With the major holidays over it’s time to focus on that spring/summer body. I like to start the year with a liquor cleanse and hop on the “Dry January” trend. Am I perfect the whole month, NO. I do give it my best though.
Scenario: You’re out with your friends that do not adhere to dry January. You’re glancing at their hands as they raise a beautiful, vibrant stem glass to the tip of their mouth as a sparkling liquid touches their lips. Dramatic much, yes, but that may be how thirsty you get.
Most restaurants feel your pain and are offering up spirit free cocktails that are just as delicious as the real thing. Check them out below!
2024 Dry January Restaurant Suggestions
Restaurant: Proxi
Spirit-Free Cocktail: At Proxi, Beverage Director Jazz Craft creates unforgettable spirit-free cocktails. These thoughtfully crafted beverages use aromatic, floral, and herbal ingredients to elevate the drinking experience, appealing to guests’ senses. Here are a few mocktails that are worth the sip: BRAND NEW SOCKS (raspberry, cardamom, mint, lime, sonic), FLOWER BOY (lychee, grapefruit, ginger, lemon), BEACH DAY (salted apricot, white grape, house N/A aromatic bitters, tropical orgeat foam).
Restaurant: The Smith
Spirit-Free Cocktail: Sip with style and grace at The Smith in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, where mocktails are meticulously designed to be both sophisticated and refreshing. Raise a glass at dinner with these mocktails: THE GETAWAY (guava, black tea, yuzu, rose water, elderflower tonic and CITY BIRD (pineapple pomegranate, hibiscus, NA aperitif, lime).
Restaurant: LG’s Bar & Kitchen
Spirit-Free Cocktail: LG’s Bar & Kitchen, will offer mocktails that not only delight the taste buds, but also provides a memorable and fun experience. LG’s latest spirit-free cocktail menu includes THE POM W/O THE PUNCH (Seedlip Spice N/A spirits, Pomegranate Juice, Fevertree Sparkling Grapefruit Soda), and ORANGE YOU GLAD TO SEE ME (Seedlip Citrus N/A Spirits, Blood Orange Juice, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Lyre’s N/A Prosecco).
Restaurant: The Dearborn
Spirit-Free Cocktail: Beverage Director Sarah Clark has always been passionate about exploring innovative and new ways to introduce spirit-free beverage options to her menu at The Dearborn. With a regularly rotating menu titled “All the Fun, No Booze”, Clark is dedicated to providing the same level of skill and care for those looking for something without liquor. In her current menu, Clark uses Dr. Lo Reisling to create a number of bubble-friendly alternatives such as Pomegranate-Anise Spritz with seedlip spice 94 and Chamomile Mint Bubbly with seedlip garden 108 and chamomile-mint agave.
Restaurant: Farm Bar Lakeview
Spirit-Free Cocktail: Farm Bar’s dedication to using seasonal fruits and vegetables in innovative and unique ways, particularly plays true when it comes to their cocktail menu. With a number of spirit-free offerings, including standouts such as the Strickly Prickly made with strictly pear cactus, apple, hibiscus and lemon and the Black Lightning with Black Raspberry, Citrus, Lime and Soda, Farm Bar Lakeview is the perfect date night spot this winter.
Restaurant: BLVD Steakhouse
Spirit-Free Cocktails: Rooted in Old Hollywood glamor, BLVD Steakhouse is the perfect spot for a night cap, even if that happens to be spirit-free. Beverage Director Ted Rink has created a mocktail menu that has the same elegance as the atmosphere in both BLVD’s dining room and all-season atrium. Standout cocktails include the Living Is Easy made with Seedlip Grove, Pineapple, Strawberry, Black Currant Shrub, Almond, Aloe Foam and the Spirit-Free Spritz with Giffard Aperitif Sirop and Pellegrino Aranciata.
