What exactly is a mocktail? It’s a casual way to refer to a non-alcoholic cocktail. It’s also an inclusive way to offer a beverage option to those that are not drinking. This could be for a number of reasons, such as they’re the designated driver or they just don’t drink alcohol. Or perhaps they’re trying to save some money (mocktails are quite affordable!).
Bars that embrace the mocktail culture are good at making flavorful alternatives that you can enjoy. Bartenders will often make the drink look the part too, which adds to the experience and makes it easier for the person to blend in without having to point out that they’re not drinking tonight.
Watch on TikTok: 5 Milwaukee Bars for Mocktails
Mocktail culture has been growing over the last few years in Milwaukee as more options are being added to menus. One guy I know that is at the forefront of the movement locally is my friend (and fraternity brother from another chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha), Erik Kennedy.
Read: 10 Milwaukee Coffee Shops
Erik has been working with OnMilwaukee for a few years to feature the Milwaukee Mocktail experience by showing locals and visitors alike just how many options are available to them. If you’re already on board or looking to give a non-alcoholic cocktail a try, then check out these 10 bars to grab a mocktail in Milwaukee that Erik and I put together.
JMatt’s Picks
10. The Pharmacy (IG: @ThePharmacyMKE)
Address: 2238 N Farwell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202
The whole discovery of non-alcoholic beverages at The Pharmacy (located within the Crossroads Collective) was completely accidental. A friend and I were looking for a bar after a HashtagMKE event and found ourselves here, browsing the menu only to be surprised that they were already on board with the mocktails movement. I knew I had to add them to this list!
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9. Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge (IG: @BryantsLounge)
Address: 1579 S 9th St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Bryant’s is a great spot to hit when you really want to wow your tastebuds. They don’t offer menus but rather they figure out what you like or what you’re in the mood for. It would be easy enough to give them a non-alcoholic direction and enjoy a very flavorful mocktail (or maybe even a milkshake)!
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8. Foundation (IG: @FoundationBarMKE)
Address: 2718 N Bremen St, Milwaukee, WI 53212
This was one of the first Milwaukee bars I ever went to (many many years ago) the decor alone is enough to draw anyone in. The tropical drinks are what will have you coming back. Foundation has a handful of non-alcoholic options listed on their menu that you’ll want to try!
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7. Concoctions (IG: @Concoctions_MKE)
Address: 1316 E Brady St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Concoctions is a 100% women/minority-owned business offering their drinks without alcohol first (and adding suggestions as to what you could spike them with if you’d like). As a bonus to their brick-and-mortar bar, they also have a mobile drink truck!
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6. NorthSouth Club (IG: @NorthSouthClub)
Address: 230 E Pittsburgh Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53204
NorthSouth Club is the sister bar of AXE MKE (among some others). A quick way to enhance a night out is with some friendly competition, like shuffleboard and throwing axes, both of which are options here. Let’s be real, drinking a mocktail while throwing an axe is probably the responsible choice.
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Erik’s Picks
5. Boone & Crockett (IG: @BooneMilwaukee)
Address: 818 S Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
The mocktails at Boone & Crockett exceed one’s expectations without exceeding your bank account, selling for just $5. These mocktails, perfect all year round for any occasion that takes you to the Harbor District, will take you on a journey of culinary exploration and help you discover your own drink palate.
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4. Camp Bar (IG: @CampBarMKE)
Address: 525 E Menomonee St, Milwaukee, WI 53202 (with additional locations)
Although the Camp Bar mocktails are not necessarily on the drink menu, each Camp Bar location and its bartenders are more than happy to make them – and each one has its own variation on how they make them, which is pretty cool because there is no refined way to make one. No matter what the season is in Milwaukee, the mocktails are perfect for any occasion – and they sell for just $3 each.
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3. Carnevor (IG: @CarnevorMKE)
Address: 718 N Milwaukee St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Carnevor continues to be one of Milwaukee’s premier steakhouses and has been regarded as one of Wisconsin’s most acclaimed dining destinations. But did you know that besides its impressive wine, beer, and cocktail list, Carnevor makes personalized mocktails for its patrons that further the feeling that each customer is special?
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2. Lost Whale (IG: @LostWhaleMKE)
Address: 2151 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Lost Whale has quickly become a part of the Bay View neighborhood, in large part because of its commitment to being a green bar, highlighting the importance of sustainability, along with a commitment to being collaborative with the community. The creativity and innovative mocktails at Lost Whale are a game-changer!
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1. Screaming Tuna (IG: @ScreamingTuna)
Address: 106 W Seeboth St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
The Kennedy Mocktail 1.0 and 2.0 are named after me, Milwaukee’s mocktail guru. This mocktail has a bite to it and it’s the perfect complimentary drink to devouring some delicious sushi while conversing with loved ones.
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BONUS (by JMatt)
* Canary Coffee Bar (IG: @CanaryCoffeeBar)
Address: 720 N Old World 3rd St, Milwaukee, WI 53203
When you read ‘bars’ in the headline, I bet you weren’t thinking of a coffee bar! This is another one that surprised me during a recent visit – they have a menu dedicated entirely to mocktails! The photo at the top… is their Espresso Mojito. I already like going to Canary for their coffee and now I have to go back to try a non-alcoholic margarita with espresso (or their Old Fashioned), I am seriously so intrigued by their summer seasonal menu!
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This isn’t a ranking or a ‘best of’ list – mostly our goal is to provide options to help you explore the city and find new experiences you’ll want to return to! If you know of more spots, add them in the comments or you can hit me up at @JMattMke (TikTok, Instagram, X/Twitter, Facebook, YouTube Shorts, and Snapchat)!
Make sure to check out more of Erik Kennedy’s content with OnMilwaukee or follow him on X/Twitter or Instagram!
Join fellow Hashtaggers and sign up for our newsletter! Also, look up our groups on Facebook (mention you were referred from the website) and LinkedIn. Finally, be alerted when we publish new events, follow us on Eventbrite!
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