The 5 Best Mocktails Around Truckee/North Lake Tahoe Region

Nonalcoholic beverage sales in the U.S. grew by more than 30 percent in the last year, according to market research firm NielsenIQ. That growth signals a cultural shift in how people sip, socialize and celebrate. The mocktail isn’t just a placeholder anymore — it’s a statement. The Best of North Lake Tahoe and Truckee recognizes standout local spots putting just as much thought into their mocktails as their cocktails — no booze required, no flavor spared.

Sylva

Sylva doesn’t do anything halfway. That includes their lineup of zero-proof drinks, which reflect the same thoughtful craftsmanship found across their plant-based and seafood-forward menu. This Tahoe City eatery puts emphasis on sustainable, seasonal ingredients, which carries over beautifully into their bar program. The result? Vibrant, refreshing mocktails that are more than just soda with a sprig of mint. They’re layered and balanced, sometimes fruity, sometimes herbaceous, always intentional. Whether you’re there for a weekend brunch or a laid-back dinner, Sylva’s mocktail offerings fit seamlessly into the experience: clean, elegant and full of flavor.

Sage Leaf Tahoe

Sage Leaf Tahoe wears its values on the glass. This Incline Village restaurant is known for its mindful dining ethos, combining local ingredients with bold culinary creativity — and its drink menu is no exception. The mocktails here read like something out of a mountain apothecary, with infusions of herbs, fresh-pressed juices and house-made syrups. The vibe is intimate but casual, the kind of place where you can enjoy a thoughtful meal or just pop in for a beautiful nonalcoholic beverage that actually feels like a treat. Each drink is designed with balance in mind, offering refreshing complexity without relying on sugar to do the heavy lifting.

RMU Truckee

RMU Truckee is better known as a community hub for bikers, skiers and live music fans, but behind the bar, their mocktail game runs strong. This multipurpose space — part bar, part gear shop, part café — leans into creativity and connection. Their nonalcoholic drinks are playful and well-balanced, crafted to quench post-ride thirst or enhance a mellow evening with friends. You might find ginger and citrus mingling in one glass, or a house-made shrub anchoring another. RMU keeps things unfussy, but always intentional, which seems to strike the right chord for a crowd that values authenticity as much as flavor.

Thanks, ChatGPT.