Black Lamb’s Salted Grapefruit Gimlet. PC: Reagan Byrne Photography
After too many spiked eggnogs and mugs of mulled cider over the holidays, many of us find ourselves needing a break from alcohol. While you’re organizing your life for the new year, you may also consider decluttering your diet. But specifically, the boozy part of it. And so begins Dry January.
But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck in hibernation mode until the 31st. There are plenty of bars and restaurants in Boston that offer booze-free mocktails. And we’re here to say that they’re pretty darn delicious. Read on for a few of our favorites around town.
On top of delicious authentic Hunan Chinese cuisine and live music every week, Sumiao offers several booze-free beverages. Missing warmer weather? Try out their Mango & Mint Microgravity made with fresh mango puree, muddled mint & lime, and soda water. For something even fruitier, go for the The Weeze – a delicious mix of cranberry juice, lemonade, and lychee syrup.
270 Third Street, Cambridge, MA 02142
Their new Cambridge location has been busy since the moment it opened, and their food and drinks prove why. For those looking for a mocktail this month, Gustazo has four awesome drinks to choose from. What’s more, they’re not all on the sweeter side like mocktails often are. For something different, go for the Coconut MarTEAni made with coconut cream, green tea, and lemongrass. Like it spicy? Brace your taste buds for the Smokey Cuban made with Lapsang souchong tea, cinnamon, salted caramel, 1821 havana & hide bitters, and tobacco spray. Whew!
2067 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
Bostonians are perpetually living in iced coffee season, so those of you in need of a little caffeine fix with your dinner might want to check out The Shakerato at Black Lamb. It’s made with espresso, vanilla, and orange and will knock an espresso martini out of the park. But in case you’re off caffeine in January too (double whammy!) go for the Salted Grapefruit Gimlet made with house lime cordial.
571 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02118
You may not expect a speakeasy hidden behind a fake barbershop to have some killer mocktails, but Yvonne’s surely does. Choose from either the Aqcua Fresca made with watermelon, basil, lime, and soda, or the Strawberry Fields, made with strawberry, coco, green tea, and lime. Both refreshing drinks will have you forgetting you wanted a cocktail in the first place.
2 Winter Pl, Boston, MA 02108
Both the Brookline and South End locations offer two mocktails that pair perfectly with all the guac, tacos, and street corn you can stuff yourself with. For something super refreshing, go for the Coco Loco Limeade, made with coconut water, coconut cream, and lime. Want something just a touch sweeter? Order the Agua Fresca, made with hibiscus flower, lemon, agave, and mint. But make sure to save room for those Burro Churros!
1665 Beacon St. Washington Square, Brookline, MA 02445 and
1357 Washington St., Boston, MA 02118
