March is for Mocktails—Discover the Best in Downtown Hamilton BIA

March 5th, 2025

Looking for the best mocktails in Hamilton? Whether you’re cutting back on alcohol, joining a sober-friendly happy hour, or just craving a well-made zero-proof cocktail, Hamilton’s restaurants are stepping up with thoughtfully crafted, alcohol-free drinks that are just as bold and flavorful as their spirited counterparts.

With the first hints of spring in the air, March is the perfect time to explore the vibrant world of mocktails. Want a  refreshing option for a lunch meeting, an after-work happy hour without the headache, or a night out that doesn’t center around alcohol? These drinks offer all the flavor and none of the fuzziness.

We’re spotlighting five standout spots in Downtown Hamilton BIAElectric Diner, The Mule, The Standard, Undefined, and the newly opened Easy Tiger—each offering creative, handcrafted mocktails that prove you don’t always need alcohol to have a great time.


Electric Diner – Mocktails, Movies & Monthly Specials

Electric Diner is known for its laid-back fun and nostalgic vibes, and their mocktail program is no exception.

March’s feature drink, Over the Rainbow, is St. Patrick’s Day-inspired- blending coconut cream, apple juice, vanilla syrup, and lime into a smooth, citrusy, cocktail-style creation.

Beyond their handcrafted features, Electric Diner also serves a lineup of ready-to-drink mocktails from Hamilton’s own Collective Arts Brewery. Choices like Perpetual Paloma, Midday Mule, and Mellow Mojito offer a tasty refreshment, fully garnished for the full cocktail experience.

Not in the mood for a mocktail? Their milkshake menu and the Affrogato—featuring Mezza espresso poured over vanilla ice cream—offer just as much indulgence.

Beyond drinks, Electric Diner hosts weekday events that keep the fun going, no alcohol required. This March 20th, they’re screening Pretty Woman for their interactive movie night, making it the perfect excuse to grab a mocktail (or a shake!) and settle in for a nostalgic night out.

From toasting to St. Paddy’s Day to simply looking for a delicious, alcohol-free option, Electric Diner proves that mocktails and all things delicious are worth celebrating.

📍 Address: 28 James St N, Hamilton
🕒 Hours: Monday: 9 AM – 10 PM | Tuesday–Thursday: 9 AM – 11 PM | Friday–Saturday: 9 AM – 12 AM | Sunday: 9 AM – 10 PM
🌐 Website: electricdinerhamilton.com


The Mule – Thoughtfully Crafted, Inclusive Mocktails

The Mule has more than just great tacos, they also create a welcoming and inclusive drinking experience for everyone, and their non-alcoholic program is proof of that. Every single cocktail, including their No & Low %, is crafted in-house by their bartenders, who pull inspiration from the flavors they love, resulting in unique and evolving creations.

One of the must-try mocktails is the Baby Botox—a bold and vibrant mix of habanero, pineapple, cranberry, and lime. It’s got the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spicy, with fizz making it a standout choice for those who like a little heat in their glass.

For something bright and refreshing, the Ginger Snap delivers a zesty burst of flavor with mango nectar, lemon, and a punch of ginger beer, finished with a lime and mint garnish for a crisp, aromatic finish.

Meanwhile, the Virgin Pandan Colada brings a Southeast Asian twist to the classic piña colada, blending pandan, creamy coconut, pineapple, and lime into a tropical escape in a glass. One sip, and you’re on an island.

Beyond the menu, The Mule’s bartenders love to go “off book”, meaning guests can request a custom non-alcoholic cocktail based on the flavors they enjoy. Their commitment to inclusivity doesn’t stop at mocktails—one of their bartenders, Alex, who doesn’t drink, has played a major role in curating a selection of Ontario-sourced non-alcoholic craft beers, ensuring that everyone has something thoughtfully made to enjoy.

And, of course, nothing pairs better with these drinks than The Mule’s legendary tacos. Dive into bold, smoky flavors or fresh, citrusy toppings. The No & Low % menu complements every bite.

📍 Address: 41 King William St, Hamilton, ON
🕒 Hours: Monday–Friday: 11:30 PM – 2 AM | Saturday–Sunday: 11 AM – 2 AM
🌐 Website: themule.ca


The Standard – Elevating the Mocktail Game

The Standard’s mocktails aren’t just an afterthought, they’re crafted with the same creativity and attention to detail as any cocktail on the menu. Looking for something bold and spiced or light and floral? Their zero-proof selection proves that skipping the alcohol doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor.

One of the standout mocktails is the Cold Tea, a beautifully balanced blend of cold-brewed chai tea, honey syrup, cardamom, lavender, and super foam. The warm spice of chai and cardamom pairs perfectly with the floral hint of lavender, making for an aromatic, complex, and cozy sip.

