The beginning of the year brings Dry January, a time when many people choose to skip alcohol as a fresh start. But going booze-free doesn’t mean missing out on a great drink. Whether you’re catching up with friends or trying something new, these restaurants serve delicious mocktails worth sipping.
Alice Cocktail Bar | Alexandria
This spot offers three different zero-proof cocktails, including the Blossom, made with pink guava, lychee, and club soda.
Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen | McLean
The Spiced Tide mocktail immediately caught my attention. Created with lemon, fall mulling syrup, Seedlip spice, and ginger beer. There are also two other non-alcoholic cocktails you can choose from if this doesn’t tickle your fancy.
Wren | Tysons
Select from two non-alcoholic cocktails: the Little Birdie Told Me + the Kinsei. I’m opting for the Little Birdie Told Me, which is made up of Seedlip non-alcoholic gin, blueberry, lavender, yuzu, and lemonade.
Ambar | Arlington
There are a ton of NA cocktail options for you to choose from at Ambar. I’m a huge mule fan, so I’m opting for the Mango Mule created with mango puree, lime juice, ginger beer, and a little honey syrup.
B Side | Fairfax
With a couple of NA mocktails + beer options, this is a great spot to partake in Dry January. The Acoustic Bloom sounds delicious, made with Seedlip Grove 42, lemon, basil, and black peppercorn.
Captain Gregory’s | Alexandria
Looking for something fun and whimsical to sip on? Two at Captain Gregory’s will hit the spot — the Dreamliner and the Castaways Despair. The Castaways Despair is crafted with hibiscus cordial, young coconut, mango-cinnamon shrub, lime, and bubbles.
The Lost Fox Hideaway | Ashburn
On the menu, you’ll find three different beverages listed under their mocktails. I’m hoping to try the Old Wives Mocktail, made up of Seedlip Spice 94 with warm spices, cranberry, ginger beer, and cider.
Surreal Global Kitchen | Arlington
Grab a seat at this restaurant and try one of the six mocktails on the menu. I’ll take one of the zero-proof Maple Dreams and one of the zero-proof Parallel Universe Passion.
Hummingbird Bar + Kitchen | Alexandria
Select from four options on their menu when looking for an NA option. The Winter Storm is perfect for this time of year, complete with Petit Beret NA rum, spiced syrup, and ginger beer.
SYN Rooftop Bar + Lounge | Reston
This spot in NOVA is offering three drink options for Dry January: The Coquito, the Cherry Bomb, and the Perfect Pear. I’m picking the Cherry Bomb, made with an apple cider reduction, lime juice, pineapple juice, aquafaba, and maraschino cherry syrup.
Pisco y Nazca | Reston
For January, you can enjoy four different mocktails: Piña Colada, Lychee Passion, Piña Tropical, and Chicha Colada. They also always have the Inca Sol on their menu, with pineapple-spiced syrup, Inca Kola, lime, and coconut.