Restaurant: Rose Mary
Spirit-Free Cocktails: This Chicago hotspot, known for it’s Croatian and Italian-inspired menus coined by Chef Joe Flamm as “Adriatic drinking food”, Rose Mary’s beverage program shares the same inspiration. Beverage Director Kyle Davidson frequently uses Balkan liquors and spirits in his seasonal menus, including in his spirit-free concoctions. The Saturn is made with Lyre’s ‘Gin’, Liquid Alchemist Passionfruit, Farro Orgeat, Don’s Mix #2 and Chai.
Restaurant: Galit
Spirit-Free Cocktail: At the Michelin-starred Galit, Chef Zach Engel takes on a localized approach to Middle Eastern cuisine within a four-course menu. In addition to Galit’s cocktails being inspired by their spice vendors, Beverage Director, Scott Stroemer, repurposes leftover ingredients from the kitchen to help reduce waste. Additionally, they are putting their own unique twist on non-alcoholic cocktails with Gazoz. Inspired by the infamous Gazoz from Tel Aviv, diners can sip on these fizzy, fruity, and herby sodas made in-house at Galit. Based on sparkling water, Galit’s Gazoz is infused with homemade shrubs and syrups, fermented fruits, spices, herbs, and a variety of flowers. It’s as refreshing as it is visually stunning, thanks to a fun play of textures and vibrant colors.
Restaurant: Esmè
Spirit-Free Cocktail: At the Michelin-starred Esmè in Chicago, Chef Jenner Tomaska and his wife/partner, Katrina Bravo, reimagine the tasting-menu model with philanthropy and art integrated into the foundation of the experience, an expression of their shared vision for the community-focused restaurant. On the beverage side of things, Stevan Miller is taking spirit-free pairings and cocktails a step further. When it comes to gathering inspiration on various ways to mimic and elevate flavors, they step into the kitchen to identify which flavors on the menu or within a dish they would like to intensify. All syrups, shrubs, and juices are made fresh in-house.
Restaurant: Pigtail by José Andrés
Spirit-Free Cocktail: The speakeasy below Jaleo, Pigtail by José Andrés has just as inventive spirit-free cocktails as the regular whimsical alcoholic counterparts, like the Emerald Coin made with seedlip grove, honeydew juice, lime, lemongrass, celery, and Squaring the Circle with spiritless Kentucky 74, spiritless amaretti, maple syrup, and cumin tincture.
Restaurant: Bazaar Meat & Bar Mar by José Andrés
Spirit-Free Cocktail: At Bazaar Meat and Bar Mar by José Andrés, the team serves an alcohol-free version of their top signature cocktail, the Salt Air Margarita, called the Sober Salt Air, made with Seedlip Grove, orange juice, lime juice, and simple syrup that is topped with salt air. Among the spirit-free selection, they also feature The Garden, a refreshing alcohol-free sipper made with Seedlip Garden, lime juice, mint, cucumber, and ginger beer.
Restaurant: Raised, an Urban Rooftop Bar
Spirit-Free Cocktail: Sitting three stories above street level, Raised offers the perfect vantage point for Instagram-worthy photos of the Chicago skyline and its inventive, free-spirited concoctions. Zero-proof sips include The Cure (Lyre’s Spiced Cane, Lyre’s Coffee, espresso, cinnamon, demerara syrup, lemon, Q Spectacular Tonic), The Pichon (Fluère Smoked Agave, Lyre’s Italian Orange, lime juice, simple syrup, Q Sparkling Grapefruit) and Woodland Witchcraft (Lyre’s London Spirit, palo santo lavender syrup, tartaric acid, hop water).
Restaurant: Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse
Spirit-Free Cocktails: Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse Chicago offers a wide list of zero-proof cocktails, welcoming everyone to gather and celebrate their teams’ latest win, or entertain business clients in style and class. The Pom-Tini Zero makes the perfect toast made with pomegranate, Gruvi Spirit Proof Rose, mint and lemon. Or, the refreshing Cucumber Fizz is a classic sip with Gruvi Dry Secco, cucumber, lavender water, mint and lemonade.
