Zero-proof cocktails at Moxies
HOUSTON BARS AND restaurants are making the most of Dry January by revamping their cocktail and mocktail lists. Increasingly, patrons are searching for non- and low-alcoholic options to capitalize on health and wellness benefits — and the city's best mixologists are taking note. Standard offerings like a virgin mule or a fun lemonade remain, but read on for some of the more inventive mocktails you'll find on menus around town!
Bludorn
Dove's Nest at Bludorn
Bludorn's beverage director Fabio Pontes has a few twists up his sleeve — or should we say in his nest? — for 2024. The Dove's Nest concoction has grapefruit, lime, Seedlip Garden, vanilla, and 807 Hot Sauce; and the Dodo Bird is a unique mix of pineapple, Giffard Non-Alcoholic Aperitif, bitter tea, lime and molasses.
Coltivare
Down in Kokomo (photo by Mikah Danae)
One of the first Houston restaurants to promote a full zero-proof cocktail list year-round, Coltivare is back at it. New collabs with Sipple include the Down in Kokomo, a version of a daiquiri with Ritual Rum, and there's also a uniquely large offering of NA beer and wine on the Dry January menu, too.
Eunice
The Cinnamon Sunrise's blend of cinnamon, orange juice and lemon juice is both warm and bright, complementing the Gulf seafood on the menu at Eunice.
Gratify, Coppa Osteria and More
Fashion Week (photo by Leah Wilson), available at Coppa Osteria
Available at popular Rice Village restaurant Gratify and its sister concepts (Flora, Coppa Osteria and Graffiti Raw), a new zero-proof menu touts the Radiant Roots (orange, ginger and cold-pressed carrot juice) as well as the Golden Hour (peaches and green tea). More offerings at Coppa Osteria include non-alcoholic versions of its most popular cocktails, the Ginger Fizz and Fashion Week.
Lulu's
This neighborhood gem on Kirby at Westheimer has a compelling new reason to visit: The Guavaissimo beverage has guava puree, pepe coco, pineapple juice and Seedlip 120.
MaKiin
Pu Lae Pineapple (photo by Sean Rainer)
MaKiin doesn't skimp on mocktail garnishes: Its non-alcoholic-rum-based Pu Lae Pineapple has coconut, lime, and is topped with a sugar-coated pineapple.
Marmo
Ragazza Mela (photo courtesy Atlas Restaurant Group)
Apple cider, almond, and star anise? Say no more. The Ragazza Mela at Marmo is a festive way to ring in Dry January.
Money Cat
Matchalada (photo by Sabrina Miskelly)
The name is pretty self-explanatory — but the Matchalada, with matcha, coconut and pineapple, has an unexpected zing of kabosu, a cousin of yuzu.
Moxies
Nutty Chai cold brew at Moxies
Now that the holidays are over, it's time to brave the Galleria traffic and hit up some of the hot spots on Post Oak, like Moxies. Don't sleep on the Nutty Chai, with Hazelnut Reàl, chai syrup and Lavazza cold brew.
Verde Garden
Como la Flor (photo by Cathy Rizer)
This hidden-gem patio spot is a must-visit on a pretty day, and its $6 Como la Flor concoction — orange juice, lime, ginger beer, housemade grenadine — is just one more reason to go!
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Yvonne Chen