Mocktails Are Cool Year-Round, But Dry January Brings Opportunities to Shake Things Up

Mocktails Are Cool Year-Round, But Dry January Brings Opportunities to Shake Things Up

Sardoodledom at Bludorn (photo by Michael Anthony)

NEW YEAR, NEW… mocktails? Why not! Houston restaurants are seizing the opportunity to shake things up when it comes to their drink lists — and, it turns out, that might make good business sense year-round. One consumer insights platform reports that more than half of customers are trying to drink less alcohol and 75 percent have stopped drinking entirely for at least one month. Many — especially millennial and Gen Z patrons — are seeking tasty replacements when they’re out to eat. We’ve rounded up some of the most innovative options appearing on menus around town this month.


Bludorn

Dove's Nest (photo by Michael Anthony)

Among the four zero-proof cocktails on offer at this Montrose mainstay is the Apple Bottom Sage, with apple, Verjus and fennel-sage foam. And the Sardoodledom — espresso, star anise, citrus and tonic — makes a festive after-dinner bev, too.

Coltivare

Not Tonic (photo by Mike Danae)

Having taken the mocktail fad pretty seriously for the last few years, Coltivare has churned out, unsurprisingly, a few great ones. Try the Perfect Storm — Caleno Dark & Spicy with lime juice, simple syrup, ginger beer and a Coca-Cola floater — or the alcohol-free version of the Heights staple’s famous G&T, with elderflower tonic and green peppercorn.

Eunice

(photo by Duc Hoang)

Spice is nice at this Cajun-Creole restaurant on Buffalo Speedway: Try the Puro Passion with non-alcoholic Cut Above mezcal, passionfruit and black-pepper syrup.

GJ Tavern

Noontime and Daily Program (photo by Michael Anthony)

The intimate Downtown bar from Underbelly Hospitality serves a unique Noontime mocktail with cucumber, pistachio orgeat, lime and tonic. Add CBD for just $4!

Kin Dee

Butterfly Tea Margarita

The authentic Thai restaurant in the Heights has some truly sweet mocktails, like the Mango Sticky Rice drink with Lyre’s non-alcoholic cane spirit, mango puree and coconut milk.

Navy Blue

Now open in Rice Village, Aaron Bludorn’s Navy Blue, like its sister resto Bludorn, has four zero-proof cocktails on the menu, including the cheekily named Peni-chillin with Lapsang Souchong, ginger, lemon and honey.

Nobu

Lyre Liar

Nobu’s Lyre Liar won the Grand Cordon Cocktail Competition last year, and for good reason. Try this concoction with Lyre’s Dark Cane spirit, pineapple, strawberry calpico and coconut cream.

Roots

This East End self-serve wine bar has plenty of non-alcoholic options, including a Eins Zwei sparkling Riesling and a sippable Luminara Red Blend from Napa Valley.

Tobiuo Sushi & Bar

At the Katy sushi star, the fruit-forward Lavender Lychee and Orange Dreamsicle mocktails are simple — but picture-perfect.

Food
Fall Philanthropy Report: March of Dimes’ ‘Signature Chefs’ Event Coming in November

What year was your organization launched? 1938

What is your mission? March of Dimes was founded in 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, to combat polio. The name “March of Dimes” was suggested by entertainer Eddie Cantor as a way to encourage people to donate even a small amount, like a dime, to help fight polio.

Keep Reading Show less

Diana Madero, Thea Pheasey, Alejandra Peterman, Hillary Jebbitt

EIGHT CHEFS, THIRTY years — and one big dinner! Urban Harvest rang in its fourth decade of community gardens, farmers markets and food access at their annual farm-to-table dinner cooked up by some of the most notable chefs in town.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties

The inspired menu at Amalfi emphasizes fresh seafood and, on right, Giancarlo Ferrara

THIS WEDNESDAY, AMALFI Ristorante will transport guests to the sun-soaked shores of Southern Italy’s Campania region, home to the glamorous island of Capri, with a six-course dinner. The menu, curated by Executive Chef Giancarlo Ferrara, will be paired with wines from Agricola Bellaria Winery, one of Campania’s most celebrated estates.

Keep Reading Show less
Food