Hi. My name is Chloé, and I am alcohol-free.

I’ll spare you all the personal details about why I stopped drinking in 2017, but I’m not alone.

Although the pandemic does have people imbibing more than usual, even those who don’t want to eliminate alcohol completely may be participating in Dry January, when people voluntarily avoid alcohol for the month.

DYK?

🥃 About 14% of Americans were expected to participate in Dry January.

🥃 Bon Appétit reported that the market for low or no-alcohol drinks is expected to increase by 32% between 2018 and 2022.

🥃 ProTip: You don’t ever need an explanation for why you’re not drinking, but anything from “I don’t want to” and “I’m cutting back for health reasons” to “It’s none of your business,” are acceptable responses.

The stress of 2020 may have the sober curious movement down, but it’s not out, so we asked readers + local experts and rounded up the best local places to get mocktails + some recipes you can create on your own at home.

Easy Bistro

On the menu (all made fresh):

Sophisticated Lady – cranberry, lime, cucumber, salt
Chuck Taylor – grapefruit, ginger ale, citrus, rhubarb
Sober Sunset – orange, grenadine, lemon, tonic
Fauxjito – mint, cucumber, lemon, soda

Flying Squirrel

Customers can ask the bartender to whip up a mocktail on the fly, but Flying Squirrel also usually has a mocktail based on what ingredients are in season. For example, the last one that just sold out was called Pumpkin Puree.

“The next one I’m working on uses beet syrup, habanero ginger syrup, fresh lemon juice, cranberry juice, and soda water. I also plan to put on a non-alcoholic version of our new honey and allspice hot toddy.” – Lukus Smith, bar manager

State of Confusion

Check out Cantaloupe Mint, Strawberry Basil + Lemon cucumber on the menu. Hat tip to @ashleyhuffines for this info.

At-home recipes

From The Bitter Bottle Kaleena Goldsworthy-Warnock

Check out this page for her mocktail recipes + here are Kaleena’s tips for making your own mocktail:

Ask the bartender if they can make a mocktail, even if you don’t see it on the menu, and then be specific. For example, let them know if you want something tart or sweet.
There are many non-alcoholic "spirits" out there now that bars may carry. Seedlip and soda or tonic is a wonderful option if they are offered.

If you want more tips from Kaleena, check out this webinar from The Chattery.

Poll

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