Kingston’s mocktail & non-alcoholic beverage scene unveiled (Part 1)

By Abbey McCauley

While alcoholic sips often take the spotlight at many of Kingston’s restaurants, bars, and breweries, the city offers a delightful array of non-alcoholic options. From canned, 0% beverages to freshly crafted mocktails, Kingston has something for those searching for a locally made, non-alcoholic drink.

Let’s dive into a few of the Kingston establishments that provide a vibrant drinking experience, sans alcohol.

Black Dog Tavern

69 Brock Street

As one of the city’s most popular dining establishments, this upscale pub has a variety of mocktails to quench your thirst. Their non-alcoholic drink menu features Lord Grey Sour (Lumette London dry gin, chilled Earl Grey tea, lavender, lemon, and egg white) and Lemongrass Lime Punch (Lumette rum, lemongrass syrup, coconut water, ginger beer, mint, and lime). These mocktails pair perfectly with Black Dog Tavern’s French bistro classics.

Open: Mon – Thurs (11:30 am – 9 pm), Fri (11:30 am – 10 pm), Sat (11 am  – 10 pm), and Sun (11 am – 8 pm)

View drink menu | Contact: 613-549-5635

Harper’s

93 Princess Street

Harper’s is Kingston’s local burger joint serving up some of the city’s best burgers and beverage pairings. Harper’s Refresher (lemon, orange, pineapple, grenadine, and angostura bitters) does not disappoint. But what make Harper’s non-alcoholic drink menu special are their shakes and soda floats, made with premium vanilla ice cream and natural soda.

Open: Sun – Wed (11:30 am – 8 pm) and Thurs – Sat (11:30 am – 9 pm)

View drink menu | Contact: 613-507-3663

The Patio at AquaTerra

1 Johnson Street

The picturesque waterfront views of Lake Ontario and Confederation Harbour are better with a mocktail in hand at AquaTerra’s Patio. Their mocktail menu features Sweet Peach Tea Lemonade (peach tea, lemonade, and peach purée) and Tahiti Treat (Amarena syrup, orange, ginger ale). Their mixologists use the freshest and, whenever possible, locally sourced ingredients.

Open: Until June 18 Thu – Fri (5 – 8 pm), Sat-Sun (noon – 8 pm); June 19 & beyond everyday (noon – 8 pm)

View drink menu | Contact: 613-549-6243

Spearhead Brewing Company

675 Development Drive

Spearhead Brewing Company not only makes sensational craft beer, they also offer Akwa, a hop-infused sparking water. This canned zero-alcohol beverage with all-natural floral flavour is perfect for those looking to try something new. It is available to purchase at their brewery, online, and in select retailers around Kingston such as Pan Chancho Bakery.

Open: Sun – Tues (noon – 7 pm), Wed – Sat (noon – 10 pm)

Contact: 1-866-571-5839

Dianne’s

195 Ontario Street

Let the talented bartenders at Dianne’s whip you up an unforgettable mocktail. Their beverages uniquely mix the flavours of the East Coast and Baja, Mexico. Try their signature non-alcoholic drink, Mermaid Mocktail (blueberries, mint, soda limonada, guava juice, and lemonade). Or go for a twist on the classic Shirley Temple, Ginger Shirley (lime, grenadine, soda, ginger beer, cherry, and candied ginger).

Open: Sun – Wed (11:30 am – 8 pm) and Thurs – Sat (11:30 am – 9 pm)

View drink menu | Contact: 613-507-3474

Kingston Brewing Company’s homemade root beer

Kingston Brewing Company

34 Clarence Street

Kingston Brewing Company makes something to satisfy your inner child: homemade soda! They brew their soda fresh and in-house. Choose from the flavours of cream soda and root beer. They also have a selection of Ontario non-alcoholic beers and wines, if that is more your style.

Open: Sun – Thu (11:30 am – midnight), Fri – Sat (11:30 am – 1 am)

View drink menu | Contact: 613-542-4978

HEIST Restaurant + Wine Club

HEIST has a modern atmosphere, making it a great place to gather for dinner and drinks in Kingston. Their seasonal drink menu always features a mocktail. The Teller (0% sparkling wine and non-alcoholic aperitivo Carpano) is the star of their spring drink menu. Visit HEIST for more information on their mocktail offerings.

Open: Tues – Thu (5 – 10 pm), Fri – Sat (noon – 11 pm), Sun (noon – 9 pm)

Contact: 613-548-9463

The Bank at Frontenac Club

The Bank’s offers upscale non-alcoholic beverages on their temperance cocktail menu. Their drinks are visually stunning, from The Grey Lady (Earl Grey, lemon, whites, and London Dry) to Italian Spritz (aperitif, orange, and soda). Ask for Surprise Me, their rotating featured mocktail, made with fresh and seasonal ingredients.

Open: Thu – Sun (3 – 11 pm)

View drink menu | Contact: 613-547-6167