Juna, Haliburton
Hold the Liquor, Keep the Adventure: Exploring Ontario’s Mocktail Hotspots
Skip the hangovers! This season it’s all about high spirits without the spirits. In the heart of cottage country, Central and Eastern Ontario are embracing the ‘mocktail movement’ and shaking up more than just lakeside sunsets.
Picture hand-crafted, alcohol-free elixirs served with a side of picturesque lakes and pine-lined horizons where the only thing stronger than your drink is the call of the wild.
Ready to sip your way through a list of Ontario’s most refreshing hidden gems? These locations are raising the bar on alcohol-free indulgence.
C'est Tout Bakery - Smiths Falls
Lanark County’s first intentionally alcohol-free establishment offers a zero-proof menu featuring thoughtfully crafted mocktails that are layered, bold and anything but basic. With options such as a Cucumber Gimlet, Mango & Mint Margarita and a Spiced Rum Mojito, C’est Tout is serving up style on the side of their refreshing ingredient list.
Insider Tip:
Paddle the Rideau waterways with a canoe, kayak or SUP rental from Smiths Falls Pedal & Paddle. Or take a stroll on the beautiful Cataraqui Trail – a year-round 104km shared-use recreational trail running through three counties, built on a former CN railway line. Speaking of railways, why not visit the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario while you are in the area? You can even stay the night in a caboose and explore a truly unique overnight experience.
Black Tartan Kitchen - Carleton Place
The Black Tartan Kitchen has enhanced its menu with thoughtfully crafted non-alcoholic pairings. Guests can indulge in either a four or seven-course tasting menu paired with non-alcoholic beverages to elevate their culinary experience. These pairings offer a sophisticated alternative to spirits, harmonizing with the restaurant’s seasonal and locally inspired flavors. Current mocktails include Haskap Sour, Strawberry Rhubarb Spritz, Cucumber Mint Smash and a Garden Tonic – fresh, fizzy and totally guilt-free.
Insider Tip:
Stroll the Misssissippi Riverwalk Trail, a scenic two-kilometre boardwalk trail alongside the river which includes historical plaques and views of the falls. Or wander Bridge Street downtown to explore the historic downtown core and soak in the architecture, lively shops and charming murals.
Be sure to stop by Moore House, now known as Carleton Place, one of the oldest remaining buildings in town turned visitors center to rent a bike for full or half day and explore the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail.
Boulton House - Carleton Place
Perched overlooking the scenic Mississippi River, Boulton House offers casual, fine-dining charm and dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. They have curated a list of seasonal mocktails to offer an inclusive way for everyone to enjoy a fully rounded dining experience. With current selections such as Sunrise Lemonade, Cucumber Crush, Virgin Caesar, Virgin Pina Colada or a Blood Orange Spritzer, the mocktail menu is zero-proof but full of personality.
Insider Tip:
Head over to Hackberry Park and relax amongst the largest Hackberry Tree grove in all Eastern Ontario or visit the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum. This museum features over 10,000 local artifacts and a peaceful garden/labyrinth – great for an after-meal stroll. If you’re looking for somewhere to cool down or bring the kids, check out Riverside Park for a great place to swim at the beach, cool down in the splash pad or relax in the shade.
Rhubarb Restaurant - Carnarvon
When visiting Rhubarb Restaurant, don’t miss out on their off-menu mocktails. Fresh, creative and changing daily, these zero-proof creations are crafted fresh by the bar staff so be sure to ask what is being mixed up today! Paired with a delicious meal from local area farmers and producers, Rhubarbs is serving up a truly unique and flavorful dining experience proving the drinks might be non-alcoholic, but they are never ordinary.
Insider Tip:
Just a few minutes from Carnarvon lies the cute community of Minden! Stroll the Minden Boardwalk to the Riverwalk Trail, a two-kilometre trail looping through the downtown region along the Gull River. Wander downtown like a local and take in the quaint shops and boutiques where you can shop for home goods, beauty products and more. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not explore local lore and search for the Shoe Tree, a local urban legend that is said to bring good luck, just a few kilometers out of town on South Lake Road.
Juna - Haliburton
For a fresh and delicious Italian dining experience where elegance meets modern style, Juna is a must-visit. To go alongside their flavor-forward dining menu, Juna offers up a list of stand-out mocktail options. With choices such as an Amaretti Sour, Mock Mule, Faux Aperol Spritz, Mock Mezcal Paloma or the classics such as a non-alcoholic beer and wine, Juna proves that zero-proof doesn’t have to mean zero fun.
Insider Tip:
Elevate your visit to Haliburton by taking in the sweeping views of the surrounding forests and the village below at Skyline Park or spend some time browsing the shops and boutiques on Highland Street such as Castle Antiques where you can sip a coffee or tea and shop for vintage finds.
Hook, Line & Sinker - Haliburton
Nestled atop Head Lake, this family-run business brings “good mood food” to its patrons in a warm, friendly atmosphere. With a fresh, seasonally rotating menu and beautifully composed mocktails, you’re going to want to make this a must-stop. With options such as a Midnight Earl, Blueberry Pomegranate Mule, Peach Lavender Lemonade and a Virgin Guava Mojito - these mocktails reel in just as much excitement as their alcoholic counterparts, minus the buzz.
Insider Tip:
Just a short walk from the restaurant, you can take a stroll in Head Lake Park where you can take a dip at Rotary Beach, stroll the paved paths, try the outdoor fitness stations, ball hockey rink or tennis courts. If art is more your thing, visit the Haliburton Sculpture Forest at Glebe Park and see the outdoor gallery featuring over thirty sculptures by Canadian, Indigenous and international artists nestled in the trees beside Head Lake.
Boshkung Brewing Co. - Minden
Set along the Gull River, the Boshkung Brewing Co.’s tap house is the perfect place to unwind and absorb the cottage-country charm of the area. Pair their signature non-alcoholic beer, Noble Brew, with one of their locally inspired dishes on the patio and you’ve got yourself the ideal mix of good food and good views. Proof that great flavor doesn’t need proof.
Insider Tip:
Explore the Minden Wild Water Preserve, a 100-acre park offering 9km of hiking trails and some of Canada’s best whitewater rapids to watch kayakers in the water, take a walk or enjoy the scenery. (Please note that there is a $4.43 fee to use the hiking trails and can be purchased online). Visit the Minden Hills Cultural Center to see historical exhibits, heritage buildings and an interactive ecology exhibit.
Penny's Place - Perth
This homey diner in Lanark County whips up comforting brunch favorites from scratch, using real ingredients. Think all of the classics, with finesse. With nine styles of egg benedict, six amazing breakfast bowl options and more, you can elevate any of your brunch choices with a delicious mocktail mimosa – zero proof, and 100 per cent breakfast flair.
Insider Tip:
Stroll along the river at Stewart Park with scenic paths and stone bridges, making for the perfect photo opportunity. See the quirky, local landmark - the Mammoth Cheese, a replica of the 1893 twenty-thousand lb cheddar once on display at the Chicago Worlds Exposition. Or how about a live musical show by Canada’s oldest active town band, the Perth Citizens Band at the historic bandstand in market square.
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