Boy, are we hydrated. We’ve spent the past week guzzling every possible combination of juice, syrup, cream and soda to come up with a list of the most deliciously thirst-quenching mocktails in the city. You’re going to need some refreshments this month, so next time your throat is dry and you’re gasping for a drink, allow us to steer you in the direction of these long, cool glasses of heaven.
Moskito
A soft twist on the similarly named classic Cuban drink, Le Café makes sure this thirst-quencher still has a good kick by swapping soda water for ginger beer – an absolute masterstroke in our opinion. Far less overpoweringly sweet than many mocktails, the Moskito keeps the traditional muddled mint leaves and squeeze of fresh lime juice of its namesake, which makes it a very refreshing drink indeed.
Dhs40. Le Café, Emirates Palace Dhs40 (02 690 7999).
Virgin Piña Colada
If you like drinking sugary, OTT concoctions that are rich enough to be mistaken for desserts, Sho Cho is the place to visit for a tipple or two (they’re so sweet you won’t be able to manage any more than that). Our favourite is the retro virgin piña colada, a frothy whip of pineapple juice and coconut cream. Now all we need is a pool, a lilo and some steel drums playing in the background. Could we get an umbrella too please?
Dhs29. Sho Cho, Souk Qaryat Al Beri (02 558 1117).
Coconut Kiss
Cho Gao serves all sorts of light iced-tea based concoctions that we love to slurp down in the evening, but it’s the Coconut Kiss that’s really stolen our hearts. If you’re feeling indulgent, this creamy treat is as exotic as its name; a sugary blend of coconut cream, cranberry and pineapple juice. The surroundings at this cool bar may be South East Asian, but if you order one of these you should prepare to be transported to the Caribbean, via your straw.
Dhs30. Cho Gao, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi (02 621 0000).
Magic Passionberry
The bartenders at Chameleon sure know how to mix a drink, and orders for virgin varieties of their blends don’t faze them in the slightest. Ask for an alcohol-free version of the Magic Passionberry, which might just be the most dramatic drink in Abu Dhabi. You’ll be brought a glass with a cloud of candyfloss inside, then the barman will pour the rest of the drink straight out of the shaker on top of it, right there in front of you. The candyfloss dissolves leaving you a sugary, girly drink to enjoy. Definitely one for a special occasion.
Dhs50. Chameleon, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr (02 654 3333).
The Hakka
Hakkasan’s chic bar is a great place to mingle over a refreshing blend or two, and its mocktails are as imaginative as they come. Signature drink the Virgin Hakka is rich, thick and satisfying, combining exotic and fruity flavours. One of the more expensive mocktails in the city, true, but with coconut crème, lychee juice and passion fruit all whipped together by the expert bar staff and enjoyed in impossibly cool surrounds, you’ll be coming back time and time again.
Dhs35. Hakkasan, Emirates Palace (02 690 7999).
Apple Mule
So you want something that’s fruity, fiery, sharp and refreshing? Oh, and you’d like all of that with a little bit of fizz, you say? Sounds like a rare mix, but fortunately Left Bank has something that’ll hit the spot – the Apple Mule. A combination of apple juice and fresh lime wedges, topped up with a healthy dose of zingy ginger ale, it’s guaranteed to satisfy. Dhs25.
Left Bank, Souk Qaryat Al Beri (02 558 1680).
Passionfruit Sensation
And what a sensation it is. If you’re going to brave the patio seating area of Noodle House and enjoy their spicy Asian grub over the next few months, well you’re going to need to drink something chilled to get you through the meal. The Passionfruit Sensation is a blend of cranberry juice, lemonade and passion fruit, and is guaranteed to cool your lips even after the most fiery curry.
Dhs19. Noodle House, Souk Qaryat Al Beri (02 558 1699).
Mintylicious
There are heaps of healthy options on Shakespeare and Co’s mocktail menu, with all sorts of cleansing, nutritious ingredients. Carrot, celery and ginger, anyone? Very good for you. But we ignore them all and go straight for the Mintylicious every time. Lemon sorbet, kiwi, apple and mint, all served in a long glass with a straw and a spoon. Suck it up, scoop it up, whatever you like, just make sure you stop by the café and order one this summer – it’s the most cooling treat for miles.
Dhs28. Shakespeare and Co, Souk at Central Market (02 639 9626).
Maui Haui
Trader Vic’s is infamous for the strength of its mocktails’ naughtier cousins, but if you’re on a health kick or it’s just not that kind of night out, the selection of booze-free beverages here are almost as fun. Go for the Maui Haui drink (try yowling that name across a noisy bar) which is a zingy mix of pineapple and lime juice. Simple, uncomplicated and goes down like a dream.
Dhs27. Trader Vic’s, Beach Rotana (02 697 9000).
Rosso
Pass by the lurid green Milano mocktail on Biella’s drinks list – this one contains enough E-numbers to have your kids doing somersaults all the way home. Ignore the Snickers Coffee, too – creamy it might be but it’s VERY bad for you. Instead opt for Rosso: muddled banana and strawberry puree, shaken up with a splash of coconut cream, orange and pineapple juice. It’s like a tropical fruit salad in a glass.
Dhs25. Biella, Abu Dhabi Mall (02 643 4005).
Va Va Voom
If you’re looking for a cheap and juicy lunchtime fix, Bocadillo has 11 mocktails to choose from alongside all the usual freshly squeezed juices. The Strawberry Delight and Layered Cocktail are both worth sampling but for a really fruity burst try the Va Va Voom. Blended in front of you from mango, orange, strawberry and peach, this mix is sweet, refreshing and bursting with flavour. It might be one of the cheapest mocktails available, but that doesn’t mean you miss out on any of the taste. Perfect for a mall-trawl pick-me-up.
Dhs15. Bocadillo, Abu Dhabi Mall (02 645 6020).
Love Tonic
Well, we’re not so sure about the aphrodisiac properties of this delicious concoction, but it certainly is rather fruity. Blueberries, strawberries and pineapples are blended to make a vitamin-pumped potion that will leave you feeling in rude health.
Dhs25. Eat Smart, Fotouh Al Khair Centre (02 634 6624).
Ginger Twist
There are plenty of mocktails to choose from at Relax@12, but if you want to forgo the fruity and have a sip of something with a more fiery kick, then the Ginger Twist is the tipple for you. Fresh ginger, lime, mint and pineapple juice are combined and topped up with a healthy glug of ginger ale. Spicy and delicious.
Dhs25. Relax@12, Aloft hotel (02 654 5000).
Orange Mojito
The Beach’s Lazy Weekend is a classic mojito, sans the clear stuff, combining lime, mint and fizz for a refreshing summer spritzer. But for something a little different, give the Orange Mojito a try. Mint, lime, fresh juice and orange pieces are combined for a fruity hit. Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best.
Dhs26. The Beach, Khalidiya Palace Rotana (02 657 0000).
