It doesn’t matter if you’re doing dry January, damp January, or just January, sometimes you want to skip the booze, but still enjoy a drink that’s more creative than soda or water. And more restaurants are embracing the trend by exploring flavors that go beyond mixing whatever fruit juices are behind the bar.
Sometimes the term “mocktail” makes you think overly sweet or a lack of complexity, but we’ve rounded up options that are standout liquor-free libations. And if you are here reading and rolling your eyes at all the dry January hype, most of these drinks can also be spiked and they still taste great. Just sayin’.
Friendly Fire at Tazza Kitchen
Since opening, Tazza Kitchen has excelled at spirit-free sippers and remains the only restaurant where I saw a pregnant friend enjoy her drink so much that she ordered a second one. The winter menu’s Friendly Fire drink blends pomegranate juice with spiced hibiscus, lime, fizz and mint for cozy, seasonal flavors. The lime and mint provide a balancing element to the sweetness from the pomegranate and hibiscus flavors.
Grapefruit-Basil Spritzer at Neighbor RVA
While some mocktails lean toward heavy flavors, the grapefruit-basil spritzer at Neighbor RVA is light and refreshing. Grapefruit juice, a healthy pour of basil simple syrup, lemon juice and club soda, has just enough flavor to please the palate without being overwhelming. Served in a highball glass, it’s also a large enough portion to get you through your entire meal.
Tiger’s Tail at Kismet RVA
There’s sweet, there’s sour … how about a drink that’s spicy? The Tiger’s Tail at Kismet Modern Indian packs a serious punch with fresh blood orange, turmeric, ginger and a hit of chili water that is certain to perk up your palate. It’s delicious, but steer clear if you can’t handle a kick. Those looking for something on the milder side should try Familiar Faces with hibiscus allspice syrup, lime juice, ginger beer and fresh ginger.
Brazilian Lemonade at Sincero
If you haven’t tried Brazilian lemonade before, it’s got the sweet-citrusy notes of the classic American libation, but the addition of sweetened condensed milk yields a frothier, creamier concoction. Sincero’s version is well balanced and tangy with a hint of sweetness that does not overwhelm. The horchata is also worth trying – cinnamon-sweet and comforting without being too heavy. Order it with or even in place of dessert.
Happier Hour Tasting Event at Laura Lee’s
If you’re looking to delve a little deeper into non-alcoholic elixirs, Laura Lee’s is teaming up with Point 5’s alcohol-free bottle shop to host a Happier Hour mocktail and non-alcoholic elixir tasting event on Jan. 18 from 5 p.m.to 7 p.m. No reservations are required — just stop in to purchase a mocktail and learn. Laura Lee’s also offers a selection of mocktails on the regular menu; at this time of year we’re partial to the snappy Fiona’s Apple made with non-alcoholic dark rum, demerara sugar, apple, ginger beer and lemon.
