Did you overdo it during the holidays? If so, you’re not alone. The average American drinks 27% more during the holidays than at other times, according to the Addiction Center. As a sort of detox, a British organization called Alcohol Change UK launched the Dry January concept in 2012 to encourage people to avoid alcohol during the first month of the new year—a movement that started with a few thousand temporary teetotalers and now involves millions. In January 2025, 21% of U.S. adults said they planned to participate, according to YouGov, an online research organization. If you’re feeling sober-curious this year, or you’re among the 38% of people who never have alcohol, these restaurants have just the mocktail for you.
Maison Cheryl
The New French American Bistro in Clarendon has introduced a new zero-proof lineup to its drink menu. They include the Faux Hatten (Undone non-alcoholic whiskey and vermouth, Luxardo and cherry) Faux Mezcal Margarita (Undone non-alcoholic mezcal, lime and agave) and Honey Ginger Lemonade (honey, ginger, lemon and simple syrup). 2900 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Whino
This restaurant-meets-art-gallery serves craft cocktails, beer, wine and shareable small plates, plus several mocktails with playful names. The latter category includes the Lime After Lime (Seedlip Grove Non-Alcoholic Spirit, blackberry purée, ginger syrup, lime juice, Fever Tree Ginger Beer and a cinnamon sugar brûléed lime wheel) and Smoke Without Fire (Seedlip Spice Non-Alcoholic Spirit, pear nectar, ginger syrup, lemon juice and a nutmeg smoke bubble). The beverage options also include Athletic Upside Dawn Non-Alcoholic Golden Ale and Josh Cellars Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine. 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
Founding Farmers
Three new zero-proof mocktails join the menu. They are the No-groni (Giffard Sirop apertif, Rosella tea tonic water and grapefruit), the Apple Ginger Snap (ginger, lemon, apple cider vinegar and egg white), and the Golden Lotus (turmeric, ginger, oak milk, honey, peppercorn and mint). 1800 Tysons Blvd., Tysons
Busboys & Poets
In addition to coffee, tea and juice, this cafe/bar/bookstore has five “hold the booze cocktails.” Take it easy with Self-Care is the Best Care, a quaff made with strawberry rose, pineapple, lime, mint and club soda. Or think warm-weather thoughts with the Tropical Breeze (mango, passionfruit, fresh basil, lime and ginger beer). 4251 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Ambar
This Balkan-inspired restaurant in Clarendon has four mocktails on the menu. Try the Best Sumac Soca, made with fresh lemon and beet juices, sumac syrup, and soda water, or the Mango Mule, which combines mango purée with lime juice, ginger beer and honey syrup. 2901 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Bar Chinois
Joon
Here, the lineup of non-alcoholic wines and house-made zero-proof beverages reflects the restaurant’s Middle Eastern-inspired flavors. Highlights include the Apricot Refresh with basil and lemon, classic doogh (a Persian yogurt drink) made with labneh and dried mint, a mango and ginger spritz, and a refreshing pomegranate fizz. The menu also features non-alcoholic takes on favorites such as cosmos, Palomas, mojitos, and a Grove 75 made with N/A spirits, floral waters, and sparkling wine. 8045 Leesburg Pike, ViennaÂ
The Liberty Tavern
Refresh with the orchard-inspired Figure It Out (fig jam, pear nectar, thyme simple syrup and fresh lemon) or Pearfect Harmony (pear nectar, ginger syrup and honey simple syrup). For something more floral, ask for the Hugo Sans Spritz, which pairs elderflower syrup with bubbly soda water and fresh mint. Other options include the Apple Ginger Fizz (apple cider, cinnamon simple syrup, lime and mint) and the Pumpkin-Tini (pumpkin purée, vanilla syrup and apple cider). 3195 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)Â
The Falls
A sister restaurant to The Liberty Tavern, this Falls Church spot is pouring several non-alcoholic drinks. There’s the Cherry Bounce (cherry, lime and cranberry); Sencha Limeade, an Arnold Palmer-style combo of limeade and Sencha tea; Blackberry Punch (blackberry, lime, sweet tea and ginger beer); and Watermelonade (fresh watermelon, lemon, simple syrup and salt. 370 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Timber Pizza
The McLean pizzeria has just one special concoction for Dry January: the Prickly Pear Fresca. It’s topped with sparkling water, smashed blueberries and lime. 8100 Old Dominion Drive, McLean
Palette 22
It’s little wonder that a restaurant that pairs food with art would get creative with Dry January offerings. On the menu are drinks such as the Espresso No’Tini (Lyre’s NA dark cane rum, Lyre’s NA amaretti, vanilla syrup and brewed espresso), Blackberry Sage Whiskey Smash (Lyre’s NA American malt bourbon whiskey, blackberries, sage and lemon), Orange Wave (Lyre’s Italian orange aperitif, Mionetto NA Prosecco and soda water), and Blue Boy Mojito (blueberries, mint, lime juice, simple syrup and club soda). Non-alcoholic beer and wine are also available. 4053 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Corso Italian
No need to sacrifice the idea of a cocktail with the zero-proof drinks here. Go for the Phony Negroni, made with juniper and citrus, or the Amaro Falso, with herbal spice and mint. Craving a bottle of wine? Order the non-alcoholic Prima Pavé Rosé Brut. 4024 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)