Your Guide To Dry January In DC

D.C.’s social scene revolves around happy hour, but you know what’s even happier? Not waking up with a raging hangover. While you used to have to scour the city for a decent N/A bevvy, they are now the new norm. So, whether you're going all in for dry January, dabbling in damp January, or just want to try something new, here’s where to get started.

Non-Alcoholic Bars

If you don’t even want to be anywhere near alcohol, these spots are 100% booze-free.

Plant Magic Bottle Shop (Union Market)

This pop-up is dedicated to nonalcoholic cocktails and wellness drinks. Using ingredients like matcha, ashwagandha, and CBD, these mocktails are designed to make you feel good — without the hangover. You can also buy bottles and attend tastings here.

Binge Bar (H Street)

D.C.’s first-ever permanent nonalcoholic bar, Binge Bar offers booze-free twists on classic drinks like negronis, margaritas, and French 75s. The kitchen also makes small Filipino-inspired bites.

Mindful Drinking Fest (Union Market)

Not exactly a bar, but on Jan. 10 - 12, this festival will have the latest and greatest N/A alcohol options to try, along with yoga, mocktail-making classes, dancing, and treats from local vendors.

Stocking Your Booze-Free Home Bar

It’s no longer Athletic Brewing or nothing. Local brands are stepping up their nonalcoholic game.

Port City Hopwell:

This local brewery now makes a nonalcoholic, hop-infused sparkling water, which is bright and fizzy, and floral.

Mocktail Club Canned Cocktails:

You can buy these canned mocktails online or in a variety of local shops and bars. They have five different flavors, but my favorite is the Bombay Fire with pomegranate, tea, agave, and chili.

Pratt Standard Cocktail Syrups:

This D.C. brand makes high-quality mixers and syrups that can be used to easily whip up the perfect mocktail. Think Earl Grey vanilla or rosemary grapefruit. Just add your favorite soda.

Best Non-Alcoholic Cocktails

Almost all D.C. bars have some kind of N/A option, but not all are created equal, here are some personal favorites.

Moon Rabbit (Penn Quarter)

Thỏ Ngọc — $12

Michelin’s 2024 cocktail award winner Thi Nguyen is turning her creativity to N/A offerings this month. The Thỏ Ngọc is made with soursop, osmanthus, lemon, and vegan foam. Another menu favorite is the milk tea with oolong, oat milk, pandan syrup, and grass jelly.

Service Bar (U Street Corridor)

Yuzu Matcha Slurpie — $12

This blended cocktail has yuzu, lime, coconut milk, and matcha in one of Service Bar’s classic Tiki cups.

Death & Co. (Blagden Alley)

The Elder Days — $22

This award-winning cocktail bar puts as much thought into their zero-proof options as their cocktails, resulting in elaborate and complex mocktails. The Elder Days drink has Pathfinder Hemp & Root, Seedlip, Lyre’s Coffee, cold brew, and raspberry.

Lutèce (Georgetown)

Indulgence in Moderation — $15

Lutèce carries a wide selection of N/A wines and drinks year-round, like the “Indulgence in Moderation” with roots bianco, verjus, honey, and almond. They even offer a $55 “Sans Alcohol” pairing with their Chef’s Table menu.

The Wells (Eastern Market)

Saraceno — $12

An insane but genius mix of burrata water, N/A gin, and toasted corn, the Sarcaceno is toasty, earthy, and desirous. Also try the Sadakos 1000 cranes with yuzu and vanilla.