets a real drink
Mindful rituals without the side effects
Meet Our Bottled Zero-Proof Cocktails
Each of our bottled cocktails is carefully developed to evoke a sense of place, season, and celebration – without relying on alcohol to carry the flavor.
Here are a few you might love:
Roasted Blueberry + Basil Margarita: A smoky-sweet take on a summer classic, made with roasted Michigan blueberries, fresh basil, and housemade zero-proof tequila
Dry Hopped Paloma: Bright grapefruit and lime, balanced by the herbal bitterness of hops and a touch of salt
Cherry Negroni: A nonalcoholic twist on a classic aperitivo, built on Michigan tart cherries, gentian root, and charred citrus
Explore the full collection →: Discover all our seasonal zero-proof cocktails
How to Enjoy
Pour over ice
Garnish if you like (a sprig of mint, a citrus wedge, or a salt rim goes a long way)
Sip slowly. These are meant to be savored
Final Sip
Zero-proof isn’t about restriction. It’s about intention. At The Still Bar, we believe you deserve something better than a “mocktail.” You deserve a real drink, thoughtfully crafted and full of flavor, just without the alcohol.
Ready to stock your bar cart? Shop the latest seasonal releases.