Spirit-Free Sips and Mocktail Magic in Chicago

If you’re looking for ways to be healthier in the new year, you might have stumbled across the idea of Dry January. Or seen it everywhere all over Instagram 😉 New year, new you, right? But Dry January isn’t the only reason to peruse the spirit-free menu this month! Whether you’re doing Whole 30, practice sober-living 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…

Meadowlark {2812 West Palmer Street, Chicago; 773.697.8070}

Dim lighting, leather booths, and library vibes? Count us in! The recently opened craft cocktail lounge in Logan Square is serving more than just looks. It’s the perfect place to go after a long work week, and not only do they have delicious cocktails but they have mocktails like the Blue-Green Warble, made of a mix of zero-proof spirit, Seedlip Garden 108, along with rosemary, thyme, and spearmint. 

Halara via Lyra

Lyra {905 West Fulton Market, Chicago; 312.660.7722}

Want to take a trip to Mykonos through food and drink? Try Lyra for the ultimate Greek experience, right in the heart of Fulton Market. And while the Greeks know how to make delicious spirits (hello Ouzo), their love for drinks translates to spirit-free as well. For individuals looking to steer clear of alcohol this month, sip on the Halara, made with Amass Zero Proof, pomegranate, lemon, mint, and tonic.

Virtue {1462 East 53rd Street, Chicago; 773.947.8831}

We love Virtue, and if you’re booze-free, you will too! Not only do they have an ever-changing menu of custom cocktails, their beverage team also creates refreshing zero-proof drinks.

If you’re looking for something herbal and sweet, try their Sorrel Fizz, made with hibiscus, rosemary, vanilla, and sparkling water, and if you want something on the tangy side, sip on their Cranberry Crush (cranberry, lime, orange, and ginger beer). 

avec {615 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.377.2002}

A delicious mocktail is just one of the many reasons to visit avec. This well-known West Loop spot is a favorite for their delicious Mediterranean food and large drink selection. But they don’t skimp on their non-alcoholic beverages either! Stop in and try their Rosa Acida made with artisan iced tea, rose petal, lemon, and grapefruit, for a taste of summer on a cold Chicago day. 

The Dearborn {145 North Dearborn Street, Chicago; 312.384.1242}

Remember when you were a kid and all you wanted to do was be like the grownups drinking their pretty drinks? Insert the Shirley Temple! We can’t lie - We’ve been searching for the appropriate time to ask for a Shirley Temple throughout adulthood and The Dearborn just made all our dreams come true. Their elevated Shirley Temple, Shirley’s Sister, features cranberry, morello cherry, rosemary, lemon, and club soda, all served in a wine glass over ice.

Daisies {2523 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago; 773.661.1671}

Daisies is a Logan Square with a mission to make creative house made pastas with vegetables from Chef Joe Frillman's family farm. But their vegetable-forward mission doesn’t stop there!

Their non-alcoholic Mushroom Sour is crafted using a mushroom syrup, combined with egg white and lemon to give it the foamy look of an alcoholic beverage. If you’re looking for something truly unique, this is the one!

The Loyalist {177 North Ada Street #001, Chicago; 773.913.3774}

Nestled in the heart of Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, The Loyalist is a fan favorite for both tourists and locals. But if you walk into this popular spot during Dry January, you don’t have to be intimidated by their wall of alcoholic beverages thanks to alcohol-free drinks like A Fresh Fallen Snow, featuring Lyre’s Agave Reserva, berry melon tea, lime, soda and mint. 

By Madison Freeman | Special Correspondent