Some Like It Dry (And Some Like It Damp)

No, we’re not talking about the weather! Dry January is here—a time to hit reset, embrace well-being, and explore the perks of going alcohol-free for the month. Or maybe you’re leaning into Damp January instead, taking a more flexible approach by moderating your intake rather than cutting it out completely. Either way, DC-area restaurants and bars have embraced the low-ABV and zero-proof trends, offering plenty of creative and flavorful options to keep your glass full: 

All Set Restaurant & Bar - The mocktails take inspiration from their current list of signature cocktails and are available for $5. Fans of All Set’s Hi Bish (gin, hibiscus ginger beer, lemon, ginger syrup) can partake in the N/A Bye Bish.

Bresca - Lead Bartender Sara Chaudhuri’s spirit free drinks are all priced at $12 and include the Prickly Pear No-tini  made with Amass Riverine non-alcoholic, pear, apple, sorrel, and thyme.

Caruso’s Grocery - The Crodino Divino is a mix of Lyre’s Aperitivo rosso, cranberry, Balsamic, and rosemary for only $10.

Cordelia Fishbar - Beverage Director John Filkins has several zero proof options including the Sunfish made with Ritual tequila alternative, giffard coco de noix, grapefruit, cinnamon, lime and ginger beer.

Cucina Morini - The Mermaid Spritz, A light and effervescent, with coastal-inspired botanicals (Pentire Coastal Spritz, A’ Siciliana limonata, Leitz N/A sparkling wine)

Ellē - The Root Awakening made with watermelon shrub, Apertiivo Bianco, lemon, sumac, and club soda and the Pendennis Punch, stirred with Verjus, black tea and pomegranate. 

Iron Gate - The Laverna & Shirley (we love the name) is a mix of housemade pomegranate, mastic water, lime, sparkling water. 

Kayu - The Frankie Minoza, made with calamansi (Filipino lime) and iced tea for a Filipino take on an Arnold Palmer or the Sabat Con Yelo made with ginger, honey and calamansi is

King Street Oyster Bar - The King Street Cooler, a hibiscus, lychee, lemon, blueberry citrus basil tea

Little Blackbird - The N/A-groni, a Negroni with non alcoholic Seedlip Aperitivo and the N/A Gin & Tonic, a tonic with House Made Non Alcoholic Gin Syrup

Lutèce - Bar Manager, Megan Coyle, has a wide selection of NA wines & drinks available like the Defanged Chupacabra with Lyre’s agave, fluère red, grapefruit and picante. 

MITA - TheGarden Margarita, a non-alcoholic twist on a classic favorite, crafted with Bare Zero Proof Tequila, Lyre’s Orange Sec, and a signature blend of pineapple, cilantro, mint, basil, and agave.

Motorkat - The Alchemist Daydream, made with Seedlip Spice, turmeric, ginger, fresh lemon, lemongrass, and topped with N/A IPA.

Namak - The N/Aperol Spritz  made with n/a aperitivo, n/a sparkling, and club soda.

Modena - The Darling Clementhyme is a mocktail made with fresh Clementine's, Thyme, and White Tea.

Patty O’s Café and Bakery - The Fine & Dandy, a bright and citrusy with a delicate floral aroma (Lemon juice, blue agave syrup, orange blossom water, soda water)

Pop Fizz Bar - A whole lineup of non-alcoholic beverages that include crisp sparkling wines to craft NA beers and zero-proof cocktails. 

Service Bar - The Yuzu Matcha Slurpie, a combo of Yuze, lime, coconut milk and matcha and the No-maro Swizzle, made with Lucano n/a amaro, lime, pineapple and mint.

Show of Hands at the Roost - The What Can Only Be A Harry Potter Spell is another great drink name cooked up by Neighborhood Restaurant Group’s Nick Farrell. The mocktail is made up of a Ritual NA Rum alternative, Oleo Saccharum, Falernum Incantatum, Verjus and Citrea

Feeling like a little more kick? Check out the latest in “wetter” offerings.