Good news for Houstonians committed to going spirit-free this month. Houston’s food and drink scene continues to deliver innovative, zero-proof beverages that ensure Dry January is anything but boring. To build on our previous list of 15 Houston bars and restaurants with Dry January drinks, we’ve rounded up 11 more local spots crafting creative mocktails worth trying — whether you’re exploring sobriety, abstaining to start the year, or simply searching for a unique drink.
Better Luck Tomorrow
Known for its relaxed and welcoming vibe, Better Luck Tomorrow is offering six $9 spirit-free drinks, including a cold brew Old Fashioned. Warm up with a turmeric, ginger, and apricot toddy, or indulge in a hot chocolate enhanced with cinnamon, orange, and lingonberry cream.
Brasserie 19
For those who are up every night thinking about espresso martinis, Brasserie 19 has crafted the “l’spresso martiNO,” a virgin remix of the popular beverage.
Photo by The Vivant Agency
Brasserie 19 offers a “l’spresso martiNO,” a virgin remix of the popular espresso martini.
Coltivare
Coltivare has teamed up with Sipple, a non-alcoholic bottle shop in Rice Village, for a Dry January list of seven cocktails and five beer and wine selections. Mocktails include the “et tu, Brute?” ($13), with the bitter Amaro Lucano Zero balanced by the brightness of Lyre's Italian Spirit and Topo Chico. “In the city” ($13), delivers on winter flavors with Seedlip 94’s aromatic allspice and cardamom notes, combined with vanilla, cranberry, and ginger.
Echoes
For a sweet treat, order the “lady marmalade” at Echoes. This mocktail features espresso, chocolate syrup, and crushed Oreos. Floral flavors are delivered with the “never promised you a rose garden” drink of rose tonic, hibiscus, and lychee. While the “dolce vita” brings to mind an orange push pop thanks to its ingredients of tamarind and melon syrup, mandarin and bergamot soda, and heavy cream.
Guard and Grace
The chilled “burnt sugar espresso” at this downtown steakhouse is a caffeine lover’s dream, with its mixture of espresso and Earl Grey with cinnamon and cream. The playful “rocking cherry blossom” combines tart cherry, lychee yogurt, fizzy water, and pop rocks for a fun, nostalgic sip. Or escape to the tropics without leaving the loop with the “tropical tango,” a vibrant mocktail of pineapple, lime, coconut, and ginger beer.
JŪN
Known for blending the cultural backgrounds of chefs Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu in both its food and drinks, this Heights hotspot will celebrate its two year anniversary next month. Try the “oye morro,” a creation of Salvadoran horchata, coconut milk, lime, and pineapple gomme syrup, or the “n/a michelada,” a Topo Chico elixir infused with fish sauce, hoisin, chili, and lime.
Late August
Helmed by chefs Chris Williams and Sergio Hidalgo, Late August delivers Afro-Latin fusion cuisine with cocktails to compliment. For January, order the Savannah, a rich beverage of herbed peach syrup and candied ginger beer ($8), or the nopalito, a refreshing beverage of prickly pear, orange juice, and habanero tincture with a Tajin rim ($7).
Lee’s
Formerly the wine bar Lees Den, the newly-revamped Lee’s opened this month next to its sister restaurant Milton’s. For Dry January, enjoy zero-proof beer, wine, or mocktails like the Verjus and aperitivo spritz. For those who want to take the sober party home, pick up Lee’s bottled mocktail, the “St. Agrestis phony negroni,” at the Local Foods Market below the bar.
Milton’s
At this American trattoria, diners are greeted with a glass of rubycello, the house aperitivo designed to stimulate the appetite. To “non-proof” the aperitivo, opt for a zero-proof botanical spirit. Alternatively, indulge in Milton’s “cafe noncoretto,” which can be made sans alcohol and features pistachio milk, brown sugar, and almonds. It is served hot in a frozen espresso cup.
Postino
This is Postino’s first venture into the world of zero-proof cocktails, with the wine cafe launching a lineup of five zero-proof cocktails. Highlights include “the glow-up,” with fresh cucumber, mint, lime, and ginger beer, along with “the mockingbird” made with pineapple, Italian orange, and toasted almond bitters. Non-alcholic wines and beers are also available.
Verde Garden
Known for its 12 frozen, made-to-order margaritas, Verde Garden also has spirit-free options for Dry January. Try the zero-proof tequila creations like the “sugar skull” ($13), with pineapple and watermelon, or the “te adoro” ($12), featuring grapefruit and fruit punch. Or skip the taste of tequila for the “como la flor” ($13) which mixes orange, grenadine, and ginger beer with zero-proof gin.
