AsiaLIFE

Whether it’s a health kick, antibiotics, or a bun in the oven – all of us, from time to time, need to take a break from the booze. Whatever the reason, teetotalling seems to have become the new black. Popular bars and restaurants throughout Phnom Penh have caught on to this trend and added new alcohol-free sections to their menus. Naomi Robinson heads out to do her healthiest reporting yet.

Rubies Wine Bar

Cnr. of streets 19 & 240

Invented by owner, Rob, the Lemongrass & Ginger Fizz, is a smash hit. Tangy and not overly sweet it has a zesty ginger kick provided by his house-made ginger syrup. With a splash of apple juice as a substitute for rum, Rubies’ Virgin Raspberry Daiquiri makes for a fruity, delicious and sin free beverage. The most creatively named the Mojoless Mojito is just as full of character as its alcoholic clone but jazzed up a bit with the substitution of ginger ale for soda. All of Rubies mocktails are US$3.

Huxleys

Cnr. of streets 136 & 5

While you may or may not notice a slight hint of something missing – Huxley’s pint sized Virgin Mary (US$2.75) is jam-packed with flavour. Concocted with the bar’s own homemade mixture of horseradish, mustard and other secret ingredients you’ll accept the absence of vodka. And unlike most bars in town Huxley’s never drops the celery. Be sure to hit Huxley’s happy hour to get your second moorish virgin for free.

Chow

277 Sisowath Quay

Chow has just revamped their menu adding not only less expensive food items and an US$8 lunch special but also a classy selection of drinks for teetotallers. A variation of Chow’s alcohol-laced Silver Moon, healthy cousin Silver Medal wins first place for originality. A base of grapefruit juice and house-made lychee syrup is topped off with a sugar and sea-salt rim and garnished with a naked lychee fruit wrapped in a kaffir leaf. This drink will invoke jealousy from your alcohol-imbibing friends. Based on the classic San Francisco cocktail, the Ginger Rogers, Chow’s Ginger Julep is just spicy enough and not too sweet. All Chow mocktails are $3.00.

Java

Though Java may not be a bar – we just had to mention their Blueberry Smoothy(US$3). Chalk full of anti-oxidants and their own house-made yoghurt this healthy alternative to an afternoon cocktail is divinely delicious and promotes a healthy prostate! Another great option is the Lady Bug (US$2). Found under the frozen blends section, this refreshing combination of watermelon and lime is topped off with a sugared rim to give that authentic cocktail feel.

Metro

Cnr. Sisowath Quay & Street 148

As far as we know Metro was the first to have a segment of their menu dedicated to non-alcoholic beverages. Their Healthy Choices section is full of wonderful, fruity concoctions. The Cool Passion (US$2.50) is a tasty blend of freshly strained passion fruit, orange and pineapple juices, and homemade lemonade. However the most exciting of the lot has to be the Raspberry Orange Crush (US$3). Made from blended frozen raspberry puree, cranberry and orange juice, topped off with a scoop of orange sorbet and served in martini glass, this is a must try.

Lau Ga Ac Ngoc Hung

77 Street 136

Off-the-beaten track a few blocks away from the riverfront is the home of the best passion fruit mocktail in Phnom Penh. Comprised of real passion fruit mixed with soda and sugar syrup. At US$1.25 it’s a real treat.

Equinox

3A Street 278

Yoghurt chocolate shake (US$1.75) may sound weird, but it tastes great. Made from liquid chocolate, sugar syrup, ice and homemade yogurt – this is the drink we’ve all been missing and just didn’t know it. Equinox also has a large list of fresh juices and fruit shakes.

Liquid

3B Street 278

Who doesn’t love a bar armed with a juicer? Fresh fruit juices are on offer at Liquid – watermelon, pineapple, mango (all US$2) and carrot (US$2.50) to name a few. Shakes (US$1.50) and lassies (US$1.75) made from the same freshly made fruit juices are also available.

Elephant Bar

Raffles Hotel, Le Royal, Street 92

If you prefer to sip your mocktails in a sophisticated atmosphere while live piano music tinkles in the background the Elephant Bar at Raffles Hotel Le Royal is the place for you.  The menu boasts four original non-alcoholic cocktails the most unique of which is the Vis a Vis. Blended frozen banana mixed with pineapple juice, coconut cream and hint of some unidentifiable spice. Served in a champagne saucer this drink is sure to please. All Elephant mocktails are US$5. Be sure to hit their happy hour from 4pm to 8pm when all cocktails and mocktails are two for one.