Chicago Mocktails and Alcohol-Free Dry January Sips
Cheers to making it to 2021! Sure, this year hasn’t been a picnic thus far either, but at least we have 2020 in our rear view mirror. That gives us plenty to celebrate! And who says you can’t do that celebrating sans-alcohol? Whether you’re doing a Dry January, Whole 30 or just want to cut back on the spirits in the New Year, you shouldn’t have to miss out on fun drinks in the process. Lots of Chicago spots have mocktails and other sips that are alcohol-free for you to enjoy before the weather warms…
IO Godfrey Rooftop Lounge {127 West Huron Street, Chicago; 312.374.1830}: The perfect way to say “Peach Out” to the last year is with a tasty drink. The “Peach Out” mocktail is made with blueberry, Yucca Peach Tea, muddled agave, and rosemary for a bit of sweetness this winter. If you’re more into herbal flavors, you and IO Godfrey are still “Mint to Be” thanks to their other mocktail made with a choice of strawberry, raspberry acai or peach, served with muddled mint, raspberry purée, fresh lime, lemon and ginger ale.
The Publican {837 West Fulton Market, Chicago; 312.733.9555}: Spirit-free but still full of flavor, the “Forest of Gold” mocktail mixes verjus rouge, grapefruit, spruce and juniper syrup, coriander, black pepper, allspice, and star anise. These unique ingredients make for a truly unique taste you won’t want to miss.
Foxtrot {multiple locations}: Get your mocktail on while you do your grocery shopping, all in one trip! Foxtrot Markets across the city have everything from ice cream to wine to grocery items, and now also have spirit-free drinks of all kinds for sale. From Marz Brewing’s CBD infused beverages to Mind’s Eye Herbal Elixir to the Recess CBD Sparkling Water line and more, Foxtrot has plenty of options for your choosing!
Daisies {2523 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago; 773.661.1671}: Zero-proof. Allllll the flavor! Daisies has all kinds of hangover-free sips on their menu including Housemade Peach Earl Grey Cold Brew Tea and Dram Alpine Berry CBD Sparkling Water. Our favorite though, is the Dram Beauty Bubbles CBD Sparkling Water, which promotes skin and hair care, all with a nice rose petal flavor!
Le Colonial {57 East Oak Street, Chicago; 312.255.0088}: Stay cozy all winter long on Le Colonial’s warm, golden-hued patio while you sip on their “Mua He” alcohol-free cocktail made with pineapple, mango, lychee, and lemon juice. The “Mua Dong” (made with cucumber, ginger beer and lime juice) is another delightful drink to pair with one of their noodle dishes. They’re beautiful and delicious to boot!
Found Kitchen and Social House {1631 Chicago Avenue, Evanston; 847.868.8945}: Head north of the city and explore Evanston’s restaurant scene with a visit to Found Kitchen. Their Baby G&T is a classic and the Mount Etna Sour is more creative, made with Seedlip Grove as well as lemon and blood orange juice. Perfect for a relaxing afternoon out of the busy downtown.
The Bristol {2152 North Damen Avenue, Chicago; 773.862.5555}: Why stop at one mocktail when you can have a flight?! The Bristol has several on the menu including, Mexican Hot Chocolate, “A Warming Gesture” (made with Genmaicha Tea, Seedlip Garden, yuzu, and cucumber mint syrup) as well as "Escape to Mallorca,” which is Mallorca Melon Tea, served with Seedlip Grove, passionfruit, orgeat. You can get these to-go in a 12.5 oz flask or “indulge” in a flight of all three!
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor