Zero Proof Chicago Cocktails Full of Fun
Cheers to making it to another year in our amazing city! Every new year, and fresh start, is certainly something to celebrate. And who says you can’t do that celebrating sans-alcohol? Maybe you’re doing a Dry January or Whole 30. Maybe you just want to cut back on the spirits in the New Year. No matter your reason, you shouldn’t have to miss out on fun drinks in the process of abstaining from alcohol. Lots of Chicago spots have mocktails and other sips that are alcohol-free for you to enjoy before the weather warms…
The Barn Steakhouse {1016 Church Street Rear, Evanston; 847.868.8041}
While some restaurants have one or two mocktail options, this cozy Evanston spot has a wide range! From the Baby G&T made with Grapefruit juice and house-made tonic water to the Fireworks Seedlip Spice smoked ginger ale. There is also the Mount Etna Sour (Seedlip Grove, lemon juice, blood orange juice), the The Railroad (Heavenly Body non-alcoholic golden wheat beer, rosehip syrup) and more. It’s perfect for a family meal or to gather a group before exploring Evanston.
Pizzeria Portofino {317 North Clark Street, Chicago; 312-900-9018}
While you sit alongside the mostly frozen Chicago River, you can dream of summer on the Italian coast instead. The Seaside Spritz at Pizzeria Portofino is made with yuzu and the Waitlis is done with elderflower, rose and lemon, making them both refreshing non-alcoholic options to pair with your favorite pizza.
BLVD Steakhouse {817 West Lake Street, Chicago; 312.526.3116}
Though this West Loop steakhouse is well-known for its whiskey and bubbly, they also have a select menu of zero-proof sips. There’s The Champion, made with Seedlip Grove, pear, ginger, lime and egg white, for those who love herbaceous drinks. If you’re looking for something sweeter, try The Hyacinth with Seedlip Garden, Green Cardamom, grapefruit, cucumber, basil and Aquafaba. When you sit at their stunning bar, you’ll feel like a superstar no matter what you drink.
Mott St {1401 North Ashland Avenue, Chicago; 773.687.9977}
Mott St truly has something for everyone, with a menu full of dishes for vegetarians as well as meat-lovers, shared plates and an epic burger you’ll want to keep all to yourself. Their bar team can also serve up signature cocktails that are just as delicious as their Housemade Hibiscus Spritz, a refreshing non-alcoholic drink of hibiscus with notes of citrus. Come in and try their Chef’s Special menu so you can get a bit of all their culinary goodness this winter!
Ema {74 West Illinois Street, Chicago; 312.527.5586}
In addition to their delightful shared plates, Ema also serves zero-proof cocktails such as the Pineapple Ginger Soda with pineapple, lime, ginger and soda and the Pomegranate Backsplash with pomegranate, lemon, orange and soda. If you’re trying to eat lighter and drink smarter in 2022, this is a delicious spot for both.
The Dearborn {145 North Dearborn Street, Chicago; 312.384.1242}
In the Loop, Beverage director, Sarah Clark, has created a specialized “all of the fun and none of the booze” beverages to pair perfectly with their menu items. You can sip on the Don’t Page Me cocktail with pineapple, sage, lime, club soda. Also available, there is the Spill The Tea (ginger tea, hibiscus tea, peach nectar, and lemon) and a local Windmill Original & Seasonal Ginger Brew featuring fresh ginger root from Geneva, IL.
Beatrix {multiple locations}
Boozy brunches can still be fun if they’re booze-less ;) Beatrix is an ideal spot for delicious morning meals because they have fresh-squeezed juices all day long! There are a rainbow of flavors, from Sweet Valencia Orange, Pomegranate and Apple & Ginger, to Mango, Orange & Pineapple Nectar, Blue Boost and more. You’ll keep coming back again and again!
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor