Casey Wilson
Audio By Carbonatix
New year, new sober you…or at least for this month because, well, why not? Thanks to the rise of moderation-minded consumers, it’s easier and on-trend as ever to embrace Dry January.
These days, those abstaining need not pass on a night out. Restaurants and bars across town are serving all manner of mocktails, which are anything but an afterthought. If you’re looking to stock your cooler, there are plenty of local boze-free beverages available at retailers, too. Here’s something to sip (without worry of a hangover) for every day of this month.
Non-Alcoholic Options at Bars and Restaurants
Adrift
218 South Broadway
Ritual non-alcoholic rum anchors the mocktails at this tiki bar on Broadway. Be transported to the tropics with its zero-proof Painkiller featuring pineapple, cream of coconut, orange and a pinch of nutmeg. The Mai Tai from Adrift also pairs well with its Polynesian-inspired fare.
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Death & Co
1280 25th Street
This well-respected cocktail bar within the Ramble Hotel counters mocktails’ cloying reputation. Rather, Death & Co showcases depth and complexity. Sip its Cardá Ballistá made with red verjus, paprika, cardamom and Pathfinder, a bittersweet spirit alternative. Autumnal Incense offers a whiskey essence, along with maple, clove, orange and chocolate bitters.
El Five
2930 Umatilla Street
Tapas call for a refreshing gin and tonic. Fortunately, at El Five, even those abstaining from alcohol can order one alongside Spanish and Mediterranean small plates. Select from options fragrant with lemon and rosemary, as well as grapefruit and mint. Lyre’s spirit alternatives also appear in other non-alcoholic options.
Fellow Traveler
3487 South Broadway, Englewood
Alongside a plant-based food menu, Fellow Traveler offers several alcohol-free options. Cheers to Dry January with a rosemary beach Bellini or a bubbly blend of grapefruit, lemon and pickle brine. Alternatively, enter your sober era with a rite of passage: zero-proof Malört.
Molly Martin
The Goldfinch
1842 South Broadway
This cocktail bar debuted last year, bringing a more elevated atmosphere and a robust mocktail selection to South Broadway. Order its orange dreamsicle or the Goldwing, a zero-proof take on its signature drink, which features pineapple, lime, bell pepper habanero syrup and egg white.
Gold Point
3126 Larimer Street
While better known for its lengthy whiskey list, Gold Point also caters to the sober crowd. Asian flavors inspire the current mocktail menu, which includes Situationship, a bittersweet blend of Pathfinder, apple soda and Chinese five spice; as well as Ghosted, a spicy and umami-forward drink featuring chai, miso and a woodsy elixir from Three Spirit.
Honey Elixir Bar
2636 Walnut Street
Tuck into the art-covered alley behind Denver Central Market to sample potions galore. Many from Honey Elixir Bar star a range of feel-good superfoods like raw cacao, functional fungi and medicinal herbs. Sample its jun, a fermented drink made from green tea and honey, or the Radiant Roots mocktail featuring turmeric, ginger and housemade jasmine rice milk.
Lady Jane
2021 West 32nd Avenue
Non-alcoholic spirits have a permanent place at this chic hangout in LoHi. Grove 42, a citrusy infusion from Seedlip, pairs with quince, lemon and vanilla in its Bay Leaf Cream Soda mocktail. Meanwhile, its Pineapple No-groni combines bitter botanical-rich blends from Giffard, Martini and Amass — all great brands for any booze-free bar cart.
Mezcaleria Alma
Mezcaleria Alma
2550 15th Street
In addition to receiving a Michelin star, Mezcaleria Alma was recognized on the New York Times annual list of the 50 Best Restaurants in the U.S. Safe to say, this Mexico City-inspired eatery does all things to perfection, from seafood-centric small plates to libations with and without mezcal. Order the non-alcoholic fig negroni spiced with tamarind and cardamom bitters.
