Did you overdo it during the holidays? If so, you’re not alone. Two-thirds of Americans say they overindulge in food, and a third drink more alcohol than usual during the winter holiday season, according to a survey from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. As a sort of detox, a British organization called Alcohol Change UK launched the Dry January concept in 2012 to encourage people to avoid alcohol during the first month of the new year—a movement that has taken off. A quarter of Americans say they completed Dry January in 2024, according to CivicScience, an opinion analytics platform. If you’re feeling sober-curious this year, or you’re among the 38% of people who never have alcohol, these restaurants have just the mocktail for you.
Ambar
This Balkan-inspired restaurant in Clarendon has four mocktails on the menu. Try the Carrot Ginger Spritz, with fresh carrot and cucumber juice and ginger beer; the Mango Mule with mango puree; or the Grapefruit Garden Garden Fizz, with grapefruit cordial and tonic water. // 2901 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Caboose Commons
You’ll find several buzz-free beverages on the menu in solidarity with Dry January at this coffeehouse/brewery: Orange Ginger Fizz, Vanilla Chai Fizz, Country Apple Tonic and Cran Apple Cooler. Plus, the restaurant will offer Hop Water, a mix of carbonated water and hops, on tap. The result is a beer flavor sans alcohol. // 2918 Eskridge Road, Fairfax (Mosaic District)
Divan
This Persian-Mediterranean restaurant has seven mocktails at the ready. They include the Blackberry Bramble (muddled blackberries, rose-lavender-cardamom syrup, hibiscus tea and sparkling fruit cider) and the Emerald River (basil, green grapes, Persian cucumber, honey, lime juice and sparkling water.) // 1313 Old Chain Bridge Road, McLean
Immigrant Food
Try an alcohol-free version of Kanha, the signature cocktail available only at the Ballston location of this gastroadvocacy eatery. The $10 drink is made with honey, fresh lime, muddled Thai basil, cucumber and jalapeño, and is named after Kanha National Park in Central India, which is known for its evergreen Sal forests and a Bengal tiger reserve. // 4245 Fairfax Drive, Arlington (Ballston)
Joon
Find Persian-inspired zero-proof beverages at this upscale Tysons restaurant. Options include the Doogh, a traditional Persian carbonated yogurt beverage with mint, plus four craft sodas in flavors including sour cherry and rosemary, apricot and basil, and mango and ginger spritz. // 8045 Leesburg Pike, Vienna
Palette 22 VA
Five spirit-free beverages are on the menu for Dry January at this Shirlington restaurant and artists’ enclave. The options include a Blue Boy Mojito (blueberries, mint, lime juice, simple syrup and club soda), Sobrio Margarita (fresh lime juice, house-made sour mix and simple syrup), and Basil-Ginger Lemonade (ginger beer, lemon and basil syrup). // 4053 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Ruthie’s All-Day
This Best of Arlington 2025 winner for brunch has non-alcoholic beverages to complement its “big breakfast plates” of eggs, bacon, grits and more. The Garden Sipper is made with cucumber, honey, mint, lemon and soda, while the Draft Kombucha is a mix of Baltimore-based Wild Bay kombucha, strawberry and lavender. // 3411 Fifth St., S., Arlington (Arlington Heights Historic District)
SER
The family-owned Spanish restaurant offers four booze-free quaffs to wash down your paella. The Lunita G&T features zero-proof gin, fresh green apple, lemon, strawberries, mint and tonic. The Sabilicious is made with zero-proof tequila, fresh watermelon puree, lime, agave and shishito peppers. // 1110 N. Glebe Road, Arlington (Ballston)
Surreal
Sip on Enchanted Lemonade and zero-proof piñas and lychee martinis. The former is made with lemon, lime, condensed milk and blue spirulina, while the piña colada is packed with zero-proof spirits (which have less than 0.5% alcohol by volume), pineapple, coconut and condensed milk. A non-alcoholic martini blends zero-proof spirits, lychee and figs. // 2117 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
