Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Mocktail Bars: Where Designated Drivers Drink
Unless you don't like drinking liquor to begin with, it can be a bit of a drag to be the designated driver for your drunkard friends. You have to sit there on your bar stool sipping your tiny, weak soda while they get to enjoy pretty, decked-out, specialty cocktails. Fortunately, there are some lovely nonalcoholic options out there for you responsible folk, and I'm not talking O'Douls.
The Arsenal in West LA has a special section of its drink menu dedicated to "teetotalers." But if you don't want a latte or Red Bull, opt for the Fauxtini ($2) which promises "all of the fun, none of the booze."
More mocktails after the jump...
Support for LAist comes from
Ugo Italian Bar in Culver City presents an array of juicy virgin cocktails ($8 each) for the sober barhopper. Yeah, I know, eight bucks IS a pretty penny for something that doesn't even have alcohol. But if it'll make you feel better, the "real" drinks cost $12 and up.
* Bubbly Bellini: Peach Bellini, grenadine and club soda
* Gingerly: Cranberry juice, orange juice and ginger ale
* The Grenadini: Grenadine, orange juice and pineapple juice
* Pomegranate Palmer: Iced tea, lemonade and pomegranate juice
* Spring Fever: Lemon juice, apple juice, blood orange juice and mango
The industry-crowded X bar in Century City offers an impressive list of tasty "spirited alternatives" ($7) that mirror alcoholic versions to keep agents in AA in the action.
* Citrus Mint Cooler: faux mojito with fresh mint muddled with lime, rock candy syrup and soda water
* Coco Colada: faux pina colada with blended pineapple juice and coconut milk
* Pomegranate Garden Mint Soda: faux pomegranate mojito with pomegranate juice, muddled mint, club soda and a mint sprig.
Velvet Margarita Cantina on the Cahuenga Corridor may not have a nonalcoholic alternative to its Pink Puta cocktail but it does have some yummy coffee drinks ($4). So while your friends are sauced, you're wired.
* Cafe Chicano: a latte with chocolate and cinnamon
* Cafe Mexicano: a latte with chocolate
* Cocoa Loco: a latte with coconut and chocolate
Cheers to you, designated drivers everywhere. I couldn't do what I do without you, and goodness knows there are several celebutantes out there who could use friends like you.
On a random note and yet in the same vein, if you're throwing a wine dinner and anticipate some nondrinking participants, buy some bottles of Vignette Wine Country Sodas. I first saw these at the City Bakery in Brentwood Country Mart and later at La Bottega Marino in West L.A.
Support for LAist comes from
They're nonalcoholic sodas made with juices from wine varietal grapes and are available in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Rose flavors. The Chardonnay was surprisingly my favorite, tasting of a light and refreshing pear drink. The Pinot Noir wasn't as intense in flavor but reminded me of a softer fruit punch. Anyhoo when poured in wine glasses you can hardly tell that they're innocent except for some mild fizzing.
Photo (of a non-LA mocktail) by code_martial via Flickr
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars. -
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
Best of LAist