Canberra bars for a sober catch-up
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It’s that time of year. Your calendar is full; your phone is buzzing, and if you see one more ‘let’s catch up over a drink’ message, you might just cry.
While the silly season is a great reminder to have that long overdue annual catch-up with your friends, family and co-worker’s dog, it can also be a time of stress. Add in Australia’s drinking culture, and you have a very boozy month.
But with many people experiencing hangxiety and a rise in the ‘sober curious’ movement – which encourages people to be intentional about if, when and how much they drink – along with your liver begging for a break, you might be wondering where you can go the next time one of those messages pings your phone.
Luckily, there are plenty of bars in Canberra that are perfect for a sober catch-up. Promising all the fun without the headache, just make sure to check their holiday opening hours!
Bar Beirut (City)
Award-winning barman Soumi Tannous from Bar Beirut is the man to see if you are gagging for a cocktail but trying to stay sober.
His mastery of flavour profiles and botanicals means he produces amazing alcohol-free concoctions, including a brilliant espresso martini and a mango mojito worth getting excited over. He’s also up for a challenge, so if you tell him what you like, he can whip up the alcohol-free version or as close to as you can get.
25 Garema Place, City | barbeirut.com.au
White Rabbit Cocktail Room (City)
Ask, and you shall receive. At White Rabbit, all you need to do is choose from their marvellous creations and ask for it zero proof.
Fun and whimsical, it’ll cure your craving for a fun night out and a sweet treat. Who doesn’t love a drink served with sour worms?
65 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City | whiterabbitroom.com.au
Molly (City)
Hidden in an alleyway, and located through a wooden door, Molly is Canberra’s answer to a jazz club speakeasy.
With a varied menu and skilled staff, they not only have a set mocktail menu but can make up new ones on the fly, if you ask in just the right way.
Wooden Door, Odgers Lane, City | molly.bar
Highball (City)
Repeatedly listed as one of Canberra’s top bars, Highball is the place to go if you’re seeking somewhere that has high vibes and a good view. Making their mocktails with just as much love and craft as their cocktails, you won’t be able to tell the difference.
From the Matador’s Matchup (which will have you going all night) to the Virgin Colada (a delicious combination of spiced pineapple, lime, caramelised coconut and nutmeg), there are plenty of options to choose from.
Level 1, 75 London Circuit, City | highball.bar
Luna (City)
The Wiser Weis Bar, Lavender Love Child, Jasmine’s Revenge, and the Requiem To Rizz are the mocktails you’ll find at Luna. Playing on flavours like coconut cream, jasmine tea and lime, each sip will be sweeter than the last.
99 London Circuit, City | lunabar.com.au
Raku (City)
Known for its award-winning food, Raku also has some amazing drinks – including a very extensive mocktail list. With seven options to choose from (ranging from sweet to zesty), Emma Macdonald’s favourite is the Shobu’s Delight.
Think: butterfly pea syrup, aloe vera, lemon and coconut milk. We’ll say cheers to that!
Shop DG36C/148 Bunda Street, City | rakudining.com.au
Volstead Repeal (Braddon)
Led by an internationally recognised barman with a genius for making things taste divine with or without alcohol, Volstead Repeal is an intimate cocktail bar that feels sophisticated and chic.
Constantly changing their mocktail menu, you can ask them to mix you something special – sans the alcohol – or choose from their curated offerings. The Daybreaker with coffee, orange, verjus and vanilla is sure to go down a treat.
Shop 7, 32 Mort Street, Braddon | volstead.com.au
Midnight Bar (Braddon)
Meet me at Midnight? If you want to indulge, Midnight Bar in Braddon offers three signature mocktails. Choose from the Pink Zing, Orane Eclipse and Maple Solstice and enjoy remembering the night.
Ground Floor, Midnight Hotel, 1 Elouera Street, Braddon | midnightbar.com.au
KOTO (Parkes)
It’s not technically a bar, but the mocktails at KOTO are so good that it deserves to be mentioned. Our pick is the Zen Ringo with the delicious (but slightly quirky) fizzy combination of granny smith, wasabi, white chocolate, and mint. Try it and thank us later.
1 King George Terrace, Parkes | kotodining.com.au
Leyla Bar (Barton)
With a breezy, coastal vibe and one of the best views in Canberra, Leyla is a great destination for a drink or two.
Featuring a light and playful menu (which includes cocktails like the Call Me Fruity and the Why Are You So Sour), simply ask the friendly staff for a non-alcoholic version.
Level 7, Burbury Hotel, 1 Burbury Close, Barton | leylabar.com.au
The Inn (Ainslie)
This beautiful bar is tucked away in Ainslie and is ideal for a catch-up with friends. Not only stocking Altina Sparkling wines and Heaps Normal beers, they also have mocktails that include the Yuzu and Verjus Highball, and the Sicilian Spritz.
But it’s the house-made Blood Orange soda that’s worth ordering. Your tastebuds (and head the next day) will love you for it.
Level 1, 1 Edgar Street, Ainslie | edgarsinn.com.au/theinn
Feature image: Volstead. Credit: Pew Pew Studio.
