City Cast

The Best Bars For Dry January

Kaela Cote-Stemmermann
Kaela Cote-Stemmermann
Posted on January 5   |   Updated on June 18
This N/A cocktail at Imperfecto wins my vote for best presentation. (Kaela Cote-Stemmermann/City Cast DC)

This N/A cocktail at Imperfecto wins my vote for best presentation. (Kaela Cote-Stemmermann/City Cast DC)

Want to participate in dry January but still sip a cute little drink? These are the bars for you. All of these have full zero-proof menus that feel as curated and intentional as the real deal.

☂️ Umbrella Dry Drinks – This pop-up bar in Old Town Alexandria is completely alcohol-free and has some seriously sophisticated cocktails. Try the Colin: “whiskey,” lemon, maple, and cinnamon.

🍋 The Green Zone – The Middle East has some of the best nonalcoholic cocktails in the world and The Green Zone is bringing them to D.C. this January. Try the Sparkling Rose Lemonade.

🍸 Queen’s English – This Hong Kong style spot always has great mocktails that don’t feel like an afterthought. Try the Non 4: beetroot, sansho pepper and bayleaf “wine.”

🍐 Fight Club DC – One of the few places I’ve seen booze-free well drinks offered. Plus they’ve got a new menu with lots of cocktails featuring N/A spirits. Try the Rusty Garden Tools: Seedlip, celery water, dill, and mint.

🍹 Serenata – A whole menu of festive and fruity drinks with custom-made simple syrups. Get the Acai: Acai-mint simple syrup, lime, and soda.

🥃 All Purpose DC – If you’re craving classics like G&T’s or whiskey sodas, All Purpose has their booze-free cousins on tap. Try the Amalfi Spritz: like an Aperol spritz, but sober.

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