Whether you’re on a January health kick or if you simply prefer to lose the booze when ordering drinks, we have good news. Restaurants around the country are mixing up some fresh, beautiful beverages without the liquor. Pouring everything from non-alcoholic drinks paired with food to homemade cordials and effervescent exotic mocktails, here are our favourite five eateries that serve exciting alcohol-free refreshments.

Beluga (Umhlanga Ridge, Durban)

Famous for its dim sum, sushi and cocktail specials, this popular Gateway Shopping Centre restaurant also boasts a non-alcoholic drinks section. With the same sparkle and brightness as their boozy brothers, these drinks pop with colour and flavour. Sip on a crisp apple and cinnamon mojito that’s made with soda, lemonade, apple, cinnamon syrup and mint, or try a decadent banana and white chocolate piña colada with sugary condensed milk.

A photo posted by Nicky Rogers (@nicky_ro2) on Dec 19, 2015 at 2:02am PST

The Great Eastern Food Bar (Melville, Johannesburg)

This adventurous menu does not stop at the food. Cordials are made using fresh ingredients such as bruised coriander and livened up with sparkling water, and drinking vinegars offer a refreshing balance between sweet and tart. These are served with slowly poured still water and fresh berries to complement the base flavour of the vinegar. Tackle some trout ceviche tacos and try the pomegranate option poured over ice.

The drinking vinegars at The Great Eastern Food Bar. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Greenhouse at Babylonstoren (Franschhoek, Western Cape)

This bright and airy garden café is a gorgeous spot for a leisurely summer lunch. Recommended are colour-coded fresh juices made with a combination of fruit and veggies harvested from their extensive gardens, or seasonal cordials such as a ruby-red strawberry option with sparkling water. Guests are also invited to create their own fresh tea infusions from a selection of fresh garden herbs and flowers.

 

A photo posted by Babylonstoren (@babylonstoren) on Dec 18, 2014 at 7:13am PST

Pajamas and Jam (Strand, Western Cape)

This Strand eatery has a knack for creating Pinterest-worthy plates of food and irresistible-looking drinks. Their booze-free selection includes cordials flavoured with lemon, rose geranium, ginger and honey, or mint. A little sparkling water is added for a bit of zing, or a splash of tonic water for when it’s too early for a G&T.

The mint cordial drink at Pajamas and Jam. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient (Elandsfontein, Pretoria)

In addition to a special wine pairing, our no. 7 in the 2015 Top 10 also offers a non-alcoholic drinks pairing to complement chef Chantel Dartnall’s whimsical food offering. Guests can look forward to delights like an apple-and-fennel cooler with a dish of oysters; a rooibos-and-citrus tea served with risotto; and a dry lemon, sugar syrup and rosemary sipper to pair with the cheese course.

West Coast rock lobster with hibiscus consommé at Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient.