In less than a year, Saint Kate Hotel located in Downtown Milwaukee has become exactly what it set out to be: a "place to discover, a place to create." Its mocktails equally epitomize this frame of mind, distinctive from the city's other refreshing non-alcholic options thanks to the partnership with Lost Whale’s Daniel Beres and Trip Duval, who collaborated with Saint Kate Hotel on the drink menu.

"Our mocktails are not your normal juices, seltzer waters, etc. put together with little thought, said Jarred Cada, Saint Kate's lead bartender. "Each sessionable mocktail is unique packed with refreshing flavors while complimenting one another. Our mocktails exemplify a breakdown of an artistic process, and they are fun to create."

Saint Kate’s mocktails are a perfect example of creativity, discovery, community collaboration and innovation – all in a glass and all selling for $9. 

The Mi Casa Su Casa mirrors the Caribbean-esque Dark ‘n’ Stormy, filled with spicy flavors that are not overpowering while creating a well-balanced depth. This was fellow mocktail explorer Ben Ganther’s favorite Saint Kate drink during our visit because "while enjoying, it I felt like I was on a winter vacation." This popular mocktail is primarily located in the Giggly Champagne & Wine Bar.

The Silk Road mirrors a French 75 as it is refreshing, light, bubbly and sparkling, all elevating the elegance of the moment. "You can drink it late into the evening and the next morning for brunch, "said Brian Wielgus, another compatriot on our mocktail journey. The drink perfectly matches the theme of Giggly Champagne & Wine Bar – and it's the perfect celebratory beverage for, say (*knocks on wood*), when the Milwaukee Bucks win the NBA Championship. 

The Hibby is neither tart nor sweet, but simply the perfect combo of flavors, breaking the stereotype of what a tea mocktail can be while also simply taking you to a happy place. There is a reason that this drink is Saint Kate’s most popular of the bunch as Brian Wielgus summed it up by saying, "The Hibby is something I would drink while mowing the lawn – before, during and afterward. It's a refreshing drink that will make you relax. It is the Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy of mocktails."

• Mi Casa Su Casa: Pineapple, red chili pepper, lime, Top Note ginger beer, vanilla, mint

• Silk Road: Rhubarb, sparkling grape juice, jasmine, chamomile, lemon oil 

• The Hibby – Blueberry hibiscus syrup, Rishi tea, lemon juice, cucumber water, rose essence, mint, CO2

The next time you are near any of Downtown's exciting sights – Deer District, Fiserv Forum, the Marcus Performing Arts Center, Red Arrow Park, UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, just to name a few – I advocate that you patron Saint Kate Hotel for their mocktails. You will discover a place that is intentional about creating art and supporting local artists – not only on its walls but on its plates and in its glasses, as well.