For those who love a fruity, spiced option, the McCallister Punch delivers the perfect balance of cranberry, apple cider, clove syrup, cinnamon, and seltzer. This drink brings a warm, nostalgic feel with flavors reminiscent of crisp autumn days and festive holiday gatherings, but it’s just as refreshing in any season.

If you’re after a mocktail menu that’s as thoughtfully crafted as any cocktail list, The Standard delivers. Each drink is designed with layers of flavor, making sure that everyone—regardless of what they’re drinking—gets an exceptional experience.

📍 Address: 10 James St N, Hamilton, ON
🕒 Hours: Sunday: 10 AM – 9 PM | Monday–Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10 PM | Friday: 11:30 AM – 12 AM | Saturday: 10 AM – 12 AM
🌐 Website: thestandardhamilton.com


Undefined – Zero Proof, Full Creativity

At Undefined, the bar program is just as bold and experimental as the kitchen, Zero Proof drinks included. Unceremoniously known as “mocktails,” these creations aren’t just alcohol-free versions of classic cocktails; they’re complex, boundary-pushing drinks that stand on their own.

A perfect example- The Faux-Loma, their zero-proof take on a Paloma, which will be sticking around through their March menu update. It features house-made sea salt grapefruit syrup, paired with Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit soda for just the right balance of tart, salty, and effervescent.

For something bright and citrus-forward, the Don’t Tart With Me delivers a punchy, sour kick, while the Broken Down Mule, featuring house-made plum shrub syrup, elevates the experience with a flamed cinnamon garnish, infusing the drink with warm, smoky aromatics as you sip. This thoughtful touch deepens the flavor and adds a layer of sensory complexity that makes for an unforgettable zero-proof cocktail.

And for those who want something even more personalized? The bartenders at Undefined love crafting drinks based on your preferred flavor profiles, ensuring that no two visits are ever quite the same.

Their Zero Proof menu evolves seasonally, just like their cocktails, with each drink incorporating the same house-made ingredients and bold fusion influences. Whether it’s Japanese whiskey infused with sesame or an entirely new creation, Undefined thrives on the unexpected—so if you’re excited by the idea of something strange, new, and delicious, you’re in the right place.

📍 Address: 35 King William St, Hamilton, ON
🕒 Hours: Sunday: 10 AM – 10 PM | Monday–Tuesday: 4 PM – 10 PM | Wednesday–Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10 PM | Friday: 11:30 AM – 12 AM | Saturday: 10 AM – 12 AM
🌐 Website: eatundefined.com


Easy Tiger – A New Hamilton Hangout with Seriously Good Drinks

Freshly opened in the iconic Treble Hall building, Easy Tiger is serving up a new take on cocktails, snacks, and good vibes in the heart of John St. N. While it’s a departure from its sibling bar, Farside, it brings the same welcoming energy—now with table service, a top-tier cocktail program, and a menu built for comfort (with no hot dogs in sight!).

For those skipping the booze, Easy Tiger’s zero-proof cocktails are just as complex, refreshing, and satisfying as their spirited counterparts. Here are a few of their standouts:

The Fritz is a clever “fake spritz” featuring non-alcoholic Martini Floreale, smoked passion fruit, lemon, and soda. Light, citrusy, and incredibly refreshing.

And Stayin’ Alive– A bittersweet, caffeine-kissed creation with Lucano non-alcoholic amaro, coffee, and Five Alive. This mocktail version of their “Feelin’ Alive” cocktail offers the same rich, unexpected flavors, just without the alcohol.

With a focus on flavor-forward mocktails and a warm, convivial atmosphere, Easy Tiger is already proving to be a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy a great drink—alcohol-free or otherwise.

📍 Address: 10 John St N, Hamilton, ON
🕒 Hours: Thursday–Saturday: 5 PM – 12 AM
🌐 Website: easytigersnackbar.com


Cheers to March Mocktails!

The mocktail movement is redefining what it means to enjoy a great drink, proving that bold flavors and expert craftsmanship aren’t exclusive to cocktails. Whether you’re grabbing a drink before heading back to work, meeting a client over lunch, or winding down without the need for a nightcap, Hamilton’s restaurants are proving that alcohol-free options can be just as exciting as their spirited counterparts.

By visiting local favorites like Electric Diner, The Mule, The Standard, Undefined, and Easy Tiger, you’re not just treating yourself to exceptional mocktails, you’re supporting the local, innovative, community-driven businesses that make downtown Hamilton a vibrant place to dine and drink.

So why not switch it up this March? These spots prove that zero-proof doesn’t mean zero fun!

Looking for more mocktail recommendations in Hamilton? Follow us on Instagram (@dwntwnhambia) and tag us when you try these spots! Let’s celebrate great drinks, great nights out, and the ever-growing world of no-proof cocktails.

If you’re a Downtown Hamilton BIA member business and would like to be featured in a blog post, please email Melanie at melanie@downtownhamilton.org.

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