Local Libations - Tampa, FL

For a non-drinker, there’s nothing more exciting than opening the cocktail menu at a restaurant and seeing a “spirit-free” or “mocktails” section. If you’re out with friends or family who are drinking, this simple section is enough to make you feel included. Personally, I’ve found that if I’m out with friends drinking and I’m drinking a water or a soda, it makes me feel like I’m the underage kid not cool enough to drink, or the DD (which can sometimes get a bad, boring rep). 

Lucky for us, many restaurants and bars are hopping on the bandwagon and adding mocktails to their menu! I want to start this new series “Local Libations” to give you a glimpse of the spirit-free options I’ve found, city by city, as I explore them. First up is Tampa, my current residence! 

My family was visiting us for the weekend, so I wanted to show them a good time, which in my family means all plans are centered around good food and drinks. While basically all of the places we tried did have non-alcoholic options (NA beer or the ability to make a cocktail NA), I want to use this post to highlight the places that offered a dedicated spirit free section in their cocktail menus. 

Hotel Haya

I live in Ybor City (also known as the “cigar capital of the world”), which is just a few minutes from Downtown Tampa, so my family always stays at Hotel Haya. It’s a boutique hotel that amazingly combines the old Ybor City charm with a modern flair. The rooms are chic and the hotel is right on 7th Avenue, walking distance from many shops, restaurants, and cigar bars. If you are planning a trip to Tampa and want a more unique experience, I would definitely consider staying at Hotel Haya. 

Kiwi Cooler

Hotel Haya has its own in-house restaurant Flor Fina and a fabulous bar (both for drinkers and non-drinkers). The food at Flor Fina and on the Bar & Lounge menu is delicious, but we’re here to talk drinks. On the same list as the rest of their cocktails, the menu has a “Spirit-Free” section. I ordered the Kiwi Cooler (pictured) because the name reminded me of one of the flavors of Capri Sun (before I discovered the world of alcohol alternatives, I went through a phase indulging in all the fun drinks from my childhood - maybe I’ll do a future blog post on that). The Kiwi Cooler was very refreshing without being overly sweet. I also enjoyed the presentation because who doesn’t love a pink cocktail? If you’re looking for something light and refreshing, I would highly recommend it! And the best part? All the spirit free drinks are only $6!! If you’re new to this world, that is basically unheard of. Reasonably priced, delicious, spirit free drinks at a beautiful bar? Sign me up!

Predalina

Seaside Tonic

Naturally, in planning a weekend centered on good food and drinks, we had to include a Saturday Brunch. Predalina is a beautiful restaurant located on Water Street specializing in Mediterranean cuisine. The ambiance itself is reason enough to pay it a visit. In addition to its house cocktails, the drink menu also has a “Free Spirited” section. My favorite of the options is the Seaside Tonic (pictured), which includes Lyre’s London Pink Spirit, Lyre’s Rosso Aperitif, Sicilian lemonade, and juniper berries. First of all, the presentation is stunning. My drink may have been the prettiest at the table (AKA no feelings of uncoolness here). It reminds me a bit of an Aperol Spritz, at least in terms of the idea, but it is much more refreshing and less bitter. It also has a bit of a gin smell/taste to it because of the juniper berries. Once again, this mocktail was not too sweet. It was fruity, yet refreshing with the bubbles from the ‘spritz’ part. 

I also tried the Freely Mati, which includes Lyre’s Agave Reserva Spirit, sumac, citrus, basil, and yuzu lime soda. This was definitely not sweet, but I really enjoyed it. It tasted very similar to a Paloma. Honestly, if I hadn’t ordered the drink myself, I would have thought it was alcoholic. So if you like tequila drinks, I would give this one a try! 

One last thing, I can’t talk about Predalina without mentioning how incredible the food is! I’ve been for brunch and dinner and both menus are fantastic. If you do give it a try, you have to order the saganaki and the potato stroma appetizers! Thank me later. 

Cena

I have to open this with a disclaimer that Cena is my favorite restaurant in Tampa, in case this review comes off a bit biased. It was the first restaurant that Matthew and I tried in Tampa when we were here apartment hunting. Matthew is something of a hospitality expert, so I leave all restaurant decisions to him. He picked this particular spot for us because I am addicted to Food Network and the Chef won on “Beat Bobby Flay” (Ladies, do yourself a favor and find a man that knows you that well)! We have been back so many times over the last 3 years that I’ve lost count of the exact number. 

Cosmo Zero

With that being said, I don’t think I have ever been SO excited to see mocktails on a drink menu! When we first started eating at Cena, we were both still drinking (FYI - they have a fantastic wine selection and make a mean Old Fashion), so it was a little weird going back after we stopped. We obviously persevered for the delicious food, but a few months ago, they added a “Zero Proof” section to their cocktail menu. 

I couldn’t resist trying the Cosmo Zero (pictured) as I haven’t had a cosmo since I gave up drinking. Cena uses Ritual Zero Proof as its liquor replacement in all the mocktails, so the Cosmo Zero was Ritual Zero Proof Gin Alternative, cranberry, lime, and simple syrup. It really hit the spot, if you’re also a former cosmo drinker. It was fruity, but not too sweet, since it used the gin alternative. I also loved drinking out of martini glass (glassware is the key to avoiding feeling like the sad, underage friend)! 

On-the-Wagon Whiskey Sour

In my excitement, I also tried the On-the-Wagon Whiskey Sour (what a name!!), made of Ritual Zero Proof Whiskey Alternative, lime, simple syrup, and egg white (pictured). The flavors went very well together and the foam from the egg white added an extra level of fun! It was reminiscent of some of the bourbon lemonades you see on many menus. 

Since Cena is my favorite restaurant, I also have to mention the food. Chef Michael Buttacavoli is a true genius in the kitchen. Cena specializes in modern Italian food using only fresh and simple ingredients, just like they do in Italy. It’s nearly impossible to pick a favorite dish, but some of my favorites are the Crispy Eggplant appetizer, the Braised Oxtail Gnocchi, the Lemon Spaghetti, and of course the famous Nduja Meatballs that beat Bobby Flay. Chef Michael also has another restaurant next door called Bread & Butta Pizza Bar, offering the same zero proof cocktails. 

Summary

I hope you enjoyed this post! I had a fun time doing the research. If you’re in Tampa, stop by Hotel Haya, Predalina, and Cena for some great non-alcoholic options! I plan to continue this series as I explore new cities or find more good options in Tampa (and inevitably need a part 2)! Let me know in the comments if there’s any other spots in Tampa I need to try!!