Cocktail vs Mocktail Explained: Alcohol-Free Options at Hawaii in Side

A cocktail is a mixed drink containing alcohol; a mocktail is built the same way, with juices, syrups and mixers, but with no alcohol. At Hawaii Restaurant & Bar in Side, alcohol-free choices include four kids' cocktails (Barbie, Spider Man, Redkiss, Hawaii Cocktail), fresh juices and milkshakes. Open daily 10:00–02:00.

What makes a cocktail a cocktail

A cocktail is a mixed drink with at least one alcoholic spirit or liqueur, combined with other ingredients such as juice, syrup, soda, milk or fruit. Hawaii's bar list shows the range: a Mojito is listed as bacardi, soda, lime, mint and sugar; a Margarita as tequila, cointreau and lemon juice; a Pina Colada as bacardi, malibu and milk. Take away the spirit and the remaining ingredients often still make a pleasant drink, which is exactly where the mocktail comes from.

What makes a mocktail a mocktail

"Mocktail" is a blend of "mock" and "cocktail". It is a mixed drink made with the same care and presentation as a cocktail, but with no alcohol at all. A good mocktail is not just juice in a fancy glass: it balances sweet, sour and sometimes bitter flavours, and often has fizz, ice and garnish so that it feels like an occasion rather than a soft drink. Many mocktails borrow directly from classic cocktails, keeping the fruit, citrus, mint or cream and simply leaving out the spirit. Others are created from scratch for children, with bright colours and playful names, which is exactly the spirit of the kids' cocktails on Hawaii's menu.

Cocktail vs mocktail side by side

Alcohol-free drinks at Hawaii

Hawaii is a restaurant and bar, so alcohol is served, but there is plenty for anyone who is not drinking:

• Kids' cocktails: Barbie, Spider Man, Redkiss and Hawaii Cocktail. These are alcohol-free and made for children, but adults are welcome to ask for one too. The menu does not print their ingredients, so ask your server what goes into each.
• Fresh juices: a simple, refreshing choice on a hot day. See our fresh juice and milkshakes guide.
• Milkshakes: creamy and filling, a favourite with children and anyone with a sweet tooth.
• Coffee: from espresso to cappuccino, if you want something warm after dinner.

For more on drinking without alcohol, read mocktails and alcohol-free drinks in Side.

Who chooses mocktails

• Children: the kids' cocktails let children join in the toast. The kids menu also covers meals.
• Drivers: anyone driving needs zero alcohol. Hawaii also offers free round-trip hotel pickup from selected hotels and a paid two-way transfer from farther areas.
• Pregnant guests, people on medication, and anyone who simply prefers not to drink.
• Those pacing the evening: alternating a cocktail with an alcohol-free drink is a sensible way to enjoy a long night out.

Can a cocktail be made alcohol-free?

Often the idea can be adapted, for example a mojito-style drink of lime, mint, sugar and soda without rum. Whether the bar can make an alcohol-free version of a specific cocktail on a given night is a question for the bartender, so just ask.

Happy Hour

Hawaii's Happy Hour runs daily from 19:00 to 20:00. Which drinks are included can change, so ask the staff on the night. More details are in the Happy Hour in Side page.

Evenings for everyone

Because the table can mix cocktails and mocktails, Hawaii suits families and mixed groups. Evenings can include karaoke and live sport on screens, including football, Premier League, Champions League, F1 and ice hockey. Adults who drink alcohol should do so responsibly. A simple rule many groups follow is to order a jug of water for the table and to make every other round alcohol-free, which keeps a long evening enjoyable for everyone, including whoever is looking after the children.

Plan your visit

Hawaii Restaurant & Bar has served Side old town since 2000, open daily 10:00–02:00. Check current prices on the live menu, book a table, or message WhatsApp +90 533 930 12 83.