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Best Non-Alcoholic Bars in Sydney

Whether you're going dry in July or giving up grog for good, the days of nursing a soda water at the bar are well and truly behind us. The market for non-alcoholic drinks has exploded in recent years, and Sydney – which is home to the country’s first physical booze-free bottle shop – has embraced the trend towards mindful drinking with typical gusto.

Now, there are plenty of world-class cocktails bars and classic pubs around town devoting entire sections of their menus to full-flavoured and, if we do say so, exciting non-alcoholic drinks. So put that soda aside – this list of the city's best will help you keep the good times flowing in July and beyond.


Updated on 3 June 2024

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Maybe Sammy
Bar
Maybe Sammy
One of the world’s best (and perhaps most dapper) bars, Maybe Sammy puts the same care and attention to detail into its booze-free drinks as its naval-strength Martinis. The spritz, Virgin Mary and espresso tonic are all here. But we suggest the Angelino, a shaken number with lychee, egg white, verjuice and non-alcoholic gin.
Seadrift Distillery
Bar
Seadrift Distillery
The country’s first alcohol-free distillery and “So-Bar” is set within a spacious warehouse in Brookvale’s industrial area. Try the distillery’s beach-inspired spirits in a G&T, or choose from a range of other local and international booze-free drinks. For a cocktail, go for the Freshie. It’s made with Seadrift Coast, lemon, and non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
Saga Bar
Bar
Saga Bar
Extravagant, fun and hidden in plain sight, Saga serves both non- and low-alcohol cocktails alongside its stiff selection. If you’re abstaining entirely, the Piece of the Island’s Heart is a Tiki-inspired number befitting Saga’s jungle aesthetic, featuring Lyre’s Dark Cane spirit, pineapple juice, cream and makrut lime syrup shaken to high-heaven and served long.
The Rover
Bar
The Rover
Formerly known as The Wild Rover, this cocktail institution has seen its fair share of booze-fuelled nights. But after a recent glow-up, it’s a little less wild and a little more refined. You can be too, with a No-Groni or a Beatie Brow mixing Seedlip Spice 94, banana, honey, lime and bergamot soda.
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The Paddington
Bar
The Paddington
Need an inner-city pub with more than just non-alc suds? The Paddington has you covered. Alongside Heaps Normal’s game-changing Quiet XPA, there are cocktails such as the Ruby Collins (Seedlip Spice 94, watermelon, citrus and verjuice) and the Rosalita (Seedlip Spice 94, hibiscus, passionfruit and soda).
Harbord Hotel
Bar
Harbord Hotel
A breezy, freshwater favourite with a serious non-alcoholic offering. As well as craft beers (light and dark styles), there are fancy house-made sodas and convincing booze-free cocktails such as the Pinetree Punch, mixing Seadrift Classic, pineapple skin cordial, lime rosemary and soda.
Stowaway Bar
Bar
Stowaway Bar
This nautical-themed neighbourhood bar dedicates a huge chunk of its extensive drinks list to mocktails all year round – and they’re no afterthought. Reductions, foams and house-made syrups all feature, plus you can try the entire Seedlip range matched with premium tonics.
Stitch
Bar
Stitch
Stitch set the tempo for what a Sydney small bar could be. Unsurprisingly, it’s embraced the non-alc movement with booze-free takes on the classic Dark’n’Stormy and Bees Knees cocktails. Helpful if you’re steering clear of the “Rye” component of the bar’s “Rye and Dry July” offering.
Dean & Nancy on 22
Bar
Dean & Nancy on 22
Reinvented, non-alcoholic classics served at high-altitude. Choose a spritz built with Lyre’s Italian Orange, kombucha and frozen grapes; or an Americano mixing Lyre’s Dry London, Italian Orange and Aperitif Rosso. Combined with cracking 22nd-floor views of the CBD, you definitely won’t notice the absence of booze.
Palmer & Co
Bar
Palmer & Co
Merivale’s snazzy speakeasy sticks to the prohibition theme with its alcohol-free creations. Say hello to a Southside shaking up Seedlip Garden 108 spirit, mint, lime and sugar syrup; and a No-Groni stirred with Seedlip Spice 94, verjuice and orange bitters.
Gin Lane
Bar
Gin Lane
Once upon a time, the idea of a gin bar serving booze-free cocktails would’ve been tantamount to sacrilege. But times change, and Gin Lane is thoroughly in-step. It’s serving a long, Italian-style spritz and a Negroni (both heavy on Lyre’s spirits), plus locally made kombucha poured over ice with lemon.
Opera Bar
Bar
Opera Bar
On a dazzling Sydney day, there’s no better place to pull up stumps for a cold tipple. Luckily, Opera Bar serves a solid range of booze-free creations to keep you upright for longer. The Espresso Martini – shaken with Lyre’s Dark Cane spirit, cold drip coffee and caramel – might keep you up all night.
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Alfie’s
Restaurant
Alfie’s
Alfie’s is where you can order a Riverine sirloin steak (aged and butchered in-house) and it’ll be on your table in 15 minutes. It also serves what might be the coldest Martini in Sydney.

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