Mocktails aren’t limited to some kind of glorified soda or juice at Verbena. The new Hingetown cafe, restaurant and alcohol-free bar offers a handful of layered, summery tastes in its seasonal menu of free-spirited cocktails, which are offered 3-8 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.
The business opens to the public on Friday, July 7.
To start, Verbena crafted a selection of summery beverages for sipping under the sun — but will rotate new options, with warmer flavors entering the mix in the fall and winter, says owner Molly Cheraso.
We tried a few mixed drinks on the current menu, all of which were made without any alcohol:
Lavender Haze
Featuring a butterfly pea tea lemonade and Three Spirit Livener, the Lavender Haze ($9) is a slightly tart, sweet ode to summer, perfect for sipping under the sun — and for those who want a sweet, tropical refreshment.
The Crown
Inspired by the British Pimm’s cup cocktail specialty, The Crown ($11) is a light and bright bevvie topped with a garden of garnishes, including strawberries, a slice of cucumber and a sprig of mint. A hint of sweetness, a lemon-lime fizz and a dash of Seedlip Garden 101 and Pathfinder non-alcoholic spirits makes for an herby, refreshing sip.
New Fashioned
The New Fashioned ($11) tastes like an old-fashioned. Like, exactly like an old-fashioned. Except there’s no alcohol — just a mix of Spiritless Kentucky 74 Bourbon, Horse’s Kick ginger syrup and orange bitters.
Stresa Sour
Pucker up for this drink. The Stresa Sour ($11) incorporates a citrus kick (orange and lemon juice), plus simple syrup and Italian-made Dr. Zero Zero Amarno.
READ MORE: First Look: Non-Alcoholic Bar Verbena Opening Soon in Cleveland
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