We’ve offered numerous options for imbibing, but alcohol ain't for everyone. Here are some of our favorite virgin bevvies.
Mango Lassi at India Grille. The Indian restaurant next to the BP gas station at WestShore Plaza serves up authentic and spicy fare. Take the edge off with a refreshing mango lassi, made with yogurt, mango, cardamom, and coriander. 4843 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-319-4015, indiagrilltampa.com.
Liquid Heroin at The Bricks of Ybor. While you’ll likely find yourself addicted after the first sip, the effects of Liquid Heroin are quite the opposite of its real-life namesake. A latte with a double shot of Kahwa-roasted espresso, flavored with mocha and vanilla, gets you primed for lift-off in no time flat. 1327 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City, 813-247-1785, facebook.com/thebricksybor.
Earl Grey Lavender Lemonade at TeBella Tea Company inside the Oxford Exchange. Iced tea at TeBella is brewed by the glass. That means each serving is carefully crafted at the perfect temperature and steeped for just the right amount of time. We also recommend TeBella’s Festival Blend, with orange and spice. 420 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-253-0222.
Taro Boba Tea at Bamboozle Café. The Taiwanese drink called bubble tea or “boba” is made with large, chewy tapioca. It’s an incredibly tasty alternative to a milkshake or soda, and prepared with fresh ingredients. Try Taro; the purple potato-like tuber makes for a surprisingly sweet and creamy boba drink. 109 N. 12th St. #1101, Tampa, 813-228-7500, bamboozletealounge.com.
Virgin Ultimate Piña Colada at Bahama Breeze. One of the best virgin brews in town mixes cream of coconut, pineapple juice, and crushed ice with frozen strawberry puree. It's perfect for when you want to recreate that particular lazy state of mind you get when lounging poolside, but without the rum-splashed buzz. 3045 N. Rocky Point Drive E., Tampa, 813-289-7922, bahamabreeze.com.
Milkshakes at Dairy Inn. Even though the crew of high schoolers who work the place are at best long-suffering and at worst downright ornery, said teens sure do know how to mix a milkshake at the enduring St. Pete fast-food joint. We love us the standard, a chocolate milkshake made with vanilla soft serve and hot fudge sauce. But you can pretty much depend on anything served with a straw, from the real fruit smoothies to root beer floats. 1201 Martin Luther King Jr. St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-822-6971, dairyinn.com.
Soda Frescas at The Bodega on Central. A fresh carbonated alternative to Coca-Cola. The soon-to-expand cantina serves several flavors, all made from the juice of Florida-grown fruits. We suggest the Orange Ginger or Chi Chi Rodriguez, although Cuban Coffee and Mango Basil are delish as well. 1120 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-623-0942, bodegaoncentral.com.