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    where to drink now

    15 Houston restaurants and bars shaking up tasty Dry January mocktails

    Brianna McClane
    Jan 2, 2025 | 11:47 am

    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.

    \u200bLove at First Sight Cocktail at Duck N Bao

    Jenn Duncan

    The love at first sight mocktail is available at Duck N Bao, one of the many Houston restaurants offering Dry January alternatives.

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    water, water everywhere

    The quest for a Topo Chico replacement — we rate 9 sparkling waters

    Eric Sandler
    Apr 17, 2026 | 2:59 pm
    Sparkling water taste
    Photo by Eric Sandler
    We purchased sparkling water at five stores across the inner loop.

    Topo Chico drinkers nationwide are in a bit of a tizzy. Coca-Cola, which acquired the cult-favorite sparkling mineral water in 2017, announced that the product will be unavailable for at least the next few months.

    CNN reports the shortage is due to “facility upgrades at the water source and production facilities in Mexico.”

    “We are now making further investments at the source to improve source stability and quality and enable increased production, requiring us to temporarily stop production,” Coca-Cola said in a letter to CNN.

    For Topo Chico fans, the shortage brings an obvious question. What should a person drink until the supply is restored? Or, what’s a permanent replacement that will avoid this issue altogether?

    After collecting suggestions from people via Instagram, I went to Spec’s and inner loop grocery stores to purchase nine varieties of sparkling water with one goal in mind — find something that’s similar enough to Topo Chico that it will earn a spot in my refrigerator.

    In the interests of science, I only included sparkling water brands that are similar in size (approximately 12-ounce bottles) and price (between $1 and $1.50 per bottle). Whenever possible, I purchased glass bottles instead of cans or plastic. Although many are available in flavors, I only purchased unflavored waters. All waters were chilled overnight in a refrigerator prior to tasting.

    Sparkling water taste test Each water was chilled overnight prior to tasting.Photo by Eric Sandler

    Not surprisingly, my top three choices came down to two other Mexican sparkling waters and a convincing dupe from H-E-B.

    Most Similar to Topo Chico

    Agua de Piedra
    Purchased from Spec’s (can also be found at La Michocana), this water from Nuevo Leon, Mexico can be found at several restaurants and coffee shops around town. It offers both strong carbonation and just enough saltiness to satisfy a Topo craving. As long as I can source it reliably, this will be my new house water.

    Mineragua
    Available at both Whole Foods Market and H-E-B, this water from Jarritos is almost as carbonated as Topo Chico. Its flavor profile is salty with a slight, citrus-style acidity. I prefer the flavor of Agua de Piedra, but others may like this more.

    1877 Mineral Water by H-E-B
    H-E-B’s house brand sparkling mineral water is sourced from Texas, in Mineral Wells. It has carbonation that persists from opening until finishing. Its slightly salty flavor will be welcomed by Topo Chico drinkers. Overall, it’s probably the best choice for more people, since it’s so readily available.

    Less Like Topo, but Still Tasty

    Rambler Sparkling Water
    This mineral water from Austin is available everywhere, including many restaurants and bars. Since it's only available in cans, its more mild carbonation doesn’t match Topo Chico’s; however, it has a lightly salty taste that makes it very refreshing. This is a good option for those who find Topo to be too fizzy.

    Tehuacan
    Purchased at Central Market, this water is sourced from springs within Citlaltépetl, Mexico’s highest mountain. The mountain’s volcanic rock gives the water a noticeable saltiness with a slightly sour taste. Although it wasn’t quite to my taste, its strong carbonation and distinct flavor could appeal to other Topo devotees.

    Private Selection Sparkling Mineral Water
    Available at Kroger, this water is neither as carbonated nor as salty as Topo Chico. Still, it has enough fizz and minerality to do in a pinch, particularly for people who prefer shopping at Kroger over other grocery stores.

    Your Mileage May Vary

    Richard’s Sparkling Rainwater
    Admittedly, a non-mineral water was unlikely to emerge as a favorite in this taste test. Since it’s made with filtered rainwater, Richard’s has a very clean taste and a mild level of carbonation.

    Saratoga Carbonated Spring Water
    Like Richard’s, this water is too lightly carbonated and too mildly flavored to satisfy a Topo craving. Still, it’s clean and refreshing, which could appeal to non-Topo drinkers.

    I’ve Had Better

    Liquid Death Mountain Water (Sparkling)
    Bland and flat-tasting, this water was the only one I wouldn’t purchase again. Maybe the flavored versions are better.

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