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Mocktail NYC: Discover Refreshing Creations at Cítrico Café & Agavería

  • Writer: Citrico Cafe
    Citrico Cafe
  • Sep 11
  • 4 min read

A New Way to Experience Drinks in NYC

New York City is home to rooftop lounges, hidden speakeasies, and cocktail competitions that attract bartenders from across the globe. But while cocktails often steal the spotlight, a new trend has been quietly rising: the mocktail NYC movement.

Mocktails are no longer just “juice in a fancy glass.” At innovative spots like Cítrico Café & Agavería, mocktails are treated with the same respect as cocktails, crafted with fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and thoughtful presentation. This shift has made Cítrico one of the go-to destinations in Astoria, Queens, for both cocktail enthusiasts and guests who prefer non-alcoholic options.


A dessert in a glass sits on a wooden table in a cozy cafe. Background shows blurred plants and warm lighting, creating a relaxed atmosphere.
Mocktail Bar New York

Why Mocktails Are Trending in NYC

The demand for mocktail NYC options has exploded in recent years. More guests want alternatives to alcohol that still feel elevated, social, and delicious. Reasons include:

  • Health-conscious dining : People are cutting back on alcohol but still want something exciting in their glass.

  • Inclusive experiences : Mocktails allow everyone at the table, including families, to share in the celebration.

  • Brunch culture : With bottomless brunches and daytime dining, mocktails are a refreshing alternative that fits perfectly into the NYC brunch scene.

  • Social media buzz : Instagram-worthy mocktails are trending because of their vibrant colors, garnishes, and creative presentations.

Cítrico Café understands these trends and has made mocktails a permanent part of their identity.


Yellow cocktail in a textured glass with a flower, flanked by green aloe plants in brown pots on a white surface.
Nonalcoholic drinks nyc

Cítrico Café & Agavería: Where Flavor Meets Creativity

Located in the heart of Astoria, Queens, just steps away from Kaufman Studios, Cítrico Café & Agavería is more than just a Mexican restaurant. Known for LA-style street tacos, bold Mexican flavors, and house-infused agaves, Cítrico has also become a serious name in NYC’s cocktail scene.

In 2024, they earned second place at the New York Cocktail Expo with their Lady From Sonora cocktail featuring Kilinga Bacanora. That same creativity extends to their mocktail NYC menu, proving that innovation doesn’t require alcohol.



The Mocktail NYC Menu at Cítrico

Cítrico Café treats mocktails as an art form. Here’s what sets them apart:

1. Fresh Ingredients

Each mocktail is built with house-made syrups, freshly squeezed juices, and seasonal fruits. Nothing artificial, nothing boring.

2. Mexican Inspiration

Flavors often highlight ingredients like hibiscus, tamarind, agave nectar, and tropical fruits, giving the drinks a vibrant cultural identity.

3. Elevated Presentation

From rimmed glasses with chili salt to colorful garnishes, mocktails look as good as they taste. They’re Instagram-ready, perfect for guests searching for mocktail NYC photogenic drinks.

4. Perfect Pairings

Mocktails are designed to complement the Mexican food in Astoria that Cítrico is known for, whether it’s tacos, ceviche, or brunch plates.


A glass with a green base holding a clear drink and a leaf sits on a wooden table. In the background, a large plant arrangement is visible.
Mexican Food Astoria

Popular Mocktails You’ll Find

While the menu evolves with the seasons, here are a few standouts that keep guests coming back:

  • Hibiscus Refresco : A vibrant, ruby-red drink made with hibiscus tea, lime, and agave, topped with soda for a sparkling finish.

  • Citrus Tamarind Cooler : Sweet, tangy, and refreshing, this mocktail balances tamarind syrup with citrus juice.

  • Virgin Margarita : The iconic margarita experience, but alcohol-free. Rimmed with tajín and bursting with lime flavor, it’s one of the most requested mocktail NYC classics.

  • Mango Chamoy Splash : Sweet mango blended with chamoy and lime, delivering tropical vibes with a little kick.


Green drink in a tall glass with pineapple leaves on a wooden table in a stylish restaurant. Background has plants and wall art.
mojito drink astoria

Mocktails and Brunch in Astoria

One of the best times to enjoy mocktails at Cítrico is during their bottomless brunch in Astoria. Available every Saturday and Sunday, brunch features unlimited tacos and cocktails, but for those who don’t drink alcohol, the mocktail brunch menu ensures no one feels left out.

Guests can sip on fruity, refreshing mocktails while enjoying chilaquiles, breakfast tacos, or ceviche tostadas. It’s one of the reasons Cítrico is rated among the best Mexican restaurants in NYC for group dining and weekend celebrations.


Plate of steak with greens, potatoes, and eggs on a wooden table. Accompanied by a drink in a glass. Cozy dining setting.
Brunch Astoria

Why Choose a Mocktail at Cítrico?

Here’s why Cítrico Café’s mocktails stand out in the mocktail NYC scene:

  • Inclusivity : Everyone at the table can enjoy a crafted beverage.

  • Cultural authenticity : Flavors inspired by Mexico, presented in a modern way.

  • Balance : Drinks are carefully made to be refreshing, not overly sweet.

  • Atmosphere : Whether you’re here for happy hour, dinner, or late-night bites, mocktails fit seamlessly into the vibe.



The Perfect Spot for Groups and Private Events

Cítrico Café is also a favorite for private parties in Queens, birthdays, office gatherings, and bridal showers. Their event packages include brunch or dinner prix-fixe menus, open bar options, and of course, a mocktail menu so every guest feels included.

Whether it’s a group brunch or a late-night celebration, their staff ensures that mocktails are as much a part of the experience as their award-winning cocktails.


dj citrico cafe Astoria
Private event Astoria

More Than Drinks: A Full Mexican Dining Experience

Of course, no visit is complete without food. Alongside mocktails, Cítrico Café serves:

  • LA-style street tacos

  • Slow-braised carnitas

  • Fresh ceviches

  • House-made salsas

  • Fusion specials that highlight creativity while honoring tradition

Pairing these with a mocktail creates a balanced, refreshing dining experience that keeps guests coming back.


Four men are chatting and laughing at a restaurant table. The setting is dimly lit with modern decor. Drinks and plates are on the table.
gathering citrico cafe

Cítrico Café & the Future of Mocktails in NYC

The rise of the mocktail NYC trend proves one thing: great drinks don’t need alcohol. At Cítrico Café, mocktails are part of a bigger mission, to create inclusive, flavorful experiences that reflect the diversity of both Mexico and New York.

With award-winning mixology, authentic cuisine, and a welcoming atmosphere, Cítrico is setting the standard for mocktails in Astoria and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing drink at brunch, a family-friendly dinner, or just a place to enjoy the evening, Cítrico Café & Agavería is ready to serve.



Visit Cítrico Café & Agavería

📍 Address: 32-90 36th Street, Long Island City / Astoria, Queens, NY 11106

📞 Phone: 718-255-1705

🌐 Follow Us: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook

👉 Stop by for brunch, dinner, or late-night happy hour and discover why Cítrico Café is redefining the mocktail NYC experience.


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