(Hard) Liquor-free libations

Telephone Bar | Snakebite

This long-running, phonebooth-decorated East Village pub takes its beertails seriously. Though the Guinness-and-Bass black and tan is tasty, and the Guinness-and-port midnight is a dark, drunken treat, our favorite quench-worthy concoction is the Snakebite—a 20-ounce pint filled half with dry, crisp Strongbow cider, half with lager and finished with a bolt of blackcurrant Ribena (a fizz-less soda made with blackcurrant juice). The blend possesses champagne-y effervescence, a fruity bouquet and a purple blush. Not the manliest of beverages, but, as our mama said, looks ain't everything. ($5)

Drinkability: 3 stars. Though seemingly as poisonous as a rattlesnake bite, the fruity Ribena smoothes out this blend's rough edges and results in a crisp easy-drinker ideal for hungover brunches or summer afternoons.

Telephone Bar & Grill (149 Second Ave., 212-529-5000)