Zero-Proof Cocktail Bar, Mockingbird, Proves You Don't Need Alcohol to Have Fun

Dry January just got easier in Park Slope, Brooklyn!

Mockingbird founders Evan Clark and Coulton Vento in front of their under-construction storefront (Photo: Pam Wong)

[Note: Mockingbird’s opening date has been moved to January 16 instead of January 10.] Just in time for Dry January, Mockingbird, an innovative non-alcoholic cocktail bar, will open its doors at 213 7^th Avenue Brooklyn on January 10.

Coulton Vento and Evan Clark, the friends and founders of the new zero-proof venture, developed the concept about a year ago. On New Year’s Day 2024, Vento, a former cocktail enthusiast, stopped drinking for Dry January. Enjoying better health, clarity, and no hangovers, he decided to give up alcohol all together.

Though he’s enjoying sobriety, Vento does miss the “creativity, atmosphere, and connection that come with meeting at a cocktail bar,” he says. “There’s a lack of adult spaces to hang out at night that don’t revolve around alcohol.” That, along with his love of cocktails, sparked the idea of opening a welcoming space that caters to non-drinkers.

Mockingbird will offer an array of creatively crafted, non-alcoholic drinks in a sophisticated atmosphere. “Someplace where you can sit and relax,” notes Clark. “The music won’t be too loud, so you can have a conversation,” adds Vento, “…an adult space.”

The pair hopes Mockingbird will be a local haunt as well as a late-night spot where solo patrons, couples on dates, and groups of friends can enjoy distinctive, handcrafted cocktails “without the negative side effects.” A perfect spot for young adults “both sober – and people who do drink but don’t want to drink for the night – to have a nice night out without alcohol,” Vento says.

With a mid-century modern design scheme, Mockingbird will seat 30. Small plates will be served and brunch will be available on weekends. A curated selection of NA beers and wines—with a focus on minority- and women-owned producers—will be available. “Things that you can’t really find anywhere else,” Vento says.

But the high-quality NA craft cocktails are what will truly make Mockingbird sing. “As a long-time cocktail enthusiast, I’ve always loved the science behind making great drinks,” Vento says. “After joking with Evan about opening a non-alcoholic bar, we started experimenting in the kitchen.”