These days, many Americans are moving away from alcoholic beverages—specifically, Gen Zers, who are reportedly consuming 20 percent less alcohol than previous generations. (Sleepy Girl mocktail, anyone?) And according to a study from the University of Michigan, the percentage of college-age adults—you know, those historically in their prime partying years‚ has grown from 20 to 28 percent over the last two decades, a University of Michigan study found. 

In place of cocktails, people are turning toward healthier and less headache-inducing drinks. Bartenders have noticed, and Sarasota is keeping in step with this trend. Today, many of our bars and restaurants tailor drink lists to cater to those who are sober and others who might just be "sober curious." Here's a list of our current favorite offerings.

99 Bottles

1445 2nd St., Sarasota, (941) 487-7874, 99bottles.net

99 Bottles is no stranger to non-alcoholic selections, with an extensive list of non-alcoholic wines and usually a mocktail on tap. The non-alcoholic beer list is one to behold, as well. On one recent visit, the Mango Cart beer from Golden Road Brewing had a round mango nose with crisp acidity, followed by more mango creeping through in its finish. Fantastic.

Florence and the Spice Boys

4990 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 923-9920; 257 N. Cattlemen Road, Unit 90, (941) 359-8338, florenceandthespiceboys.com

Florence and “the boys” are killer at throwing unexpected flavor combinations your way, and the mocktail list at this Israeli- and Mediterranean-influenced establishment is no exception. The non-alcoholic “Pink Cloud” delivers complexity with pomegranate, hibiscus syrup, lime juice and elderflower tonic.

Arts & Central

611 Central Ave., Sarasota, (941) 306-2356, artsandcentral.com

Arguably the restaurant anchor point of the Rosemary District, Arts & Central’s enormous dining room, bar and outdoor patio attract nearby residents and professionals looking for the happiest happy hour. To avoid any next-morning regrets, order “The Boxing Nun,” made with a refreshing blend of tropical juices, orgeat and nutmeg. The mocktail menu rotates regularly, so you’ll always find something intriguing to sip.

Turmeric

1001 Cocoanut Ave., Sarasota, (941) 212-2622, turmericsarasota.com

For some mango-infused fun, try the mango lassi at Turmeric. The traditional Indian yogurt-based drink almost sips like a milkshake and is perfect when you’re looking for a sweet treat. But if you'd rather something a little lighter, the coconut cooler will leave you craving its coconut water and orange juice-based goodness.

State Street Eating House + Cocktails

1533 State St., Sarasota, (941) 951-1533, statestreetsrq.com

State Street Eating House + Cocktails takes a more spur-of-the-moment approach when compared to other spots on this list. Instead of offering a set list of mocktails, the staff asks guests to tell them the flavor profile they’re looking for. Sweet and smoky, bright and citrusy or even whiskey-evoking are excellent descriptors when speaking with State Street’s skilled bartenders. You can also ask them to surprise you if you’re feeling indecisive.

Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar

6562 University Parkway, Suite 110, Sarasota, (941) 337-0568, tommybahama.com

This corporate restaurant chain opened its newest outpost in Lakewood Ranch in October of this year and the mocktail list is sublime. The “pucker up” showcases grapefruit, orgeat (almond syrup), cinnamon, lime and ginger, and it's oh-so-refreshing. We love that at Tommy Bahama, zero-proof drinks are never an afterthought. 

Zōtō

190 N. Cattlemen Drive, Unit 5, Sarasota, (941) 414-6143, zotosushi.com

This high-end sushi spot’s “Cordial Affair” mocktail (pictured above) is the best drink on the menu, which includes the restaurant’s boozy craft cocktails. Carbonated lychee and yuzu (a lemony Asian citrus) harmonize with coconut foam in a libation so rich in complexity that you won’t miss the customary buzz that spirits bring to the table. It’s extraordinary.

Rufa

Inside The Ritz Carlton, Sarasota, 1111 Ritz Carlton Drive, Sarasota, (941) 309-2000, ritzcarlton.com

With a menu designed to encourage sharing in a leisurely environment that overlooks the adjoining marina. Guests can also linger over craft cocktails and interesting mocktails, like the “Blue Jay,” made with tart cherry syrup, Fever Tree tonic, housemade lime soda and butterfly pea tea. Or try the “Dove,” a tropical mixture of pineapple juice, coconut milk, toasted coconut syrup and pineapple for a solid non-alcoholic riff on the perennial favorite “Pain Killer.”

Summer Tap Juice Bar

411 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, (941) 993-1449, summertapjuicebar.com

Sometimes you may not be looking for a bar environment while enjoying a sip of something wonderful. For a full non-alcoholic experience, try Summer Tap Juice Bar. There, owner Galina Naguibine and her team will press fresh fruit into an infinite array of flavor combinations, based on your every whim. The “savory tomato” is a great bloody Mary replacement, and the “seasonal star fruit” is the stuff of dreams. Plus, Summer Tap is open until 7 p.m., so you can still get a nightlife feel without getting elbowed by an over-served patron.

O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill

5 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota, (941) 953-7505, olearystikibar.com

Anytime your relatives visit, they likely want to stop at O’Leary’s, a postcard-perfect example of what most people think a Florida bar should look like, with its big thatched roof, picnic tables plopped in the sand and water just steps away. Add in a cover band jamming on some Bob Marley or Jimmy Buffett tunes, plenty of neon-colored frozen drinks—most of which come with a non-alcoholic alternative—and people lounging in beach dresses and tank tops, and you’re in Sunshine State heaven. Snap a pic for the folks back home.

Ocean Prime

501 Quay Commons, Sarasota, (941) 404-1024, ocean-prime.com

We’ve traded our days of traveling to Tampa for a date night at this much-loved national chain for sweeping views of Sarasota Bay courtesy of the restaurant’s new two-story location at The Quay. Ocean Prime’s “Berries & Bubbles” is an alcohol-free take on one of its signature cocktails, and delivers bright citrus and berry, made with Seedlip Grove 42, house-made grenadine, fresh lemon juice and alcohol-free prosecco.

CW Prime

Inside the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, 1601 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, (941) 233-9036, cwprime.com

 The St. Regis Resort Longboat Key has brought chef Drew Adams, formerly of Adeline, in to helm CW Prime, its Art Deco-inspired steakhouse. Cut through the richness of Japanese wagyu steak topped with shaved truffles with a zero-proof “Garden of Eden” mocktail,  made with cucumber juice, coconut water, elderflower syrup and rosewater.

Pop’s Sunset Grill

112 Circuit Road, Nokomis, (941) 488-3177, popssunsetgrill.com

Part tiki bar, part dock and plenty family-friendly, Pop’s is a Nokomis icon. Dolphins play in the adjoining Intracoastal Waterway, which makes it the perfect boat-up location. And while the drinks are fantastic—including a nonalcoholic Bloody Mary or a “Mango Cocolada” with Coco Lopez, mango purée, orange and pineapple juices—it’s the staff that makes this spot a pleasure to dine at.

Beach House Waterfront Restaurant

200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, (941) 779-2222, beachhousedining.com

Open since the mid-1990s, the Beach House recently underwent a massive renovation after 2024’s devastating hurricane season. But despite its refreshed interior and patio, the beachy feeling is strong, with a few tables even placed directly in the sand. The menu has something for everyone, including booze-free beverages like a virgin “Miami Vice” or a fruity “Strawberry No-jito”.