Nest at Nurture
2949 Federal Boulevard
Hoping to get your health in check this year? Whatever your resolution, this wellness-centric market in West Highland likely has you covered. In addition to fitness classes and care providers, Nurture houses a cafe with nourishing fare, smoothies, cold-pressed juices, adaptogenic concoctions, coffee beverages and a range of tasty mocktails.
Nocturne
1330 27th Street
Order non-alcoholic beverages à la carte or pair them with Nocturne’s three-course dinner and a show menu. The jazz bar currently has four seasonal specials, including Violet Suede made with zero-proof gin, verjus, aquafaba and blueberry pink peppercorn syrup. It’s a velvety, sweet sip that’s perfect for date night.
Molly Martin
The Peach Crease Club
4180 Wynkoop Street
Well attuned to local dining trends, this new vinyl bar next to Mission Ballroom boasts a menu of convertible, culinary-inspired cocktails. Each signature offering takes cues from the dish it’s inspired by — for example, the Borscht blends full or zero-proof vodka with beets, yogurt, dill, lemon and horseradish cream. Calabaza en Tacha is another shape-shifting option.
Pig and Tiger
2200 California Street
Two-thirds of the cocktail menu at Pig and Tiger can be made without booze. Favorites include May Mei, a Taiwanese salted plum spritz; the Baobing Sour, a shaved ice-style margarita with pineapple and pandan; and its Mr. Brown espresso martini, which is spicewashed with scraps from the restaurant’s housemade chili crisp.
Poka Lola Social Club
1850 Wazee Street
Well known for its seasonal menus, this Dairy Block bar is offering a series of mocktails this month. Order its Wrinkle in Thyme featuring white peach, thyme, cinnamon and white balsamic vinegar; or the Main Squeeze made with orange, pineapple, vanilla and cream. These and other options will be half off during its mocktails and mingling event on January 14.
Austin Carson
Restaurant Olivia
290 South Downing Street
Mocktails at Olivia are as purposeful as its spirited selection — and everything else, for that matter. Before tucking into plates of handmade pasta or the tasting menu, sip on its zero-proof milk punch, offering a spiced, yet vibrant flavor and velvety texture. It’s available this month only.
Room for Milly
1615 Platte Street
Inspired by global travels, Room for Milly offers a playful, eclectic ambiance and equally fun menu. The lengthy cocktail list is complemented by thoughtful mocktails like the Agua de Jamaica featuring hibiscus flower cordial and the Cafe Dua made with cold brew, honey, coconut cream and Seedlip Spice 94. Note that its team is on break through January 7.
Snooze
Snooze
Multiple locations
No need to plan a road trip to Utah. Now, fans of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and all things sugar can indulge in the dirty soda trend at Snooze. Three flavors appear on its secret menu: strawberry shortcake, orange dreamsicle and a pineapple upside-down dirty soda made with Coke, pineapple juice, vanilla syrup and vanilla cream.
Somebody People
1165 South Broadway
Few places make vegetables and spirit-free sips as sexy as Somebody People. This vegan spot on Broadway is undeniably hip and always happening — after all, there’s no fear of a midweek hangover when you order from its zero-proof menu. Dhōs elixirs form the base of its Bittersweet Symphony and Lyre’s Club, which blends non-alcoholic bubbly with ginger and citrus.
Traveling Mercies
2501 Dallas Street, Aurora
Not acquainted with ingredients like Ghia and Figlia? Don’t panic-order a soda water with lime. Instead, visit Traveling Mercies for a descriptive mocktail menu that’s friendly to newcomers. Options include the Fizz, which is “silky and pleasant, much like a milkshake,” and the “childlike, verdant and bright” Ocean Water made with seaside botanicals, ruby red grapefruit and citrus.
Abigail Bliss
Wildflower
3638 Navajo Street
Set within the newest Gravity Haus hotel, Wildflower offers a short but stellar list of non-alcoholic beverages. El Corazón melds coconut, lemon, orgeat and hoja santa, a Mexican herb with flavors akin to root beer; while the Padre Pio features chamomile honey, lavender and lemon. As tempting as the mocktails are, do not miss a glass of its sparkling green tea.