Restaurant: Fora
Spirit-Free Cocktails: Fora’s enchanting atmosphere in the center of the West Loop invites guests to take respite from Chicago’s bitter winter in their organic lounge and heated patio; and what better way to unwind than with a refreshing beverage in hand? Their Shark Bait, Oh Ha Ha! Is not only fun to order, but invites tropical fantasies with orgeat syrup, grenadine, lime, orange, and pineapple to make for a delightful spirit-free sip.
Restaurant: Tacombi Fulton Market
Spirit-Free Cocktails: Located in the heart of Fulton Market, Tacombi aims to transport guests to Mexico. The vision for the taqueria was born on the balmy beaches of the Yucatán back in 2006, as founder, Dario Wolos, dreamed of sharing the beauty of authentic Mexican culture with the world. In addition to house-made cocktails, sip on a selection of spirit-free options like Aguas Frescas made fresh daily in a variety of flavors such as Agua de Sandia, Agua de Piña, Agua de Jamaica, and more.
Restaurant: Parachute
Spirit-Free Cocktail: Parachute from James Beard Award winning Chefs Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark is located in the heart of Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood. The restaurant offers four separate cocktails to help you imbibe for Dry January. The most special spirit free cocktail on Parachute’s menu is the Proxies Amuse, which is specially made with Chef Kim’s and Clark’s non-alcoholic wine produced through Proxies. The flavor mosaic of Proxies Amuse is made for Korean cuisine to create an effervescent, celebratory blend that’s even better paired with friends and family.
Restaurant: The Loyalist
Spirit-Free Cocktail: The Loyalist is Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood is the sister restaurant of three-MICHELIN starred Smyth, and located right beneath the heralded restaurant. Spirit free cocktails from The Loyalist are a perfect way to celebrate Dry January. Bright & Refreshing features AMASS Riverine, chamomile, lemon, lovage and tied together through a non-alcoholic prosecco. The restaurant also serves up a Juicy with three-spirit Livener, spicy strawberry, lime and egg.
Restaurant: Offshore
Spirit-Free Cocktail: Sip refreshing flavors without the headache atop Chicago’s famous Navy Pier at Offshore Rooftop. Known as the World’s Largest Rooftop, according to the Guiness Book of World Records, this four season sunny atrium over looks sweeping views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan, and offers hot and cold spirit-free options, including a Floral THC Seltzer for those looking for boozy alternatives that will keep them elevated. Or, indulge in a fragrant Hot Apple Cider to soothe cold souls or the virgin Pina Colada to inspire tropical fantasies.
Restaurant: I|O Godfrey
Chicago’s largest and only year-round rooftop lounge has two mocktails as part of its beverage selection, crafted to match the unique atmosphere of the venue:
- Mint To Be: Choice of Peach, Strawberry, Raspberry Açaí, Lavender Or Cucumber, Muddled Mint, Fresh Lime, Lemon & Topo Chico, $9
- Peach Out: Blueberry, Yucca Peach Tea, Muddled Agave, Rosemary, Club Soda & Chia Seeds, $9
Restaurant: LondonHouse Chicago
LondonHouse Chicago, renowned for its elegance and style, offers a selection of expertly crafted drinks designed to provide a sophisticated and enjoyable experience for those who prefer non-alcoholic options:
- Aperitif & Soda: Bitter-Sweet Aperitif Cordial, Soda, Orange, $10
- One In A Melon: Seedlip Garden, RTC Mallorca Melon Shrub, Pineapple, Lemon, $10
- Kombucha Spritz: Ginger/Lemon Kombucha, Raspberry, Soda, Basil, $10
- Tost Wine: Bottle Sparkling White Tea, Cranberry, Ginger, $40/bottle
Restaurant: The Hampton Social
Known for its “Rosé All Day,” The Hampton Social has crafted a special range of non-alcoholic mocktails offering the perfect way to unwind and socialize, while embracing a healthier, alcohol-free start to the year.
