If you’re participating in the annual tradition of Dry January – 31 days of abstaining from alcohol – you might think you’re stuck ordering water, club soda or Coca-Cola whenever you’re at Newport bars this month. While that may be true at many venues, we scoped out a few spots in town offering stand-out “mocktails” or other alcohol-free beverages on their menus that will make your sober January a little more interesting. Here are some of our favorite sans-spirit drinks that refresh and taste exceptional. Cheers to a healthy start to 2017.
PERRO SALADO | Resisting a famous Spicy Cucumber margarita at Perro Salado is tough. But fear not. Perro Salado has more than a couple of creative and delicious alcohol-free drinks on their menu. So when it’s Dry January, try one of these refrescos:
Agua Frescas / ginger-hibiscus, cucumber, watermelon, or blood orange / $4.00
Cilantro-Lime Soda / house made and refreshing / $4.50
Limeade / Add any flavor, $0.50 / $4.00
Iced Mint Green Tea / $3.00
Jarritos Soda / mango or torronja (grapefruit) / $4.50
CASTLE HILL INN | If you’re at Castle Hill Inn during Dry January, you will have to hold off on trying a wine from their extensive collection, but you can still treat yourself to the sweet Beach Rose Comber mocktail on their menu, or ask for a Yacht Club Soda, a Rhode Island-made soda brand that just celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 2015.
Beach Rose Comber / Vanilla-rose sour, cherry, soda / $9
Yacht Club Soda / <$5
MIDTOWN OYSTER BAR | On a cold winter day, a hot toddy is the perfect winter warmer. But if it’s Dry January, save those whiskey drinks for February and March and order the hot apple cider at Midtown Oyster Bar instead.
Hot Apple Cider / <$5
DIEGO’S | This wharf spot has one of the largest and most creative craft cocktail selections in town. Sure, you could order any one of the drinks sans spirits, but why not save the calories and save your bartender’s time by opting for one of the best sparkling beverages out there – Spindrift Grapefruit Soda. It’s a sparkling water made with real fruit juice – a tastier and more resolution-friendly option than typical soda.
Spindrift Grapefruit Soda / $3.50
Honorable Mention: Fluke Wine Bar is closed for the month of January, but has several sans-spirits drinks that you can order when they reopen in February.
FLUKE WINE BAR | The harbor side cocktail bar offers three refreshing booze-free beverages that are each worth a try. At just $5 each, these wallet-friendly mocktails are also well-suited for those resolved to be more budget-conscious this year.
Sun Spritzer / Fresh Ginger and Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Charged Water / $5
Minty Lime Citron Pressé / Fresh Mint, Fresh Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Charged Water / $5
Passion Pom Fizz / Passion Fruit Juice, Super POM, Fresh Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Charged Water / $5
What are your favorite mocktails or non-alcoholic drinks in Newport? Comment below!