12 Amazing Mocktails in Shanghai

Whether you are allergic to alcohol, pregnant, or you just don't feel like getting hammered on a night out, Shanghai has plenty of options for non-alcoholic drinks. Sure, you can always order a juice or soft drink, but why do that when some of the world's best bartenders can make you something amazing?

Antique Café

Virgin Pandan Colada (RMB 68)

Lemon Juice

Pineapple Juice

Coconut Syrup

Fresh Pandan leaves

If you enjoy a South East Asian twist to your drink, look no further. The sultry smell of coconut syrup and fresh Pandan leaves is the perfect mocktail to leave you satisfied. 

Cobra Lily

Peace in Penang (RMB 50)

Kaffir lime

Citrus

Coconut milk syrup

Soda Water

If you are not a fan of citrusy flavors, don’t worry. The coconut milk syrup mellows down the tangy taste of citrus, leaving the drink with a mild, subtle sweetness. This is the drink you want when you miss the taste of South East Asia. All you need is to close your eyes and imagine you are on a beach somewhere.

Shang-High (RMB 50)

House made Hibiscus syrup

Hibiscus infusion

Fresh ginger juice

Citrus

If you seek elegance, try the Shang-High. Made with Hibiscus syrup and hibiscus infusion, its flowery fragrance blends well with the ginger juice without being overwhelming. But for some people who were never into the flowery drinks, this may not be the perfect choice as there is still an herbal undertone. By the way, the hibiscus candy garnish is very tasty.

Shiso Fine (RMB 50)

Citrus

Shiso

Soda water

Japanese Plum wine syrup

If enjoy your drink with sweetness and a bite, this will be the drink for you. The plum wine syrup and citrus complement each other well. Mixed with the freshness of Shiso, this a delightful drink with all the complexities of a cocktail.

Liquid Laundry

Pelican (RMB 65)

Fresh Pineapple and Orange juice

Salted Coconut Cream

Grenadine

Coconut Water

The Pelican at Liquid Laundry does not disappoint. This mocktail has a lot of fruity flavors, without being too sweet or heavy on the palette. The pineapple flavor comes out very strong, which is great because it adds a sultry sweetness to the drink without being too tart.

The Captain

Bloom Season (RMB 60)

Cranberry Juice

Fresh Rosemary leaves

Rose syrup

Egg white (25ml)

Fresh Lime Juice

Bloom Season is a fresh drink with a beautiful, fruity bouquet. Although it has a lingering lime taste, the hints of rose from the syrup and from the garnish certainly balance things out. The egg white blends the ingredients well, creating a creamy, frothy texture. 

Remedy Fizz (RMB60)

Fresh celery

Fresh lemon juice

Honey

Mint Sprigs

Sugar syrup

Soda water

This tastes like a non-alcoholic version of a Hendricks and Tonic, except made with celery instead of cucumber. It is refreshing with an earthy taste and an unexpected zing. Although it is packed with flavors, it doesn’t overpower.

The Captains Pipe (RMB 60)

Apple Juice

Fresh pineapple

Infused Osmanthus wood

Spicy ginger beer

If you want a drink to impress, this is the one. Made with infused osmanthus wood, expect your mocktail to be smokin’ (seriously though, it smokes!). The drink is deep and sultry, and the fruity flavors come through like a ray of sunshine. No one but you will know it contains zero alcohol. 

Union Trading Company

Small Potato (RMB 50)

Passion Fruit Jam

House made Ginger Beer

Fresh Lemon Juice

Lemon Grass syrup

Egg White

Soda Water

Nutmeg

Leave it to Union Trading Company for their trademark drink. The Small Potato is a smooth blend of spicy and citrusy flavors. The ginger beer goes very smoothly with the egg white, creating a sweet tinge of spiced creaminess. Of course all this mixed with the floral scent of passion fruit and lemon grass, it is a small slice of heaven. 

Tranquilizer (RMB 50)

Raspberry jam

Fresh Rosemary

Fresh lemon juice

Orange juice

Raspberry syrup

Tonic water

Fresh apples

Raspberry

Powdered sugar

If you think Mocktails are weak, think again. This is by far the most potent drink on the list in terms of flavor and density. Imagine drinking a sour patch kid…yes, this is exactly how it tastes. The tart of the raspberry comes out in full force. It is dense and rough, but still alluring, making you want to come back for more.

Flask

Tropical Retreat (RMB 72) 

Mango Puree

Passion fruit Puree

Coconut Cream

Yoghurt

Milk

Pandan Syrup

Flask has created a creamy, beach-vibed concoction with their Tropical Retreat. The sweet mango flavors blended with Passion fruit puree create a smooth balance, add to that the yogurt and milk and it is just heaven.

Botanist (RMB 78)

Pear Juice

Lemon Juice

Botanical Syrup

Dill Foam

Backed Pear Slice

Not many drinks nowadays use pears. So when you order The Botanist, it is a unique treat. This drink adds a different layer to the citrusy base with flowery syrup and the savory scent of dill. It is light with hints of sugar from the pear slices, and the elegant presentation is sure to impress. 

Funkadeli

Hot Toddy (RMB 50)

Fresh Lemon

Lemon Juice

Star Anise

Cloves

Cinnamon Syrup

Honey

Perfect for the autumn, the virgin Hot Toddy is a great, soothing drink made from fresh lemons and honey. The spices create a sweet undertone, especially with cinnamon syrup and the star anise. It is a must try if you are having afternoon drinks with friends and need to keep your composure. 

Strawberry Caiproska (RMB 50)

Strawberry Puree

Lime Juice and Brown Sugar

Fresh Strawberries and lemon

This is one tasty cocktail where every sip is full of juicy, aromatic sweetness. This is perfect for a night out with friends. Beautifully presented, no one can guess this has zero alcohol inside and you yourself may have to double check. The drink is not too complex or dense, leaving your palette clean and refreshed.

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