After weeks of indulgent parties and wine-fueled meals during the festive season, Dry January is upon us. Many partake in the self-imposed detox, which can serve as a reset for the body and mind, and a much-needed break from the sugar, calories, and after-effects of a boozy meal.
With many seeking wine and cocktail alternatives while they dine out in January, Houston restaurants and bars rise to the occasion by offering dedicated menus in which non-alcoholic beverages shine. Here is a guide of who is serving what during Dry January.
Verde Garden
Verde Garden’s innovative cocktail menu includes three non-alcoholic drinks with vibrant flavor combinations. The Sugar Skull ($13) pairs Lyre’s Agave Blanco with pineapple, watermelon, and lime, serving as the perfect tropical refresher when Houston’s unpredictably warmer winter days hit; while the Como La Flor ($13) pairs Lyre’s Dry London gin with ginger beer, orange, lime, and grenadine for those who prefer a fizzier option. 2817 W. Dallas St. Building C, Houston, verdegardenhtx.com
Jethro’s
Jethro’s made its Montrose debut last year, and quickly won the hearts of Houstonians for its laid back atmosphere, well-built cocktails, and killer smashburger. Its menu of non-alcoholic cocktails is reason enough to visit during Dry January. The zero-proof rum-fueled Summer Breeze is citrusy and sweet with peach and lemon juice; the Watermelon Fresca combines zero-proof tequila with lime juice, watermelon, and mint; and the Perfect Tea pairs zero-proof gin with raspberry tea and lime juice. 95 Tuam St. Ste. 102, Houston, jethroshouston.com
Phat Eatery
Both locations of Phat Eatery are serving up non-alcoholic beverages with plenty of personality. Along with cold-pressed juices like prickly pear and melon, and pineapple ginger, guests can wet their palates with zero-proof cocktails like the Pandan Colada ($8) made with pandan coconut-infused syrup and pineapple juice; and the Lychee Sunrise ($8), a combination of fresh lychee and orange juices with pomegranate reduced syrup. 23119 Colonial Pkwy. Ste. B-2, Katy, phateatery.com
Dish Society
Dish Society is a popular go-to for a casual boozy brunch, but with plenty of non-alcoholic drinks, it really isn’t difficult to abstain. Zero-proof cocktails ($8) like the Blood Orange La-no-ma and the Spicy Strawberry Mockarita are fueled by the Ritual tequila alternative, while the Fauxjito and Passiflor-no incorporate booze-free Seedlip Grove spirits. Cold-pressed juices, coffee drinks, and flavored ice tea round out the menu. Multiple locations, dishsociety.com
Brasserie 19
Brasserie 19’s espresso martini has a cult following, so it’s only natural that an alcoholic-free version be offered during Dry January for those who celebrate. The L’spresso MartiNO is a worthy alternative, crafted with espresso, vanilla, chocolate bitters, Fee Foam, and cacao powder. 1962 W. Gray St., Houston, brasserie19.com
Duck N Bao
Duck N Bao loyalists need not shy away from the beverage menu during Dry January – all 14 specialty cocktails can be made sans booze at each of the restaurant’s three locations in Rice Village, Memorial, and Cypress. Without alcohol, the normally $10 drinks are discounted to just $6. Multiple locations, ducknbao.com
Coltivare
Coltivare’s collaboration with local non-alcoholic bottle shop, Sipple, reveals a hefty menu of Dry January offerings. Along with non-alcoholic beers and wines by the glass, the menu features seven inventive drinks that incorporate a range of alcohol-free spirits. The Not & Tonic ($13) is crafted with locally-owned Cut Above gin and elderflower tonic water, while Sipple’s Secret Garden ($13) combines Ritual tequila with citrus, honey, and baking spices. 3320 White Oak Dr., Houston, agricolehospitality.com/coltivare
Bar Bludorn
Bar Bludorn’s head bartender, Alejandro Medina, has created a menu of non-alcoholic drinks to be featured on the restaurant’s happy hour menu exclusively for the month of January. Among the options are an Amaretto Sour made with Lyre’s Amaretti, pineapple, and lemon; and a Margarita, crafted with Seedlip Notas de Agave. Meanwhile, sister restaurant Bludorn is donating a portion of its proceeds from all mocktail sales during January to Ben’s Friends, a national support group for industry workers struggling with addiction. 9061 Gaylord Dr., Houston, barbludorn.com
