New Year, New Mocktails — Here Are the Most Unexpected NA Twists in Town

New Year, New Mocktails — Here Are the Most Unexpected NA Twists in Town

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!

Food
Leadership in Action: Clothiers Murry and Karen Penner Celebrate Family Business’ 50-Year Anny

Murry & Karen Penner, Owners, M PENNER

How did you get where you are today? We’ve stayed true to the vision of the store’s founder, Morris Penner, who relentlessly sought out unique product, with exceptional quality being a key element. Morris always used to say, “The fastest way to lose a customer is to bore him” and we agree. A percentage of every season’s budget is allocated to something new and unique. While product is key, it’s not enough. Having an excellent staff and discipline in business practices is also critical.

Keep Reading Show less

Valentino, Debbie and Rudy Festari

A STYLISH CROWD of more than 350 gathered at a River Oaks Country Club luncheon to celebrate Italian culture in Houston and take in a bright fall fashion show from Saks Fifth avenue.

Keep Reading Show less
Fashion+Home

Lady Stephanie Kimbrell, Cory McGee, and Butler Studio artists, Ani Kushyan, Alissa Goretsky and Elizabeth Hanje (photo by Michelle Watson)

ALL OF THE top performing arts organizations in Houston have now officially opened their 2024-2015 seasons, now that Houston Grand Opera has bowed with a stirring performance of Verdi’s Il trovatore at The Wortham followed by a lavish al fresco dinner in a tent on the plaza out front.The Houston Ballet and the Houston Symphony held their own grand opening night festivities earlier in the fall.

Keep Reading Show less
Art+Culture