non-alcoholic drinks in brussels: where to find them and what to try

brussels has one of the most vibrant drinking cultures in Europe. the beer heritage alone runs centuries deep. but the city is also quietly becoming one of the best places in Europe to drink without alcohol. cocktail bars are adding serious mocktail menus, Belgian-made non-alcoholic brands are multiplying, and the annual Tournee Minerale campaign draws roughly one in five adult Flemings to go alcohol-free every February.

if you live in Brussels, are visiting, or simply want to know what is available, here is where to find non-alcoholic drinks and what is actually worth ordering.

why brussels is ahead of the curve

Belgium might seem like an unlikely leader in the non-alcoholic space. this is, after all, one of the world's great beer nations. but that depth of drinking culture is exactly what makes the non-alcoholic scene here more interesting than most.

Belgian bartenders and producers understand flavour complexity. they are not making watered-down versions of alcoholic drinks. they are applying the same craft and attention to non-alcoholic products.

according to the IWSR, Europe is the largest regional no/low-alcohol market, valued at approximately $4.5 billion. Belgium's own Tournee Minerale campaign, run by Stichting tegen Kanker, has been running for a decade. research from Ghent University shows that participants continue to drink an average of two fewer glasses per week even six months after the campaign ends.

the shift is not a trend. it is structural.

cocktail bars with strong non-alcoholic menus

Chemistry & Botanic's

located near Grand Place, Chemistry & Botanic's is one of Brussels' most respected cocktail bars and takes non-alcoholic serves seriously. their mixologists craft alcohol-free creations with the same attention as their full-strength menu. worth visiting if you want a proper cocktail bar experience without the alcohol.

La Pharmacie Anglaise

a Brussels institution in the Sablon area. their mocktail menu starts at around 7 euros, and the drinks are designed to match the quality of the rest of their cocktail list. the setting is beautiful and the non-alcoholic options do not feel like an afterthought.

Zodiak

a rooftop bar on top of a parking garage (more appealing than it sounds). Zodiak explicitly caters to non-drinkers alongside their regular menu. the view over Brussels helps.

Green Lab

this bar in Saint-Gilles focuses on sustainability: local ingredients, organic spirits, and a vegan menu. their approach to cocktails naturally extends to creative non-alcoholic serves.

belgian-made non-alcoholic drinks worth knowing

Midi Aperitifs

a Belgian brand making non-alcoholic aperitifs using a base of verjus (the juice of unripe grapes) blended with hydrolats from fruits and herbs. this is the kind of product that could only come from a country with Belgium's food culture.

The Mocktail Club

founded by Marie Claessens, who started as a blogger in 2015 and launched bottled mocktails in 2017. her products are designed as proper cocktail replacements, not sweetened fruit juice.

mysa

a non-alcoholic aperitif made with 12 natural ingredients: pine, pomegranate, citrus, chili, ginger, cinnamon, clove, cardamom, star anise, juniper, chinotto, and gentian. 55 calories per 250ml can, no artificial sweeteners. designed for the aperitivo hour. mysa is available in Belgium, Luxembourg, and France.

Brussels Beer Project (non-alcoholic range)

because it is Belgium, non-alcoholic beer deserves a mention. Brussels Beer Project produces quality non-alcoholic beers that hold up against the country's legendary brewing standards.

when to go alcohol-free in brussels

Tournee Minerale (February)

Belgium's national alcohol-free month, now in its tenth year. one in five adult Flemings participates. the campaign organises workshops, events, and mocktail-making classes across the country. it is the single best time to explore non-alcoholic options in Brussels because bars and restaurants actively expand their menus for it.

summer terraces (May to September)

Brussels' terrace culture is world-class. Place du Chatelain, Place Flagey, and the streets around Sainte-Catherine fill with outdoor tables. having a bitter, cold non-alcoholic aperitif in hand on a warm evening is one of the best experiences the city offers.

restaurant dining year-round

more Brussels restaurants are offering non-alcoholic pairing menus alongside their wine lists. the MICHELIN Guide has highlighted non-alcoholic beverage pairings as a key fine dining trend, and Brussels' restaurant scene is keeping pace.

what to order when you are not sure

if you are at a Brussels bar and do not see a dedicated non-alcoholic menu, here is what works:

• ask for a mocktail version of a cocktail you like. good bartenders can adapt most recipes. bitter and citrus-forward drinks translate best

• order a Belgian non-alcoholic beer. Brussels Beer Project or Jupiler 0.0 are widely available

• ask for sparkling water with a twist. simple, but it works while you figure out the menu

• bring your own. if you are heading to a terrace or a picnic in the Bois de la Cambre, bring a few cans of something interesting. non-alcoholic aperitifs travel well

the numbers behind the shift

the cultural change in Brussels mirrors what is happening across Europe:

• Gen Z drinks 30% less than Millennials did at the same age, according to NielsenIQ

• 34% of adults aged 18 to 34 identify as "sober-curious" (CGA by NielsenIQ)

• the global no/low-alcohol market reached nearly $20 billion in 2023, doubling since 2019 (IWSR)

• non-alcoholic spirits are growing at 15 to 20% annually, the fastest sub-segment in the category

Brussels is not behind this curve. it is on it.

faq

where can I find non-alcoholic drinks in Brussels?
cocktail bars like Chemistry & Botanic's, La Pharmacie Anglaise, and Zodiak all offer quality non-alcoholic menus. Belgian brands like Midi Aperitifs, The Mocktail Club, and mysa are also available locally.

what is Tournee Minerale?
Tournee Minerale is Belgium's annual alcohol-free February campaign, now in its tenth year. about one in five adult Flemings participates each year. research from Ghent University shows participants drink an average of two fewer glasses per week even six months later.

is Brussels a good city for non-drinkers?
yes. Brussels has a growing mocktail and non-alcoholic scene, driven by high-quality Belgian producers, world-class bartenders, and cultural movements like Tournee Minerale. the city's drinking culture means non-alcoholic options here are more interesting than in most European cities.

what is the best non-alcoholic drink to try in Brussels?
it depends on your taste. for a bitter, complex aperitif, try mysa (12 natural ingredients, 55 calories). for a cocktail bar experience, visit Chemistry & Botanic's. for Belgian beer, try Brussels Beer Project's non-alcoholic range.

can I find non-alcoholic options at Brussels restaurants?
increasingly, yes. fine dining and upscale restaurants are adding non-alcoholic pairing menus. casual restaurants and brasseries typically offer at least Belgian non-alcoholic beer and basic mocktails.

curious about mysa? a bold, botanical, non-alcoholic aperitif made with 12 natural ingredients. 55 calories, no artificial sweeteners, designed for the moment between day and evening. explore mysa and order yours here.