Best of KC 2024: Modern mocktails make their moment in 2024’s mainstream embrace

Mocktail at Fuego Cantina. // Photo by Sarah Sipple

Earlier this month, we published The Pitch’s annual Best of Kansas City issue. You can take a peek at the results of the readers’ poll here. The issue also included a list, compiled and written by our editorial staff, of some local people, places, and things that we thought clearly won 2024. We’ll be publishing these items online throughout November. 

Mocktails, alcohol alternatives, n/a cocktails—You’ll see these bevvies by a variety of names, but one thing is certain: The era of non-alcoholic options is officially serving and slaying in KC. 

2024 saw a growth in events like Dry Vibes, mocktail classes, and local n/a products hitting the shelves. Even KC brewing giant Boulevard Brewing Co. added two nonalcoholic brews to their lineup in the Quirk and Wheat lines. Searches for “mocktails” in the KC metro have almost doubled over the last year—with Overland Park being the biggest thrist trap.

Alcohol—specifically spirits and beer from local icons—isn’t going anywhere, but the options have expanded. The charge is being led locally by trendsetting proponents like SipSteady, decidedly inclusive spots like Third Place Lounge and Wild Child, and even boozy staples like J. Rieger & Co and Stock Hill with their thoughtful mocktail menus. 

On top of those going-out options, more and more national brands of canned mocktails and cannabis seltzers are hitting the shelves. Straight-edge or substance-proud, we beverage goblins are slaying in KC.

Plift cans and mocktail. // Photo by Sarah Sipple