Best Mocktail NYC Brunch Spots: Why Cítrico Café Stands Out in Astoria
- Citrico Cafe
- Sep 11
- 3 min read
The Rise of Mocktails in NYC Brunch Culture
Brunch in New York City is a tradition. From rooftop mimosa parties to cozy neighborhood cafés, it’s the meal that blends food, drinks, and socializing into a single experience. But in recent years, a new trend has taken the city by storm: mocktails at brunch.
No longer an afterthought, mocktails in NYC are now crafted with the same care as cocktails. Guests want bold flavors, beautiful presentation, and refreshing drinks without the alcohol. For those searching for the best mocktail NYC brunch spots, Astoria has become a destination, and at the heart of it is Cítrico Café & Agavería.
Cítrico Café: Brunch With a Creative Twist
Nestled near Kaufman Studios in Astoria, Queens, Cítrico Café is known for blending authentic Mexican cuisine with global influences. Their tacos, ceviches, and house-made salsas make them one of the best Mexican restaurants in NYC, but what sets them apart during brunch is their dedication to non-alcoholic cocktails.
Cítrico treats mocktails as an art form. Instead of simple juices, their drinks use house syrups, tropical fruits, herbs, and Mexican-inspired ingredients to create beverages that are refreshing, balanced, and beautifully presented.
Why Cítrico Is One of the Best Mocktail NYC Brunch Spots
When people think of brunch in NYC, they often picture bottomless mimosas. But for those who want a lighter, healthier, or family-friendly option, mocktails are the answer. Here’s why Cítrico is a leader in this scene:
1. Bottomless Brunch With Options
Cítrico offers unlimited tacos and brunch cocktails every Saturday and Sunday, but they also make sure non-drinkers enjoy the same festive experience. Their mocktail brunch menu is refreshing, flavorful, and designed to complement the food.
2. Mexican-Inspired Flavors
From hibiscus agua fresca to virgin margaritas rimmed with tajín, mocktails here aren’t just substitutes, they’re stars in their own right. Ingredients like tamarind, mango, and chamoy add bold, vibrant notes you won’t find elsewhere.
3. Instagram-Worthy Drinks
In the age of social media, presentation matters. Cítrico’s mocktails are colorful, garnished, and perfect for anyone searching “Instagrammable brunch spots NYC.”
4. Inclusive Dining
Families, groups of friends, and corporate brunches all find comfort knowing everyone has a drink in hand. Whether you’re sipping tequila or a non-alcoholic cocktail, the vibe is the same: celebratory and welcoming.
Signature Mocktails at Cítrico Café
Cítrico’s menu evolves with the seasons, but here are a few mocktails that keep guests coming back:
Hibiscus Refresco: Tart, floral, and refreshing with lime and agave.
Virgin Margarita: A non-alcoholic twist on a classic, with tajín rim and bold citrus flavor.
Mango Chamoy Splash: Sweet tropical mango balanced by chamoy and chili salt.
Citrus Tamarind Cooler: A tangy, slightly spiced drink that pairs perfectly with tacos.
Each one is designed to feel like a cocktail experience, minus the alcohol.
Pairing Mocktails With Mexican Brunch
Mocktails at Cítrico aren’t just about the drinks; they’re about how well they pair with food. During brunch, popular pairings include:
Virgin Margarita + Chilaquiles: Limey freshness cuts through the richness of eggs, tortilla chips, and salsa verde.
Hibiscus Refresco + Ceviche Tostada: Floral and tangy flavors enhance fresh seafood.
Mango Chamoy Splash + Breakfast Tacos: Sweet-spicy mocktail balances savory fillings like carnitas or scrambled eggs.
This attention to pairing makes Cítrico one of the best mocktail NYC brunch spots for food lovers.
More Than Brunch: A Full Dining Experience
Beyond brunch, Cítrico Café offers a complete dining experience:
Lunch: LA-style street tacos, light bowls, and fresh salads.
Dinner: Mexican fusion plates, house salsas, and creative appetizers.
Happy Hour: Specials on drinks and bites every weekday.
Late Night: Food and drinks until midnight with a second happy hour from 11 PM to 1 AM.
Mocktails are available across all services, so guests can enjoy them at any time of day.
Why Astoria Is the Place for Brunch
While Manhattan gets much of the spotlight, Astoria, Queens has become one of NYC’s best brunch neighborhoods. It offers a mix of local gems, cultural diversity, and restaurants like Cítrico that bring fresh energy to the scene. For those seeking the best mocktail NYC brunch spots, Astoria provides a balance of great food, inclusive drink menus, and welcoming vibes without the Manhattan price tag.
Visit Cítrico Café for Brunch in Astoria
If you’re planning your weekend brunch, make sure Cítrico Café is on your list. With authentic Mexican flavors, award-winning creativity, and a commitment to inclusive dining, it’s the perfect destination for anyone searching for the best mocktail NYC brunch spots.
📍 Address: 32-90 36th Street, Astoria / Long Island City, Queens, NY 11106
📞 Phone: 718-255-1705
🌐 Follow Us: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook
✨ Join us this weekend and discover why Cítrico Café is redefining the mocktail NYC brunch experience, one colorful glass at a time.
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