With toast-worthy events happening year-round, there’s always something to celebrate in Downtown Napa! Take a peek at what’s coming up and start planning your next adventure.
The term “mocktail” – also referred to as “alcohol-free” or “nonalcoholic” drinks – are a great way to enjoy a refreshing drink without the alcohol. Whether you’re participating in “Dry January” and “Sober October” – abstaining from alcohol for the month – or you just want to drink less, you can enjoy some of the best mocktails around in Downtown Napa. We’ve provided a list of a few establishments where you can say “cheers” with a creative nonalcoholic drink. Enjoy!
ARBARETUM
Napa Valley Distillery has the distinction of being the only distillery in Napa Valley, and the expertise and know-how to serve up a variety of delicious cocktails and mocktails.
Located on First Street, The ArBaretum, owned by the Napa Valley Distillery and open seven days a week, offers a cozy vibe and a growing list of mocktail and nonalcoholic selections. For example, the Coconnets features Asian pear, toasted coconut, gazoz (a nonalcoholic carbonated soda), mint, coconut water and coconut foam. Or try a Pineapple Express, a fruity blend of blackberry-pineapple gazoz, house-made elderflower and lime soda.
Not convinced? The ArBaretum will gladly mix you a concoction of pomelo-rosemary gazoz, peppercorn and sparkling grapefruit, also known as The Shaddock. Or try the Pepino Asesino, a blend of cucumber-celery gazoz, cilantro and tonic. Finally – and possibly the grandaddy of mocktails – the Fig Lebowski has fig-balsamic vinegar, pineapple, lemon juice and pomegranate basil soda. Bottoms up!
WILFRED’S LOUNGE
Hawaiian-inspired food and drinks, not to mention a fun atmosphere, makes Wilfred’s Lounge a blast for both locals and visitors on Wednesday through Sunday.
Start your visit with a delicious PuPu Sampler Platter, dig into some Five-Spice Ribs and enjoy a refreshing Ube-Bae-Baby, a nonalcoholic blend of pineapple, coconut and the sweet taste of an ube (purple yam). Or how about a Ponzu Poke Bowl with a Watermelon Sugar mocktail, made with ginger ale, spice no. 1, lemon, mint and watermelon (which is also in the Ponzu). Some other mocktails you can enjoy are Wilfred’s Easy Sail, an apple cider, Aztec in Training Cocoa, Hot Buttered Yum and the A-no-ha Coffee.
An appetizer such as Fried Plantains would go well with a Banana Dreams, consisting of banana, pineapple, grapefruit, lime and fassionola, a mixed-fruit syrup. Other nonalcoholic drinks include a Toucan Sham, featuring passionfruit, vanilla, pandan, coconut cream, lime and soda, or an Island Soda, a blend of guava, grapefruit, Jamaican chili spice and soda. No matter which drink you choose, you’ve got to spring for one of Wilfred’s unique mugs. They’ll be the talk of the night!
SKY & VINE ROOFTOP BAR
Although Sky & Vine only features two nonalcoholic drinks on their menu (besides soft drinks, juices, etc.), the bar that’s perched six stories above Downtown Napa atop the Archer Hotel Napa makes up for it in originality, not to mention a sensational atmosphere.
An Island Time combines Seedlip Grove 42 Citrus (a blend of Mediterranean orange, lemon peel, lemongrass and ginger), guava, pineapple, lime, agave, the spicy Scrappy’s Firewater Tincture and tajin, a mix of natural chili peppers, lime and sea salt. That combination will certainly provide a wake-up call as you enjoy Sky & Vine’s amazing Sunday brunch, served from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Not quite as complex, but just as tasty, is Fool’s Gold, featuring Seedlip Spice 94 (allspice and cardamom with fresh citrus notes), mango, cranberry and mint.
BEAR AT STANLY RANCH
Located in the heart of wine country, the historic Stanly Ranch offers the comfort of home in a village-like setting. Bear, the freestanding restaurant at the ranch, serves seasonal California cuisine, much of it locally sourced, in a family-style setting.
Bear’s nonalcoholic drinks – known as “zero proof” – include Orchard Shrub, a tasty combination of cold-pressed apple cider, autumn spices, apple cider vinegar, ginger and lemon soda. You can also try a Thyme Flies, featuring Zero Proof Aperitivo, pomegranate, orange and thyme.
KITCHEN DOOR
At the Kitchen Door, you’ll find that the Kombucha Punch packs a punch — without the alcohol. If you haven’t been since they moved from the original Oxbow Public Market location, their current location offers a 20-seat bar and private patio that welcomes everyone to enjoy mocktails and their delicious dishes.
THE FINK
Located in the old jazz club space at the Historic Napa Mill, situated along the Napa River, The Fink is regarded by some as “Napa Valley’s premier cocktail destination.” A variety of beverage and food choices, along with live performances from time to time, combine with a warm hospitality for a truly pleasing time.
Your choice of nonalcoholic drinks include Ruby’s Usual, Island Breeze, Price’s Perfect Punch and – for the daring – a Bartender’s Choice Mocktail. No matter what you choose, the chances of enjoying it are at about 100%.
CHEERS!
Whether you plan a mini-vacation or a week-or-more stay (we’d suggest the latter), you’ll find an excellent selection of lodging, plenty to do and see – most within walking distance of your hotel – and a wonderful variety of food and drinks to top off your getaway.
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