Williams & Graham
3160 Tejon Street
8500 Peña Boulevard
Behind a bookcase, this iconic LoHi speakeasy (which also has an outpost at DIA) serves timeless cocktails and “temperance drinks” without the booze. Options in the latter category include My Bitter Clementine, a refined blend of Earl Grey, clementine shrub, Giffard aperitif and lemon. Staycation is another standout featuring Pathfinder and cream of coconut, along with chocolate and roasted corn.
Canned Non-Alcoholic Options
4 Noses Brewing Company
4040 Dahlia Street
8855 West 116th Circle, Broomfield
This past summer, 4 Noses Brewing Company launched its first-ever non-alcoholic beer: Camp Zero. Brewed with real fruit, this tangerine-guava blonde ale is lightly tart and plenty refreshing. Find it at the Broomfield and Park Hill taprooms, as well as sister companies Wild Provisions Beer Project and Odd 13 Brewing.
Ceria Brewing Company
Though it first debuted with THC-infused beer, Ceria Brewing Company has taken a step back from the cannabis scene. Now, its canned selection, which includes the Indiewave IPA and Grainwave white ale, is free of all altering substances. Find six-packs at nearby liquor and grocery stores, or sample a cold one at several local establishments.
Fabric
No judgment if you’re identifying as California (or Colorado) sober this month — one thing at a time! Based in Denver, this new cannabis-infused beverage brand delivers a bubbly hop flavor without the hangover. Though, with 10 milligrams each of THC and CBD, Downtime may get high. Fabric also crafts a citrusy microdosed fizz, along with one solely infused with CBG.
Grüvi
With dozens of awards and shelf space at big box retailers, Grüvi has done very well for itself since launching in 2019. The Denver-based brand offers four styles of booze-free craft beer and de-alcoholized wines, including a red sangria and a dry prosecco. Yes, mimosas are still on this month’s brunch menu.
Hoplark
Founded in Boulder, Hoplark first launched with a line of sparkling hop-infused teas. Core flavors like its Citra Bomb and Green Tea with mosaic hops are now complemented by limited-time seasonal options, as well as hop waters and non-alcoholic beers. Purchase them online and at local grocery chains.
Mock One
Mock One
To reach the ever-growing market of sober-curious drinkers, the makers of Breckenridge Distillery recently debuted four non-alcoholic spirits under the Mock One brand. The lineup includes a zero-proof whiskey inspired by its flagship bourbon, as well as tequila, gin and rum alternatives. Buy three on its website and get one free through all of Dry January.
Station 26 Brewing Co.
7045 East 38th Avenue
Those familiar with Station 26 Brewing’s flagship Tangerine Cream ale will be delighted to discover it’s also available sans-alcohol. Drink one down at its Northeast Park Hill brewpub or pick up a six-pack at various retailers, including Argonaut and Molly’s Spirits.
Stem Ciders
Stem Ciders
1380 Horizon Avenue, Lafayette
Acreage by Stem Ciders debuted the brand’s first alcohol-free ciders this past autumn and quickly sold out. This tremendous response at the Lafayette taproom resulted in the official roll-out of two low-calorie, prebiotic-packed flavors: Blueberry Lime and Apricot Haze. This month, pear cider will add to the mix. Find four-packs at various local retailers.
Upslope Brewing Company
1898 South Flatiron Court, Boulder
1501 Lee Hill Drive, Boulder
Based in Boulder, Upslope recently launched a non-alcoholic beer inspired by its flagship Craft Lager. Crack open a can to enjoy its crisp, familiar flavor and subtle herbaceous aroma. It’s a solid substitute at après-ski hangs and chats at the trailhead.
Wisetails
This Denver-based beverage brand makes enjoying a mocktail easy. Simply salt a rim and pour over ice — or skip those steps entirely. Wisetails’ alcohol-free margarita and mojito are also just as good straight out of the can. Bevy’s Liquor World, Applejacks and other retailers have them in stock.
