These mocktail spots are perfect for when you want a drink, without the hangover!
Corey Fuller - Staff Writer•
Whether you’re looking for a mocktail this Dry January or longing for something new to do in NYC, there are some alcohol-free options available! Booze-free bars and retailers have been an emerging trend in the city for a few years now, and we wanted to round up our favorite spots for our sober curious friends. No matter if you’re in the mood for a non-alcoholic IPA or a stunning and colorful mocktail, we’ve got some ideas for you!
1. , East Village
Abby Ehmann, the founder of Hekate firmly believes that “booze shouldn’t be the only basis for socializing.” At her brand new dive bar located in the East Village, this elixir lounge is proudly serving all sorts of alcohol-free co*cktails, beers, and more. Try one of their standouts like the “Jalapeno Margarita” (Seedlip Grove, lime juice, seltzer, and jalapeno simple syrup) or “The Healer” (Apothekary’s Blue Me Away, lemonade, seltzer, and lavender simple syrup), all while in a cozy atmosphere around like-minded people.
Where: 167 Avenue B
2. Getaway, Greenpoint
Getaway in Greenpoint is a chic social hangout with lots of crafted mocktails that you need to try out. Although they’re a coffee shop at heart, they do many things including serve food, host other businesses’ pop ups, throw events, and of course serve booze-free concoctions. This spot is great for candlelit date nights, going casually to mingle with people, and really anything in between!
Where: 158 Green St, Brooklyn
3. Absence of Proof, Pop-Up
Absence of Proof is a pop-up event series across NYC that offers a vibrant environment for the sober-curious! When its founder Elizabeth Gascoigne decided to stop drinking last year, she conceptualized her own form of socialization that has quickly taken off. After being named to Adweek’s Creative 100, her slew of massively successful events are returning for Dry January. Check them out below and learn more here!
- January 6: Non-Alcoholic Menu Launch at Georgia Room
- January 19: Absence Of Proof x Shopify: Dry January Panel, Party & Pop-Up Shop
- January 21: Dry January Supper Club
4. Club Curious, Williamsburg
Club Curious is a sober speakeasy located in Williamsburg that allows like-minded people to come together and have a fun night! For Dry January this year, there is two booze-free events happening on January 10 and 24! Check them out below and be sure to RSVP!
- January 10: Dry January Kick Off with Bigvision and DJ Hanzi
- January 24: Chiefs to Change – Boogie and Sip with Dr. Brooke
5. abcV, Flatiron
If you’re looking for locally sourced mocktails, abcV offers a variety of tonics and elixirs that pair nicely with their organic-based food menu. Their elegant and dreamy interior is the perfect atmosphere to relax in, all while hanging with friends or going for a nice meal. It’s important to note that this spot isn’t entirely booze-free, but they do have some menu items that are non-alcoholic!
Where: 38 E 19th St
6. Listen Bar, Pop-Up
Listen Bar is another pop-up “bar” that occasionally makes its way through NYC several times a year. Most recently, they threw a Halloween rooftop extravaganza with a widely successful turnout. They also offer virtual classes that take you through the art of booze-free mixology and how to make their signature mocktails. Although their previous event was a few months back, be sure to stay tuned to their Instagram to see when their next NYC activation will be!
Where: Pop-Up locations
7. Boisson, Various Locations
Boisson is a non-alcoholic retailer that offers one of the largest ranges of booze-free goodies you can imagine. Their range of inventory consists of everything from aperitifs to mixers to beers to wines. Their curated list of brands they carry is done with precision and is astonishing to see if you step foot into one of their 6 locations. Plus, they host tastings at all of their locations all the time so you can get a first-hand taste of their products!
Where:
Cobble Hill – 177 Court Street, Brooklyn
West Village – 330 Bleecker Street
UES – 1025 Lexington Ave
Williamsburg – 148 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn
UWS – 326 Columbus Ave
Rockefeller Center – 30, Rockefeller Plaza
8. Spirited Away, LES
Spirited Away was a pandemic idea that came to life in 2020 and has been selling non-alcoholic products ever since. They sell items like ready-to-drink co*cktails, bottles of spirits, packs of canned drinks, and so much more. They also host tons of in-store events including tastings, parties, and live DJ sets! Many consider this spot one of the first non-alcoholic bottle shops in NYC, so it’s safe to say they know what they’re doing over here!
Where: 177 Mott St
9. Minus Moonshine, Prospect Heights
Last but not least is Minus Moonshine, another retail space conceptualized by its two owners Melissa and Aqxyl. Their store features an assortment of different brands, probably thanks to the passion they put into scouting out the best beverage companies in the industry. Their non-alcoholic wine selection is one of the most impressive in NYC and their beers and spirits aren’t bad either. They host community events every once in a while too, so be sure to check out their social media to see when things are happening!
Where: 433 Sterling Pl, Brooklyn
For more January ideas to kick off 2023, be sure to check our favorite 50 things to do in NYC this month!
