Where to go for an alcohol-free night in Glasgow

Want to sweeten your day? Go to Gaga for some beautifully presented and deeply moreish beverages. The cocktail and wine list here is large, but it is equalled by the enticing range of zero-alcohol drinks.

Their Topp Spritz contains lime, soda, mint and passionfruit (it’s a tropical explosion of loveliness), they serve a Crodino “aperitivo” and the matchless Kopi Cham. The latter is made using condensed milk, espresso, ginger, black tea and ginger; it’s creamy, spicy and surprising because maybe you didn’t think tea and coffee could work together. Well Gaga will prove you wrong and tantalise your tastebuds with this Malaysian delicacy. Order some Southeast Asian sharing plates too, in this Partick venue that fits the bill for brunch, lunch and dinner.

Much of the appeal of modern cocktails lies in the creative aesthetic. If it’s a visual masterpiece you’re after, pull up a pew at Finnieston Fez. Its signature lattes are nothing short of epic, piled high with the likes of whipped cream, pistachio paste, baklava, popcorn and almond. And dairy-free diners needn’t worry, as any of their beverages can be made vegan.

There’s also a huge range of loose-leaf teas, containing ingredients such as rose water and saffron. And there are Moroccan-inspired cocktails to boot. The bijou venue doesn’t take bookings, but does fill up fast, especially at weekends, so be prepared to go for a wander and come back in hope of a table, if you arrive during the peak period. Finnieston Fez is open till 6 pm, so just enough time to squeeze in an after-work drink and bite.

Proving you can be tee-total and still enjoy a night at the pub, the Duke’s Umbrella has a list of delicious mocktails at the ready. We love their Cucumb-here Often? made with apple juice, fresh cucumber, elderflower cordial, lemon juice and soda water; the Berry Cooler with cranberry juice, orange and clove syrup, lime juice and lemonade; and the Spiced Spritzer containing lemongrass and kaffir lime syrup, fresh ginger, lime juice, apple juice and soda water. They’re all carefully crafted by the team of mixologists behind the bar and come presented in vessels befitting the vintage vibes here. You can bring your dog too, as the place just loves four-legged punters.

Got something to celebrate, but want to do it without the alcohol? Book a table at this fine dining venue for a fancy night out. You’ll have to buzz to get in, which makes it feel even more exclusive. Glaschu shares a building with The Western, a private members club, but has the upper level for great views across the vibrant Royal Exchange Square. Ask for a window seat and watch the world go by, as you sip on a Glasgow Kiss (chilli, basil, ginger syrup, pineapple juice and ginger ale). This is just one of the venue’s mocktails and has a kick, but isn’t overpowering and sets you up perfectly for a tasting menu, or some a la carte dishes.

Sailing Sober is the section you’ll be looking for here and it shows the restaurant’s commitment to non-drinkers, that they’ve made an entire list of alcohol-free mocktail options. In addition to takes on the classics, like a Virgin Bellini and a Cos-No, they’ve formulated a bunch of themed signature serves, such as the Pure Shores (Feragaia alcohol-free spirit, lime juice, pineapple juice, orange juice and grenadine and the Fifer (ginger, raspberry, pineapple juice, Feragaia alcohol-free spirit, raspberry syrup and lime juice). And you can get a Guinness Zero.

While the food is fabulous, you don’t have to dine; there’s a marble bar like the kind you’d find on an old-world cruise ship. So hop on a stool and let the bartender know what you’re in the mood for (they’ll endeavour to rustle up an alcohol-free version of whatever you’re craving).