In a world where consumers are embracing wellness-focused and healthy lifestyles, the global zero-proof cocktail market is also experiencing a rise. Zero-proof cocktails are alcohol-free, expertly crafted beverages designed to offer the same complexity, flavour, and visual appeal as traditional alcoholic cocktails. Which means: if you are a teetotaler, you have much more to choose from other than a virgin mojito or an iced tea.
According to the IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, the no- and low-alcohol sector grew by over 7% globally in 2023, with non-alcoholic spirits leading the charge. This movement, driven by millennials and Gen Z, is also gaining momentum in India. These are individuals who want to have a good time paired with well-crafted drinks, minus the hangover that often accompanies alcoholic cocktails. It is unlikely that bars in Delhi won’t respond to a trend, and spaces across Delhi have started crafting drinks that mimic the complexity of traditional cocktails, only without using alcohol.
Home
The beverage menu at Home in Vasant Vihar is designed to be a musical journey, featuring drinks inspired by 12 different musical eras. While the alcoholic cocktails are to die for, the zero-proof cocktails, inspired by the seven chakras of the human body, are equally loved.
Standouts from the menu include the earthy and citrusy cocktail, “The Sensation” (apple, sweet lime, beetroot kombucha), the floral and spicy “Flow Within” (red fruit, fennel, lemon, soda), and “Solar Spark” (spicy jamun, apple, jalapenos).
Crown Light is another creamy and floral sober drink that uses sober gin (a distilled, non-alcoholic beverage designed to offer the taste and complexity of traditional gin without the alcohol), lavender, citrus, and hung curd.
Address: 3rd Floor, Ambience Mall, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi
Price for two: INR 5,500
Somewhere Nowhere
Somewhere Nowhere, a Japanese-style speakeasy located in the heart of GK2, offers an extensive menu of sober or zero-proof cocktails, meticulously crafted to be as enjoyable and inclusive as their alcoholic counterparts. The bar dedicates almost 50 per cent of its beverage menu to alcohol-free options, which also include zero-sugar drinks designed to mimic the appearance and taste of traditional alcoholic cocktails.
A standout from Somewhere Nowhere’s menu is the Sober Picante, which will exactly make you feel like you are sipping on a classic picante, minus the possible hangover the next morning.
Address: Block M, Greater Kailash 2 (GK 2), New Delhi, Greater Kailash 2 (GK 2), New Delhi
The Brook
After Sidecar’s success, The Brook in Gurugram is the second cocktail bar in Delhi NCR for award-winning mixologist Yungdup Lama. It is an ode to the Himalayas, featuring cocktails and dishes that showcase indigenous ingredients from the region. Known for crafting exceptional cocktails, Lama has also done an equally impressive job with his zero-proof drinks.
The boghate is a favourite among visitors. The tangy and layered drink features Himalayan pomelo, apple cider vinegar, Himalayan honey, and a dust of red chilli powder. Other must-try zero-proof cocktails include their basil spritzer (made with basil, elderflower, lime acid, and soda water) and tomato Hiball (featuring a tomato shrub, basil leaves, and soda water.
Address: GL 108, 1st Floor, Crosspoint Mall, Sector 28, DLF Phase 4, Gurgaon
Price for two: INR 3,000
Sly Granny
Known for its cocktails, Sly Granny’s beverage roster also does equal justice to its zero-proof options. Nested in Delhi’s Khan Market, some standout cocktails without alcohol include barbarian days (orange juice, passionfruit, mint, lemon, tonic water), passion fruit orange cooler (passion fruit puree, orange juice, fresh lime, and simple syrup), and the botanist (lychee juice, jalapenos, rose, coriander, and soda water).
If you want to be experimental with your pick, opt for jungle love. It features a medley of flavours with guava juice, basil, Granny’s hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and jalapenos, coming together to create a memorable zero-proof cocktail.
Address: Flat 4, 1st & 2nd Floor, Khan Market, New Delhi
Price for two: INR 3,000
Call Me Ten
Popular as one of Delhi’s most popular speakeasies, Call Me Ten in Vasant Vihar’s Priya Market is not only visited for its cocktails but also for the zero-proof drinks that the bar offers. Highlights include the Tea Party (oolong, smoked pineapple juice, honey, kaffir lime, falernum syrup, and lime), the Red Notice (watermelon shrub, mint, rose, and basil soda), and the Summer Mary (tomato juice, shiitake, lime, sriracha, soy sauce, and cumin soda).
Their Paloma meets picante is another standout zero-proof cocktail from the roster. It features jalapeno honey damerara, sweet lime, coriander, and homemade grapefruit soda.
Address: 58, Basant Lok, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi 110057
Price for two: INR 5,000
Read more: International Coffee Day: 4 Places Changing Delhi’s Coffee Game
Also read: Delhi’s Hidden Gems: Check Out These Speakeasies In The City
