Windsor Fire cocktail at Marigold Club
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!
Bar Bludorn
Bartender Alejandro Medina pours a mean margarita — with or without tequila! But for something more unique, try the virgin Amaretto Sour with pineapple. Plus, at the original Bludorn restaurant in Montrose, a portion of proceeds from all mocktails goes to Ben's Friends, a national nonprofit for hospitality workers struggling with addiction.
Bandista
This month, the speakeasy inside the Four Seasons Hotel Downtown features the zero-proof Crystal Cube Libre in a beautiful glass bottle, and the bartenders can also whip up a bespoke "Dealer's Choice" mocktail upon request.
Duck N Bao
Love at First Sight
The award for variety may go to this Chinese spot with locations in Rice Village, Cypress and Memorial. All 14 specialty cocktails can easily be made NA (and are only $6!). Try the sweet-and-sour-inspired Love at First Sight with pomegranate and lemon.
Little Woodrow's
Who doesn't love options? Little Woodrow's shakes up a yummy Cherried Away — sweet black cherry, vanilla, lime, salt and cola — and a more tropical Faux Loma with grapefruit and a spicy rim. Any of the mocktails here can be transformed into a full-blown cocktail, or even a low-BVA version, upon request. It's up to you!
Hungry's
Hungry's (photo by Jenn Duncan)
A Houston classic for healthful dining, Hungry's — including its massive new outpost on Woodway — has fantastic options for Dry January. The anti-inflammatory Ginger Turmeric Tonic is topped with sparkling water for a vibrant and tummy-pleasing affair!
JUN
For something comforting yet refreshing, opt for the zero-proof Oye Morro: Salvadoran Horchata, coconut milk, lime, pineapple gomme syrup, and piloncillo. When it inevitably warms up, cool down with a Tamarind Arnold Palmer!
Katami
The bar team at Katami has a fantastic NA botanical spirit to mix into some of its standout cocktails, such as the Okinawa Sizzle with passionfruit and lime, or the Shiso Side with yuzu, shiso and hot sesame oil.
Marigold Club
Windsor Fire
Craving a martini? Hit up Marigold Club in Montrose for a spirit-free, olive-forward version called Secret Garden. Alternatively, the Windsor Fire — allspice distillate, grapefruit, lemon — will warm you up from the inside out this month.
Milton's
Caffe Nonoretto
Director of Bars Máté Hartai offers an alcohol-free version of her popular Caffe Noncoretto: pistachio milk, house amaro blend, brown sugar and almond, all steamed and aerated before served hot in a frozen espresso cup, tableside. We'll drink to that!
Phat Eatery
Be whisked away to a tropical paradise at Phat Eatery in Katy and The Woodlands: The Coco Paradise has pineapple, passionfruit and coconut, while the Lychee Sunrise is comprised of fresh lychee, orange juice and pomegranate-reduced-syrup. Say ahhhh!
Verde Garden
Enjoy this cute patio spot with a Como La Flor in hand. The sparkling concoction is made with Lyre's Dry London, orange, lime, grenadine and ginger beer.
Photo courtesy Visit Jackson Hole
A summer view from a suite balcony