Welcoming a New Year can be a joyous occasion—a slate filled with jottings of 2023 can officially be wiped away—a fresh restart. As you strategize your resolutions, a few grasp the attention of the vast population: a consistent exercise routine, a reading list of more than ten books, homemade sourdough bread, and finding the best mocktails in Chicago in lieu of alcoholic beverages.
All of these undertakings involve self-discipline; however, one is indisputably difficult, especially if you spend your weekends surrounded by tequila, vodka, rum, etc. So, whether you’re participating in Dry January in Chicago or it’s an indefinite commitment, we’ve rounded up the best mocktails in Chicago.
Ranalli’s
Known for its delicious pizzas, iconic apps, and convivial setting, Ranalli’s Lincoln Park is the quintessential place for a Saturday evening of communal banter while sipping refreshing mocktails in Chicago.
Zero-proof drinks included on the menu are a Phantom Mule (Lyre’s Zero Proof Spirit, lime, and ginger beer), Old Fashioned (Lyre’s American Single Malt (Non-Alcoholic Spirit), demerara and aromatic bitters) a Classic Margarita (Lyre’s Agave Blanco Spirit (Non-Alcoholic Spirit), Lyre’s Orange Sec (Non-Alcoholic Spirit), lime and agave), and more.
Lyra
Inspired by the natural Greek lifestyle, the stunning Lyrà is the closest destination to Santorini you’ll get in Chicago, serving the most exclusive mouthwatering Greek delicacies. Along with sharable plates such as slow-roasted lamb gyros and Spanakopitakia, they also have these refreshing mocktails to complement its fresh, holistic fare: the Halara, Amass Zero Proof, Pomegranate, Lemon, Mint And Tonic, and the Cypress, Amass Zero Proof, Pineapple, Lime And Ginger.
Fioretta
One of the best eateries in Chicago, this Italian American Steakhouse has a sumptuous atmosphere reminiscent of a new-age Copacabana. This enigmatic spot is located in West Loop with a savory menu featuring old-world Italian cuisine. The most satisfying part is you can pair your medium rare steak with sophisticated, alcohol-free alternatives like Fioretta’s Pineapple Punch, a seed lip, Grapefruit, Pineapple, Cardamom, Ginger, and Lemon.
Esmé
Most notably, it was where Richie learned how to meticulously clean forks on The Bear; Esmé is one of the places that breathes exquisite dining, and some of us hope to try it at least once in our lives. While you may think you have to pair wine with a tasting menu, the Michelin-starred restaurant serves up one of the best culinary-driven mocktails in Chicago.
At Esmé, Bar Lead Stevan Miller utilizes the Michelin-starred kitchen as an extension of the bar to create a variety of spirit-free cocktails curated to the ever-changing tasting menu and also available a la carte.
Galit
Another Michelin-starred restaurant, Galit, offers a localized approach to dishes from the Middle East that pair wonderfully with mocktails—they even put their unique twist on non-alcoholic cocktails with fizzy, fruity, and herby sodas made in-house.
The infamous Gazoz from Tel Aviv inspires the Gazoz. Based on sparkling water, Galit’s Gazoz is infused with homemade shrubs and syrups, fermented fruits, spices, herbs, and various flowers. It’s as refreshing as visually stunning, thanks to a fun play of textures and vibrant colors.
Tacombi
Located in Fulton Market, Tacombi is Chicago’s newest taqueria serving up gastronomical Chicago Mexican delights. While it may seem margarita and taqueria go seamlessly together, that’s not the case here.
Tacombi offers its spin on spirit-free cocktails with a selection of spirit-free options like Aguas Frescas made fresh daily in various flavors, such as Agua de Sandia, Agua de Piña, Agua de Jamaica, and more.
Benchmark
With over 40 flat-screen TVs, Benchmark is one of the lively sports bars in the heart of Old Town. The menu includes shareable snacks, burgers, pizza, beer, and signature mocktails, making it the perfect place to celebrate Dry January in Chicago.
The Chicago mocktails include Zero Proof Mules, Classic Margaritas, Old Fashions, Floral Modern Mule, Harvest Apple (10mg Delta-8 HEMP derived THC).
Costera Cocina
When the sun diminishes from your view and the sky turns into a rich orange, you should head straight to Costera Cocina. The wonderous spot is a vibrant bohemian restaurant that will transport you to the jungle and bring you savory Mexican dishes. Even better, this restaurant has some of the best mocktails in Chicago, as Tulum’s coastal and Mayan cuisine inspires them; Costera Cocina offers three alcohol-free alternatives, including Puerto Vallarta and the Michoacan. Diners will feel like they’re on vacation while enjoying refreshing Jarritos in mandarin or grapefruit flavors.
LondonHouse Chicago
LondonHouse Chicago, renowned for its elegance, style, and divine igloo dining, is offering a selection of expertly crafted drinks designed to provide a sophisticated and enjoyable experience for those who prefer non-alcoholic options, such as the Aperitif & Soda, a Bitter-Sweet Aperitif Cordial, Soda, Orange; One In A Melon, a Seedlip Garden, RTC Mallorca Melon Shrub, Pineapple, Lemon; Kombucha Spritz, a Ginger/Lemon Kombucha, Raspberry, Soda, Basil; and Tost Wine, Bottle Sparkling White Tea, Cranberry, Ginger, $40/bottle.
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila
Bodega Taqueria is not your ordinary restaurant—especially the one in West Loop. The front of the restaurant brings a delectable menu, ranging from classic tacos to cheesy quesadillas, but most importantly, it has some of the best mocktails in Chicago. They offer 3 zero-proof options: spiced Mule: Seed Lip Spice 94, Spiced Ginger Agave, Lime, Owen’s Ginger Beer, $14; No-Paloma: Seedlip Notas De Agave, Spicy Agave, Owen’s Ruby Red Grapefruit, Lime, $14; Garden Lemonade: Seed Lip Garden 108, Cucumber, Lime, Hot Honey, Sicilian Lemonade, Citrus Rosemary Salt, $14
However, once you’ve devoured your tacos and sipped on your mocktails, head down the narrow hallway to the speakeasy in the back that turns into a club later on in the night.
LAUREL
If you’re in the Gold Coast this dry January in Chicago then head to LAUREL at the Talbott Hotel. The dining destination seamlessly blends New American creativity with Mediterranean flavor with menu items like the renditions of Muhammara, Taramosalata, and Roasted Beet Mutabal mezes, which are must-orders, or the delicious yogurt-marinated Chicken “Joojey” and Tagliatelle Pasta “Tsouhti.” They also offer two spiritless cocktails: Juniper Lane: Juniper Berry Syrup, Lime, Club, $12; Yuzu Fizz: Mandarin Boba, Yuzu Fizz Club, $12.