Maybe you made the choice to quit drinking as growing movements like Dry July and Dry January–a post-holiday month of sobriety to begin the new year–gain momentum. Or perhaps you're just looking for ways to be more healthful, including alcohol-free date ideas.
No matter the reason, we're here to provide you with fresh date ideas that don't involve alcohol. Instead of depending on alcohol to break the ice, fuel your connection with this guide to fun alcohol-free date ideas.
Explore Mocktails, NA Cocktails, and Sober Bars
Salt and The Cellar Orlando
For the ultimate alcohol-free date idea, head towards Walt Disney World. The ette hotel Orlando is right down the road from Disney's Animal Kingdom. Ette stands for earthy. true. timeless. elegant. This exquisite hotel brings a level of sophistication to this busy attractions area. Couples will love the sumptuous setting, and its restaurant, Salt and the Cellar by Akira Back is incredible.
Executive Chef Akira Back is Michelin-Starred, and his talent shines through at the brand-new restaurant, Salt and the Cellar. There is an outdoor herb garden on the patio where garnishes are grown, like lavender, sage, etc. and plants are switched out on the patio regularly. The mixology menu consists of the most creative mocktails in all of Orlando.
As you might expect, the food at Salt and The Cellar by Akira Back is stunning. It all adds up to an unforgettable date night.
Chayote Barrio Kitchen
Chef Mario Pagan's talent arrives to Winter Park Village. This upscale date night spot has cozy couch-like booths and low lighting. If the weather is right, get a table at the covered patio with skylights to let in the natural light. Chayote has a dedicated Mocktail menu, so you are sure to find a creative drink to go with your meal. The dress code requires a smart casual outfit, and the menu is a bit pricey, but the quality is there.
Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando
Step inside the recently renovated Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando to explore playful, citrus-forward craft cocktails made with Seedlip zero-proof liquor. Available at date night hotspot The Boheme and at Altira Rooftop Lounge, their current “free-spirited” lineup includes the Orange Grove Margarita (Seedlip Grove 42, lime, orange) and the Grapefruit & Honey (Seedlip Spice, grapefruit, lemon, honey).
Mocktails in Orlando
Zero-proof menu options are also becoming more commonplace at bars and restaurants in Orlando. Tori Tori, a Japanese pub in the Mills 50 District, has a non-alcoholic drink menu including the option to have your bartender create a special bespoke mocktail. The Neighbors, located upstairs at East End Market, also features creative NA drinks on its bar menu. Treat yourself to the Lavender Pomojito, made with lavender, pomegranate, mint, and basil.
At MICHELIN Bib Gourmand restaurant DOMU, they offer four delicious mocktails. All are perfect for pairing with the eatery’s house-made noodles and ramen bowls, from the Rosey Pom (rosemary, pomegranate, lime, ginger, bubbles) to the simple Mango Lychee Lemonade (lychee simple syrup, lemon, soda, mango boba).
Or, head to ICEBAR Orlando on I-Drive to sip on the Penguin Punch, a mocktail served in a signature cup made out of ice.
You can also find spirit-free concoctions to pair with your dinner at The Monroe. The tea- and coffee-focused creations contain additional mix-ins like bitters, ginger beer, Earl Grey creme and more.
Heading to Walt Disney World? Check out our extensive guide to mocktails at Disney World for tons of non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy inside and outside of the parks.
And not to be outdone by the mouse, you can also head to Universal Orlando for some fun without the spirits. We've made it easy with our list of mocktails at Universal Orlando!
Plan an Adventurous Alcohol-Free Date
Shake up your normal routine with some heart-pumping fun like axe throwing. The technique is pretty easy to pick up even if you've never held an axe, and sharing a new experience together is a fun way to deepen your connection. The Axe Trap in Winter Park provides an opportunity to extend your date with coffee and tapas after axe throwing. Other venues include Epic Axe Throwing and BATL Axe Throwing, both located downtown.
Zip lining is another adrenaline-fueled date idea, offered at Central Florida locations like the Central Florida Zoo, Gatorland, and Canyons Zip Line & Canopy Tours.
Up for a drive? Make plans to finally watch a rocket launch on the Space Coast with our tips for experiencing a launch like a true local.
Immerse Yourself in Arts & Culture
Take that extra money you're saving by not buying drinks and use it to explore Orlando's vibrant arts and culture scene instead.
Noteworthy museums include the Morse Museum on Park Ave, and Orlando Museum of Art. At OMA, current exhibitions highlight the works of famous artists including Botticelli, Rembrandt, and Jackson Pollock.
Love DIY projects? Head to Thornton Park to try your hand at candle making at Artifact Candle Foundry. Or, book Pinspiration's Splatter Room to get messy while creating your own custom splatter painting together. The latter is a favorite among Orlando Date Night Guide readers.
Spend Time in the Great Outdoors
Unwind on an alcohol-free date spent in Orlando's abundant outdoor spaces. One of our favorite cheap date ideas is to fill up a picnic basket with snacks, juices, sandwiches, and whatever else is in the pantry for a picnic in the park. A few of our favorite spots include Mead Botanical Garden, Bok Tower Gardens (entry fee applies), and Kraft Azalea Garden.
For more free fun, head out for a hike on a local trail. Some discoveries include Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve and Flat Island Preserve. Lake Lotus Park is perfect if you love a good boardwalk, and Lake Louisa State Park features miles of serene hiking trails not far from Historic Downtown Clermont.
Spending the day on a farm is a more out-of-the-ordinary idea sure to impress your date. Try goat yoga at Alaska Farms, or book lunch reservations under the ancient oak tree at Bountiful Farms Bistro.
We also love heading to a local u-pick farm for seasonal strawberries, blueberries, peaches, citrus, and sunflowers in the spring.
Lastly, one major perk of living in Florida is the abundance of natural springs and waterways to explore. What better way to experience that than on a unique kayaking tour? Get up close and personal with manatees in a clear kayak with Get Up and Go Kayaking, or see the bioluminescence phenomenon during a guided kayaking tour on Florida's Space Coast in the summer months.
Just Chill
Instead of pulling up a seat at the bar, cozy up at a unique coffee shop. Sip seasonal coffee flights at New City Coffee, take your beverage from Citrus Coffee to the top level of the Florida Citrus Tower for sweeping views of Central Florida, or sip your latte from Minch Coffee while playing with the adoptable kitties at the Orlando Cat Cafe.
If you'd rather laze by the pool, spend a little extra dough on day passes to local hotel pools from ResortPass. Think of it as your all-access pass to resort amenities without booking a full getaway or overnight stay. A few of our top picks include Omni Orlando Resort, Hilton Orlando, and Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress.
Alternatively, go all out and treat yourself to a luxurious spa day. We've rounded up our favorite spas for couples.
