My Dry November: Beijing's Best Non-Alcoholic Cocktails

There is really nothing more boring than sipping soda water all night long at a bar: it's expensive considering it's just water with bubbles, and it is gets boring really fast. Instead, to ensure we don't have to stop bar-hopping completely this upcoming weekend (and my first dry November weekend), we asked some of our regular hang-outs to suggest some of their favorite non-alcoholic drinks on offer. 
 

Fred and Ginger (RMB 60)
Janes and Hooch bring us a non-alcoholic ginger beer cocktail: apple, ginger, lavender honey, and ginger beer. Guaranteed to keep you feeling warm on the inside during the upcoming chilly evenings, without the buzz and hangover. 

Non-Alcoholic Pineapple and Basil Mojito (RMB 50)
Houhai cocktail bar Haven have an non-alcoholic version of my go-to drink on their menu: their pineapple and basil mojito. Thankfully there's still a reason for us to go peering out at Houhai, without breaking our promises of staying dry this November.

Designated Driver (RMB 50)
Even Bungalow, the bar where I've had some of the strongest drinks in Beijing, has a safe option. Aptly named, the Designated Driver, invented in the early 21st century at Hale Pete Tiki Bar in Portland, Oregon, this concoction of passion fruit syrup, vanilla syrup, fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice, and soda, ensures a safe return home.

Three-Wheeler (RMB 40)
New and innovate Fangjia cocktail bar Fang brings us the Three-Wheeler, made using cucumber, honey cumin syrup, lemon, and sparkling water. For those who want something innovative and different, but want to make it to work the next morning: a challenge for many Beijingers.

Apple Basil Soda (RMB 60)
Simple but elegant Japanese cocktail bar Mohiki is well-stocked, and not only for those who like a tipple. They're very proud of their apple and basil soda. This mix contains apple and basil, obviously, shaken up with elderflower, syrup, and soda water to top it all off. 

Mojito Spritzer (RMB 35)
Newly refurbished Modernista has a beautiful mock mojito on their menu for you going along with dry November with me to enjoy this month: minty, refreshing, and totally dry. A great option for when you undoubtedly find yourself here with your boozy Gulou crowd.

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Email: margauxschreurs@truerun.com
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Photos courtesy of Janes and Hooch, Mohiki, Haven, Fang, Bungalow, Modernista