The beginning of the year always feels like an appropriate time to bring out the adage, “Out with the old and in with the new.” This year, that 100% goes for outdated ideas about what it means to drink a nonalcoholic cocktail.
In years past, opting for something zero-proof usually meant an O’Douls or a club soda with lime along with a boring story no one wanted to hear about how you’re driving home or have a big day tomorrow. Luckily, those days are long behind us. Mindful drinking or abstaining entirely has become a badge of honor. In fact, it has become so popular that in 2024, nearly 25% of American adults claim to have participated in Dry January, according to a Civic Science study.
It’s no wonder that the low and no-alcohol beverage sector has exploded in the last few years, with the worldwide market now worth over $13 billion. Companies like Lyre’s, Ritual and Seedlip have worked tirelessly with experts to craft alternatives or all-new botanical creations that can mimic the mouthfeel and flavor profile of alcohol — all of which can be easily found at your local grocery or liquor store.
Restaurants around town are following the trend, stepping up their alcohol-free game with flavorful libations you might even like better than the originals — especially the next morning. Ushered along with the recent renaissance of craft cocktails, master mixologists have been putting these flavorful new alcohol alternatives to good use. We’ve rounded up some of the most stellar takes on your old favorites, as well as some all-new flavorful concoctions you won’t want to miss.
The Espresso Not-tini — Volstead
Fans of extending a good night out and the buzz a good espresso martini can bring can’t get enough of Volstead’s Espresso Not-tini, featuring rich espresso mingled with demerara sugar and sweet cream cold foam, elegantly garnished with espresso beans for that perfect touch. If a caffeine jolt past noon isn’t for you, Southlake’s first speakeasy has other must-try options like an NA version of their popular Strawberry Mule, made from fresh strawberries, lemon, simple sugar and ginger beer. The Spicy Cucumber Spritzer, offering a unique blend of lime, agave, cucumber and a hint of serrano, all topped with sparkling water for a crisp finish is also a huge hit.
Moxies’ must-try nonalcoholic cocktail, Tropic Thunder, features a tangy botanical blend of passion fruit, lemon juice and Seedlip Garden 108, which is a distilled alcohol free spirit with subtle hints of rosemary, spearmint, thyme and hops. The chili lime rim adds a zesty kick that will send your taste buds soaring. They also have a beautifully herbal Rosemary Grapefruit Tonic, combining fresh rosemary with grapefruit juice and pineapple, topped off with cold tea and the invigorating fizz of Fever-Tree ginger beer.
No-Grosni Sbagliato — Muchacho
There is no doubt that the Negroni and its lower-alcohol version, the Negroni Sbagliato, made with Prosecco instead of gin, reigned supreme this summer. If you’re looking for a similar and even lighter sparkler to tickle your taste buds, Muchacho’s No-Grosni Sbagliato, a tangy and ever-so-slightly bitter mix of Lyre’s Italian Orange, Lyre’s Rosso, nonalcoholic sparkling wine and a dash of rose water is unquestionably the way to go.
For a zesty and vibrant margarita alternative, they work their well-known margarita magic with the Mock-a-Rita, which blends hibiscus-infused Lyre’s Agave with lime and a touch of agave sweetness. The No-Fashioned is a soon-to-be classic with Lyre’s American Malt combined with Chica Morada and a hint of orange.
The Berry Patch combines muddled strawberries, almond rosewater syrup and coconut soda, resulting in an “I-need-another-sip” effect. “[It] goes great with crab, particularly King Crab, as the brininess plays a delicious counterpoint to the refreshing fruitiness of the drink,” Truluck's Beverage Director Dave Mattern says. You also won’t want to miss the Blackberry Bramble, a nod to their fan-favorite Spicy Blackberry Margarita. The spicy hint of habanero syrup is guaranteed to delight. If an island vacation is more your style, the Hibiscus Fresca is the way to go.
Pompelmo Harvest Sparkler Mocktail — The Henley
Grapefruit lovers rejoice. The Henley has created a mouthwatering blend that will tingle your taste buds. The Pompelmo Harvest Sparkler Mocktail is a refreshing mix of grapefruit puree with San Pellegrino Pompelmo and a Tajin rim. For a sweeter option, try the Strawberry Mocktail, with fresh strawberries, honey, Fever Tree club soda, fresh lime and mint.
The Pineapple Express — The Curve Lounge
Much like the film starring Seth Rogan and James Franco, The Pineapple Express is an energetic blend of CBD soda and pineapple juice, enhanced with a splash of lime and a hint of grenadine that will put you in a zen state. The Chico Berry is also highly recommended with a blend of Lyre’s Agave nonalcoholic spirit mixed with strawberry puree, carbonated Topo Chico, a squeeze of lemon and a touch of mint, creating a revitalizing and fragrant experience.