January marks a month of renewal for many Houstonians, and for those embracing Dry January, the city’s bars and restaurants are offering mocktails that rival their alcoholic counterparts. These carefully crafted beverages invite patrons to enjoy the social buzz of a bar or complement a meal with a thoughtful pairing — sans the alcohol. Here’s a roundup of Houston’s top spots to sip on zero-proof creativity.
Amrina
The Woodlands restaurant is known for its dedication to detail, and that extends to its Dry January mocktails. Try the mango lemonade infused with cinnamon syrup and Richards Rainwater or the shinkaji mule featuring Fever Tree Ginger Beer, lime juice, and spiced syrup.
Andiron Grille & Patio
At the newly reimagined Andiron Grille & Patio, patrons will discover mocktails like the “sinless negroni” ($12) a booze-free riff on the classic cocktail, and the “easy rider," a decadent drink ($12) of Ritual Whiskey Alternative, passion fruit, mango, vanilla, and ginger beer.
Axelrad
This vibrant beer garden joins the Dry January movement with $7 mocktails such as the “cran you BE anymore merry?” with cranberry, lime juice, and a housemade syrup of apple, cinnamon, and brown sugar. For a warm beverage, the “not toddy” combines that same luscious syrup with fresh lemon juice.
Duck N Bao
With 14 alcohol-free cocktails priced at just $6 each, Duck N Bao provides variety and value. Selections include the cucumber lime martini, a refreshing combination of cane simple syrup, lime juice, and smashed cucumber, and the “love at first sight” with pomegranate syrup, sweet and sour, Sprite, and a lemon garnish.
Monkey’s Tail
This funky spot brings its signature creativity to mocktails that match its laid-back vibe. Try the picka-pina ($7), with fresh pineapple, chamoy, tajin, and dill pickle brine, or the penichill’n ($9), which combines Lyre's Highland Malt, salted honey, and smoky tea for a complex flavor profile.
Hungry’s
Kickstart January’s wellness journey with Hungry’s $6 non-alcoholic spritzes. Choose between the ginger turmeric tonic, known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, or the green juice spritz, packed with fresh-pressed spinach, celery, and green apple.
Jethro’s
This retro-inspired lounge ensures Dry January doesn’t mean missing out on delicious drinks. Standouts include the summer breeze, made with zero-proof rum, peach, and lemon juice, and the perfect tea, with zero-proof gin and raspberry tea. Pair either drink with one of the bar's signature smash burgers.
Le Jardinier
Fresh off earning a Michelin star, Le Jardinier in the Museum District is delivering indulgent mocktails such as the le jardin, a crisp cucumber and lime concoction, and the “yellow boots,” a tropical mix of spiced pineapple tisane and coconut cordial.
Lyric Market
It’s hard for Texans to give up margaritas for an entire month, but thankfully, Lyric Market has the “mock-arita.” Also available are the “lemon kiss,” a spin on the lemon drop martini, and the “mock fashioned,” a zero-proof take on the classic Old Fashioned.
Plume
Luxuriate in Plume’s intimate atmosphere while sipping on the “after glow” ($10), a chai-infused cold brew, or the “naked in paradise” ($10) with citrus and coconut cream. The sweet “raspberry dreams” ($10) and the earthy “matcha Palmer” ($10) round out the mocktail menu.
Superica
This Heights spot has Tex-Mex-inspired alcohol-free drinks like “ginger no-jito” and the “matador, no bull,” with Lyre’s agave spirit, pineapple juice, and jalapeño. The “vampire weeknight,” a non-alcoholic horchata and rum, promises a decadent, cinnamon sip.
Tavola
The “pawloma” at this posh Post Oak Italian restaurant mixes zero-proof Mezcal with fresh grapefruit, agave, club soda, and bitters for a tart treat. Or select the “no mint spritz,” a blend of butterfly pea flower and mint syrup in a gin-free spritz
Traveler’s Cart
A more casual spin-off of Traveler’s Table, this globally-inspired eatery offers the “prickly by nature” with Ritual tequila alternative and prickly pear syrup, and the “free-spirited Cuban,” a passion fruit mango mojito.
Turner’s Cut and Prime 131
Both Prime 131 and Turner’s Cut have four signature zero-proof cocktails at the ready for Dry January observers. Opt for the spiced pear, with spicy ginger beer balancing out the sweetness of pear syrup and honey, or the kosnopolitan, a virgin twist on the beloved cosmo. Mocktails are $12 at Turner’s Cut and $10 at Prime 131.
