It’s the first month of the new year, and many of us are opting for a refreshing, impactful, and even alcohol-free start.
Propelled by the Covid-19 pandemic, the desire to practice soberness and embrace Dry January has become increasingly popular. The market to capitalize on a spirits-free industry is on the rise with many familiar and emerging companies offering zero-proof beers, dealcoholized wine, and non-alcoholic spirits to match wellness change.
In Chicago, many restaurants and bars offer booze-free options. Along with spaces that allow sober and sober curious drinkers to sample delicious options year round and sip booze-free with at-home options supplied by local vendors and retailers.
If you are opting out of alcohol for the start of the year, a week, or even a few days—this guide has options that make it easy to try ‘dry’ this season.
Chicago Restaurants and Bars with Notable Mocktails
Bokeh
The intimate and sophisticated cocktail bar in Albany Park offers a savory and sweet selection of alcohol-free cocktail options. Sample seasonal selections of cocktails like the herbal and complex Silent Ceremony or toasty and creamy Ek Balam this Dry January.
Lonesome Rose
Lonesome Rose keeps the spirit-free cocktails classic with offerings like the N/A Margarita, N/A Ginger Daiquiri, and N/A Michelada to pair with their creative assortment of Mexican & Tex-Mex fare.
Nobody’s Darling
Visit Nobody’s Darling for dreamy and delicious cocktails that match the hip Andersonville atmosphere that is laid back, classy, and cool. Mocktails, like the Darling Nojito will give you an endless summer in a cup, even if you have the winter blues.
Bill Sunday
The Logan Square bar takes a culinary approach to flavor, balance, and whimsy with their cocktails. And, the craft does not go unnoticed in their spirit free beverages like the Lupine Lady, Teacher’s Pet, and Spirit Free Amaro Daiquiri.
Kumiko
The Wet Loop bar led by creative director and bartender Julia Momosé crafts expressive and elegant spirit-free beverage experiences. When you’re not drinking alcohol, opt for Kumiko’s array of diverse and distinct drinks like the floral-based Time to Shine or the bitter yet elegant Remedy.
Summer House Santa Monica
Theall-season indoor restaurant in Lincoln Park offers a variety of refreshing zero-proof options that pair well with their California-inspired menu. Sip back and relax with these expertly made mocktails.
The Loyalist
The West Loop neighborhood restaurant and bar, inspired by the bustling brasseries of France offer seasonal selections of spirit-free cocktails like the Juicy featuring Lyre’s “Cane Spirit” to the Herbal & Citrus featuring the botanical-based non-alcoholic spirt—Seedlip Garden.
Where to shop for non-alcoholic beverages during Dry January in Chicago
Prāzbar is Chicago’s Non-Alcoholic Wine Shop and tastings destination. The first of its kind in the city, the retailer is stocked solely with alcohol-free spirits. The bottle shop, founded by Quenjana Adams holds pop-ups in various locations. Now through March 30th, visitors can browse and sample alcohol-free options at the pop’s newest location in Chicago’s River West neighborhood.
Kimbark Beverage Shoppe in Hyde Park is a locally, black-owned liquor shop that offers a thorough selection of zero-proof beer, wine, and spirits. Shop for these alcohol-free beverages at the store or have them delivered straight to your door this Dry January.
Drizly gets you a variety of non-alcoholic beverages in under 60 minutes. Sample offerings from BIPOC and women-owned communities, that range from classic Italian Sprtizs to a variety of non-alcoholic Gins. Add zero-proof beverages to your bar cart with ease with Drizly.
Other Ways to Take Advantage of Dry January in Chicago
These resources are available year around for those looking for more alcoholic free options, a sober community, and more:
- Chicago AF – a free nonprofit sober community in Chicago that offers monthly social events, including the NA DAY, a non-alcoholic tasting event featuring pours from 20 brands offering non-alcoholic wine, beer, and spirits.
- Chicago non-alcoholic craft beer maker, Big Drop Brewing Co. is a bold alternative for craft drinks who enjoy hoppy flavors and think outside the box when it comes to their love of beers.
- If you are looking for a sober bar in Chicago, stop by Bendicion Bar in Humboldt Park. The LatinX sober bar and social space offer non-alcoholic options plus, a variety of unique local goods through their partnership with The Succulent City.