- Sparkling Rosé: Non-Alcoholic With Notes Of Peach, Strawberry, Pear, $8
- Gingerly Thymed: Ginger Beer, Thyme, Orange, Lime, Served In A Glass, $13 Or A Sea Shell, $36
- The Lighthouse: Sicilian Lemonade, Rosemary, $9
- Pom & Pepper: Sparkling Rosé, Pomegranate, Black Pepper, Lime, Served In A Glass, $12 or a Sea Shell, $33
Restaurant: Lure Fishbar
For Dry January, Lure Fishbar, Chicago’s premier destination for world-class seafood and sushi, introduces an exciting selection of non-alcoholic mocktails:
- Sweet Potato Old Fashioned: Earl Grey Tea, Sweet Potato Demerara, Saba, White Balsamic Vinegar
- Appleberry Spritzer: Clean Co. Apple Vodka Alternative, Elderflower Syrup, Lemon Juice
Restaurant: LYRA
Inspired by the natural Greek lifestyle, LYRA offers these refreshing beverages to complement its fresh, holistic fare:
- Halara: Amass Zero Proof, Pomegranate, Lemon, Mint And Tonic, $12
- Cypress: Amass Zero Proof, Pineapple, Lime And Ginger, $12
Restaurant: Prime & Provisions
Known for its classic steakhouse fare in a luxurious setting, Prime & provisions offers a curated selection of non-alcoholic mocktails:
- Pomegranate Mint: 100% Pomegranate Juice, Lemon San Pellegrino, Blood Orange And Mint Leaves, $10
- Spiced Grapefruit: Spice 94 Seedlip Non-Alcoholic Spirit, Grapefruit Juice, Soda And Lime, $10
Restaurant: Fioretta
Fioretta’s Pineapple Punch offers guests a sophisticated, alcohol-free alternative to enjoy amidst a vibrant dining experience this January:
- Pineapple Punch: Seedlip, Grapefruit, Pineapple, Cardamom, Ginger, Lemon, $11
Restaurant: Old Town Pour House
A dynamic bar and restaurant known for its extensive selection of 90 beers on tap, Old Town Pour House offers three innovative mocktails as a fresh, alcohol-free alternative:
- Mellow Mule: Cucumber, Honey Syrup, Mango Syrup, Lime Juice, Ginger Beer, $10
- Strawberry Soothe: Strawberries, Lime Juice, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Splash of Lemon Lime Soda, $10
- Peaceful Paloma: Lime Juice, Grapefruit Juice, Honey Syrup, Soda Water, Salt Rim, $10
Restaurant: Sweetwater Tavern
Perfectly complementing its modern American food menu and craft beer list, these mocktails add a seasonal twist to the upbeat atmosphere at Sweetwater Tavern:
- Mellow Mule: Cucumber, Honey Syrup, Mango Syrup, Lime Juice, Ginger Beer, $9.49
- Strawberry Soothe: Strawberries, Lime Juice, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Splash of Lemon Lime Soda, $9.49
- Peaceful Paloma: Lime Juice, Grapefruit Juice, Honey Syrup, Soda Water, Salt Rim, $9.49
Restaurant: Costera Cocina
Inspired by the coastal and Mayan cuisine of Tulum, Costera Cocina (850 W Fulton Market) offers three alcohol-free alternatives including the Puerto Vallarta and the Michoacan. Patrons can enjoy refreshing Jarritos in mandarin or grapefruit flavors:
- Puerto Vallarta – Guava Cocktail: Free Spirit Gin, Guava, Lemon, $11
- Michoacan – Mango Margarita, Ritual Zero Proof Tequila, Lime, $12
- Jarritos: Mandarin or Grapefruit, $7
Restaurant: Nisos Prime
Nisos Prime, a mediterranean steakhouse in Chicago’s bustling West Loop (802 W Randolph St) known for an elevated food and beverage program is offering two zero-proof cocktails at its bar and eatery, Prime Bar:
- Pom Pom: Pomegranate, Rosemary, Grapefruit, $10
- Graden Flow: Seedlip Garden, Hibiscus Ginger Beer, $11
Happy Spirit FREE Drinking!
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