Andiron Grille & Patio
Newly revamped Andiron Grille & Patio has reimagined its menu, and that includes a menu of zero-proof cocktails. The Sinless Negroni ($12) is made with Lyre’s Italian orange and aromatic botanicals; and the Easy Rider ($12) is a fragrant, soul-warming option made with Ritual whiskey alternative, passionfruit, mango, lemon, vanilla, and ginger beer. 3201 Allen Pkwy. Ste. E100, Houston, andironhtx.com
Plume
Plume has seen a steady stream of party-goers since it opened last summer, and Dry January proves to be just as happening a time for the Heights newbie. Like the bar’s maximalist-style design, its non-alcoholic drinks ($10) are interesting and attractive. The After Glow is a riff off of an espresso martini, made with Maven cold brew, chai syrup, and cinnamon; while the Naked in Paradise boasts the wholly satisfying flavors of a pina colada, with fresh pineapple, coconut cream, lime, and orange. 1100 W 23rd St. Ste. 150, Houston, plumehtx.com
Monkey’s Tail
Known for its full-flavored food and sips, Monkey’s Tail has an array of non-alcoholic drinks that are far from boring. In lieu of beer, opt for a Chango house soda ($6) with green apple, lime leaf, and lemongrass, served in a cold mug; or go for the bold Penichill’n ($9) made with Lyre’s highland malt, salted honey, ginger, grapefruit, lemon, and smoky tea. For something wildly different, try the Picka-Pina ($7), which combines fresh pineapple, lime, chamoy, and grenadine with dill pickle brine. 5802 Fulton St., Houston, monkeystailhou.com
Hungry’s
Hungry’s takes a feel-good approach to its Dry January offerings with a pair of non-alcoholic spritzes ($6). Both the Ginger Turmeric Tonic, made with fresh-pressed carrot and orange juice, turmeric, and ginger; and the Green Juice Spritz, made with fresh-pressed spinach, celery, green apple, and ginger pack in plenty of wholesome ingredients, and are topped with sparkling water for a fizzy finish. Multiple locations, hungryscafe.com
Lee’s
Now open next to the adjoining Milton’s American Trattoria in Rice Village, Lee’s is a new cocktail concept from Local Foods Group, which operates under the direction of hospitality pro Máté Hartai. Here, cocktails are crafted using classic and modern techniques, and that goes for its vast collection of non-alcoholic choices. Along with a revolving menu of NON wines and zero-proof beers from Bay Area-based Best Day Brewing, there is the Verjus and Aperitivo Spritz and the Open Palm, a booze-free version of the White Palm, a calpico and mint swizzle. 5117 Kelvin Dr., Houston, miltonandlees.com
Four Seasons Hotel Houston
The Four Seasons Hotel is giving its guests and visitors ample ways to partake inDry January offerings. Beverage Manager, Jonathan Jones, and the hotel’s bar team has curated a collection of non-alcoholic cocktails, like the Mercado Margarita and Tamarindo, which is available at Toro Toro; a “Dealer’s Choice” option upon request at Bandista; and cocktails like the Burbs and Wave of 1975, offered at the lobby bar, Bayou & Bottle. As a bonus, all of the hotel’s bars are featuring a zero-proof Crystal Cube Libre, a clear version of the Caribbean cocktail, served in a glass bottle. 1300 Lamar St., Houston, fourseasons.com
Lyric Market
Those who work Downtown can opt for a post-work day happy hour at Lyric Market in the Lyric Center, where non-alcoholic beer and zero-proof cocktails like the Mock-arita and Mock Fashioned are on offer for Dry January. 411 Smith St., Houston, lyricmarket.com
Mastro’s Steakhouse
While passing on a velvety glass of red wine with a steak at Mastro’s may seem near impossible, having fun non-alcoholic options to choose from surely helps soften the blow. The glamorous Uptown steakhouse is featuring two for Dry January – No Side Sipping, made with Lyre’s Dry London gin, lime juice, and fresh cucumbers; and the You Mango Me Hot!, a sweeter option made with Lyre’s Agave Blanco, mango puree, and lime juice. 1650 W. Loop S., Houston, mastrosrestaurants.com
