Drink This Now: Mocktails at Fuego Cantina

Pina Fauxlada mocktail at Fuego Cantina // Photo by Sarah Sipple

For those participating in dry January or otherwise avoiding alcohol, I still see a fuego night in your future. Mocktails, or non-alcoholic cocktails, are no longer limited to Shirley Temples or Diet Coke, and a new example of this is Fuego Cantina.

In West Bottoms, restaurant veterans (& mother-daughter team) Kandi Kerns & Alexandria Snavely offer up a moody cocktail bar bursting with color, texture, and hospitality. Alongside the curated cocktail and small plates menu, care was taken to craft n/a cocktails that are just as complex, fanciful, and fun as traditional cocktails. 

Kerns revels in the artistry of cocktail making but has the balance of ingredients down to a science. Her goal is to create mocktails that are interesting and not too sweet, thinking specifically of people who prefer to unwind or socialize with another legal of-age substance, marijuana, and still want to order a delicious drink when they’re out for the night. 

Fuego Cantina // Photo by Sarah Sipple

At the top of my list is the Pina Fauxlada ($9) in all of its towering, tropical glory. I’ve never considered myself a pina colada girlie, but this one is a dream. The coconut cream and nutmeg pull it all together, making it feel like a complete dessert that goes down easy. Charred pineapple and a frond add decorative flair. 

Mojito mocktail at Fuego Cantina // Photo by Sarah Sipple

Next is the Mojito ($9). This is smooth and refreshing while bringing complexity to the tongue (hint: it’s the orgeat). Other n/a mojitos would lean on the lime and call it good, but this one goes far beyond. I would order this over any traditional alcoholic mojito any day. 

Espresso Mocktail at Fuego Cantina // Photo by Sarah Sipple

Last but not least I must mention the Espresso Mocktail ($9). On an espresso martini scale of ‘Wait this is supposed to be espresso?’ to ‘Holy shit that’s definitely a coffee drink’, this bottoms out the spectrum and leans heavily on half-and-half. However, the finely ground espresso topping that Kerns brought back from Spain brings the expected coffee scent to the nose. 

This concoction is lightly sweetened with agave, and though it leans more towards creamy than coffee, it graciously does not feel like you’re drinking a fancy glass of dairy. Insider tip: there is a similar mint version of this on the menu, too. 

Adding a couple of juices together and calling it a mocktail? We don’t know her. Kansas City has again proven that it can be an exciting place for those who want less alcohol without sacrificing atmosphere. 

Fuego Cantina is located in West Bottoms at 1412 W 12th St, Kansas City, MO 64101.