Where to Find the Best Mocktails in Chicago for Dry January
Zero-proof cocktails that actually taste exciting… Perfect for the sober-curious crowd
via Z Bar
Happy Dry January to everyone joining the celebration (or just surviving the month)! For many of us, this time of year brings on those classic love-hate feelings; loving the reset after holiday indulgence but hating how tricky it can be to keep a social life going without a drink in hand. That said, going sober doesn’t mean you have to completely ditch the bar scene. Chicago’s top spots are fully embracing Dry January with creative, crave-worthy mocktail menus that deliver big flavor—without the next-day regret.
Z Bar at The Peninsula Hotel {108 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL; 312.573.6888}
The Peninsula’s Z Bar warmly welcomes all fans of Dry January with a seasonal mocktail menu. They offer six zero-proof signature cocktails that explore a range of winter flavors, capturing not only the season itself but also the moods and emotions January can evoke. Spend an evening at Z Bar this month and feel all the feels with one of their featured mocktails.
Highlights include:
Ember: Three spirits nightcap, ginger, lapsang tea honey, and lemon
Mi-Sù: Espresso, lyre’s white cane, lyre’s coffee, demerara, and tiramisu foam
January Spritz: Lyre’s Italian spritz, floral cordial, lemon, sparkling white tea, and cosa nostra shrubbery
Cindy's Rooftop {12 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL; 312.792.3502}
Who doesn’t love a booze-free drink with a view of Millennium Park? Starting January 16, Cindy’s Rooftop will be open and ready for all Dry January participants, offering a wide range of zero-proof cocktails. Forget the symptoms of the winter blues and remind yourself how refreshing it feels to enjoy a high-quality meal on a Chicago rooftop.
Highlights include:
Orchard Spritz: The pathfinder N/A spirit, orgeat, apple cider, and lemon.
Drama Queen: Seedlip garden, verjus, blackberry black pepper syrup, lemon, and club soda
via Toro Chicago
Toro Chicago {200 North Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL; 312.565.6644}
This year, Toro Chicago is taking Dry January to the next level. Richard Sandoval’s new spirit-free, spirit-forward mocktail menu features nine drinks that are available all month long. The menu goes beyond standard mocktail recipes, with each drink crafted using the same techniques and balance as the full cocktail lineup. Head to Toro Chicago this weekend and celebrate the art of mixology while indulging in a flavorful mocktail.
Highlights include:
Grapefruit Sour: Non-alcoholic grapefruit liqueur, hibiscus, grapefruit, lime, hazelnut, and non-alcoholic bitters
Espresso Maiztini: Zero-proof rum, non-alcoholic coffee liqueur, cold brew, clove, cinnamon, and buttered popcorn
Bar Siena {832 West Randolph Street Chicago, IL; 312.492.7775}
Indulge in Bar Siena’s zero-proof cocktail menu, featuring fruit-forward spins on classic favorites. If you’re a spritz lover, this menu is definitely for you. Grab a fellow Dry January participant and debrief your alcohol-free month together—ideally while enjoying one of the restaurant’s cheesy small bites, perfectly paired with a refreshing, fruit-filled spritz.
Highlights include:
Senza Spritz: Blood orange non-alcoholic aperitivo, lavender honey, and lemon
Frutti Fugazi: Ritual tequila alternative, wildberry, pineapple, and lime
Hibiscus Hammer: Hibiscus ginger beer, tamarind chili, lemon, and cucumber
via Uvae Kitchen & Wine Bar
Uvae Kitchen & Wine Bar {5553 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL; 773.654.1432}
For those who love a diverse menu, check out Uvae Kitchen & Wine Bar’s zero-proof cocktails and non-alcoholic wine options. Their menu is the perfect excuse to try out new cocktail flavors, ranging from tastes of apple cinnamon to blackberry lavender. They even have a soft spot for wine lovers, offering a non alcoholic sauvignon blanc, rosé, and red blend. Enjoy the clean rustic ambience and have a mocktail tasting of your own at Uvae Kitchen & Wine Bar.
Highlights include:
Apple of My Pie: Lemon, apple, cinnamon, and club soda
Hibis-Kiss: NA tequila, NA orange liqueur, hibiscus, lime, and cardamom
LondonHouse Chicago {85 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL; 312.357.1200}
LondonHouse Chicago is celebrating Dry January and the fresh start it brings. With its’ inviting atmosphere, it’s easy to cozy up to the idea of a non-alcoholic drink. The non-alcoholic menu features four new mocktails, each meant to be savored. There’s even a non-alcoholic section for beer and wine lovers, ensuring every craving is satisfied. This wide variety of options invites you to slow down and enjoy the little things January has to offer.
Highlights include:
One in a Melon: Seedlip garden, RTC Mallorca melon shrub, pineapple, and lemon
Cranberry Mule: Ginger beer, cranberry, and fresh lime
By Eleanore Adam | Special Correspondent