Before I stopped drinking several months ago, one of my biggest concerns was what it would be like to visit Orlando theme parks like Universal Orlando Resort sober. For as long as I've lived in Central Florida, I've equated visiting its theme parks with sipping a cocktail while strolling to the next attraction. Quickly after embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle, I learned Universal Orlando has plenty of mocktail and zero-proof cocktail options that are lots of fun to enjoy.
As it turns out, theme park dates with my husband haven't suffered due to my sober lifestyle. All across Universal property, it's easy to find the best mocktails at Universal Orlando Resort. From hotels to Universal CityWalk, this guide will help you navigate a trip to Universal without the spirits. What's more, many of these booze-free options are so delicious that you may want to give them a try even if you are a drinker.
You can also scope out many more alcohol-free date ideas in town.
Best Mocktails at Universal CityWalk
Universal CityWalk may be the most-visited spot on property due to the ease of parking and the fact that there's no theme park ticket required to stroll around the shopping and dining destination. CityWalk is a great date night spot, with fun things to do and great places to eat. And, you can find options almost anywhere.
Here are a few of the best spots to get mocktails at Universal CityWalk.
Universal's Great Movie Escape
Inside Universal's Great Movie Escape escape room is one of the best bars on property. Serving up craft cocktails and mocktails in a quiet setting, the bar inside the CityWalk escape room is pretty special. This spot serves two delicious mocktails, the Jurassic World-themed Nublar Cooler and the Back to the Future-themed Hoverboard Highball. There's also an espresso martini on the menu that can be ordered without vodka for those looking for a caffeine boost.
Cowfish
The Thyme after Thyme mocktail at CityWalk restaurant Cowfish is one of my favorite mocktails on Universal property. Made with ginger beer, muddled blueberries, lemon, and fresh thyme, it's a refreshing sip, especially after a long day inside the theme parks.
Cowfish has other mocktails on its menu, too, including one made with dragonfruit and lemongrass syrup.
Red Coconut Club
Red Coconut Club is the most fun when it goes seasonal with its theming for events like Halloween Horror Nights or Universal Mardi Gras. While there aren't specific zero-proof cocktails on the menu, this is one of many spots around Universal where I've had no trouble creating my own drink by ordering things like club soda with a splash of fruit juice.
Whether you're stopping into the Cursed Coconut Club or the Dead Coconut Club, you'll love seeing the bar decked out in a theme and it's easy to order something that feels festive at this fun spot.
Best Mocktails at Universal Hotels
Whether you're staying overnight at a Universal Orlando hotel or stopping into one for dinner and drinks, there are lots of mocktail options all across the properties. In fact, the Loews hotels on property recently launched the Free Spirited by Loews program, which offers elevated craft mocktails at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.
Here are some of the best mocktails at Universal Orlando hotels.
Orchid Court Lounge and Sushi Bar
Orchid Court, a sushi spot located inside Loews Royal Pacific Resort, already had a nice menu of NA sips like Japanese sodas and full tea service. Now, with the start of the Free Spirited by Loews program, the bar serves up one tasty zero-proof cocktail in the Royal Orchid, made with pineapple juice, house-made blueberry syrup, orgeat, and sparkling yuzu.
Once you're there, why not hop to the other resorts that participate in the Free Spirited by Lowes program? There's also a Sapphire Margarita served at Amatista Cookhouse inside Lowes Sapphire Falls Resort and an NA agave and Italian orange-based sip at the Thirsty Fish at Lowes Portofino Bay Hotel.
Hotel Pool Bars
Any Universal Hotel pool bar is another great spot to order mocktails. While many have alcohol-free drinks on their menu, the ones who do not can accommodate requests. One of my favorite things to drink poolside at Universal is a virgin Bloody Mary topped with savory celery and bacon. Pool bars often serve virgin daiquiris, too, giving lots of options for your day in the sunshine.
Finding Mocktails at Universal Theme Parks
Universal Orlando has three theme parks: Universal Studios Florida (USF), Universal Islands of Adventure (IOA), and Universal's Volcano Bay. A fourth park, Universal Epic Universe, will open in 2025. Each Universal theme park offers different lands, rides, restaurants, and adventures for guests, but one thing that's consistent is how easy it is to find a good sip in each.
Here are a few of the best mocktails at Universal Orlando theme parks.
Chez Alcatraz (Universal Studios)
Located along the docks of Fisherman's Warf at USF, Chez Alcatraz serves up an iconic cocktail called the Ocean Attack that can be ordered sans alcohol.
Bartenders here are friendly and fun, and whether you order your Ocean Attack with or without booze, they'll put on a special little show as they serve you the drink. Look out, it involves a deadly shark.
Moose Juice and Goose Juice (Islands of Adventure)
Never underestimate how hydrating a slushee can be on a hot day in a theme park. In IOA's Seuss Landing, be on the lookout for the Moose Juice, Goose Juice stand, which sells not only Seussical sips, but frozen slushes of all varieties. A stop in Seuss Landing is one of my favorite sober ways to cool off during an IOA visit.
Butterbeer (both parks)
It's great news for non-drinkers that Butterbeer is booze-free. The iconic (and tasty) Harry Potter beverage is throughout USF and IOA in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The best thing about Butterbeer is it's available in many forms throughout the two parks, the most sip-able being hot, cold, and frozen. Find Butterbeer in both parks at spots like: Three Broomsticks, Leaky Cauldron, and Hog's Head and get lost in the magic.
Minion-themed Mocktails (Universal Studios)
Don't miss USF's Minion Land, where you'll find Illumination's Minion Cafe, a fun quick-service spot to eat and drink. Two unique and creative Minion-themed drinks are available, the Evil Minion-themed PX-41 Punch and the Minion yellow, banana-flavored drink The Antidote.
Not only are these sips delicious, but they come in cute Minion cups and really add to the experience of dining at the cute cafe.
Create Your Own Mocktail
I often stop at bars inside each theme park and place a custom drink order, whether it's a club soda with a splash of grapefruit or a Diet Coke with lime. A good rule of thumb is, if the bar is making made-to-order drinks (like rum and coke or vodka shots) they also have the supplies on hand to accommodate your alcohol-free requests.
Of note, alcohol-free bar drinks get served in paper soda cups, so if I want to feel a bit more fancy, I ask for a clear, plastic cup on the side and pour my drink in.
Enjoy your time at one the most exciting theme park spots in town, and don't forget to dine at one of the many date-worthy restaurants at Universal Orlando. Cheers!