Dry January has been steadily gaining steam across the United States. Last year alone, an estimated 25 percent of Americans completed the endeavor, which involves giving up alcohol for the first month of the year. Of course, you can always opt for non-alcoholic beer, wine or “mocktails” at any time of the year.
But what does mocktail mean, exactly? For those who are new to Dry January or the sober-curious movement, a mocktail is just like a cocktail—minus the booze. In one, you’ll often find fresh-squeezed juices, botanicals, herbs and various other flavorings. In some cases, they incorporate non-alcoholic spirits. But no matter how you mix it, these zero-proof drinks are an excellent way to enjoy something special during a night out, even if you don’t feel like drinking.
To help make the most of your Dry January, we pulled together some of our favorite non-alcoholic drinks from bars and restaurants around Denver. Here’s where to go and what to order if you’re not drinking in 2025.
READ MORE: Non-Alcoholic Cocktails to Make at Home
Dragon Queen from Atomic Cowboy
“While the Atomic Cowboy started off as a whiskey and beer bar, we want everyone to feel welcome with a good time and great drinks,” says founder Drew Shader. Indeed, on the non-alcoholic list, you’ll find everything from Cucumber Coolers to Strawberry Basil Spritzers.
But one of our favorites is the Dragon Queen, made with dragon fruit syrup, lime juice and soda water. Pair it with one of Denver Biscuit Co.’s famed sandwiches—like The Ellsworth, made with buttermilk fried chicken and local honey. Or opt for one of Fat Sully’s renowned pizzas. But even when Dry January has come and gone, the Dragon Queen remains perfect for sipping “year-round,” says Shader.
No Kneed from Chez Maggy
Located inside the Thompson Denver hotel, Chez Maggy is the perfect place to sit and watch the world go by—especially with a drink and a bowl of soul-warming French onion soup. For those forgoing spirits, we recommend the No Kneed, which is made with zero-proof Ritual Gin, blueberry basil simple syrup, honey and house-made grenadine.
“This high-quality, zero-proof gin from Ritual has refreshing notes of cucumber, juniper, herbs and mint, which beautifully balance with our house-made blueberry basil simple syrup,” says Lucas Proffitt, director of outlets at Thompson Denver. “The honey creates a smooth mouthfeel for easy sipping.”
Or, if you could use a little pick me up, opt for Chez Maggy’s zero-proof espresso martini.
“It’s important that we put just as much thought into our zero-proof cocktails to create an inclusive imbibing experience for all,” says Proffitt.
Spicy Yu at Uchi
Since opening its RiNo location in 2018, Uchi has quickly become a staple of Denver’s restaurant scene. Founded by James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole, this eatery attracts Denverites with its impeccable sushi and non-traditional Japanese fare. Of course, delicious cocktails are also on the menu—and that includes non-alcoholic options, like the Spicy Yu, made with zero-proof gin, yuzu honey, Thai chili and lemon.
“The Spicy Yu was born out of the idea of putting something on the non-alcoholic menu that was more thought-out than just a mocktail with fruit juice. It has complexity and flavor,” says Parker Featherston, general manager of Uchi Denver.
Indeed, the ingredients in this particular mocktail are unique.
“Yuzu honey and Thai chili create a perfect harmony of flavors—yuzu’s bright citrus tang lifts the sweetness of the honey, while the Thai chili adds a bold kick that balances the delicate sweetness and sharp acidity,” says Featherston.
Strawberries and Cream No-jito at FlyteCo Tower
Located inside the old Stapleton Airport traffic control tower, FlyteCo Tower is a trendy restaurant and bar in Denver’s Central Park neighborhood. But, in addition to food and drinks, it also offers bowling, mini golf, axe throwing and plenty of other family-friendly activities to keep your crew busy and happy. And, alongside their extensive drink list, you’ll find a variety of booze-free options—like the cleverly named Strawberries and Cream No-jito.
“This mocktail makes you feel like a kid again drinking strawberry milk,” says Ashley Andrews, bar manager at FlyteCo Tower. “It’s a little more elevated with a mint twist, it’s dairy-free, and the kids love it too. We want our mocktails to be fun and make your booze-less night more memorable.”
Additionally, FlyteCo Tower offers the Jingle Bell Mock, which features cranberry simple syrup, cranberry, lime and club soda. They also have the Blitzen Spritz, which is made with non-alcoholic sparkling cider from Haykin Cider in Aurora, pomegranate and lemon.
The Broadway Bellini at Big Apple Bodega
There are many wonderful aspects of living in Denver—like the incredible outdoor recreation, the great craft beer and the tasty restaurants, to name a few. But if you’re a Northeast transplant (particularly from New York), you’re probably missing bodegas, the small, mom-and-pop convenience stores on every corner. But, thanks to Big Apple Bodega, chopped cheese has finally made it to the Centennial State. And while munching on this New York staple, you can even enjoy a zero-proof cocktail.
“The Broadway Bellini is a tribute to my New York City roots and the iconic flavors that inspired Big Apple Bodega,” says Brian Murphy, chef and owner of Big Apple Bodega. “Just as a classic chopped cheese sandwich brings a taste of NYC to the Mile High City, this drink combines the comforting warmth of apple cider and cinnamon with the lively sparkle of dry Secco. It’s ideal for chilly days, whether in New York or Denver.”
The Broadway Bellini is made with apple cider and Grüvi Dry Secco, then garnished with a cinnamon stick. And Coloradans likely know the name Grüvi well, as it’s a Denver-based company that makes alcohol-free wine and beer. Big Apple Bodega also offers other non-alcoholic sips, including the NA Brooklyn Breeze and the Empire State Spritz.
“Staying alcohol-free is a big part of my personal journey, and I’m proud to create a space where others can explore these flavors without compromise,” says Murphy.
Garden Views at Fort Greene
Once you reach a building with an unassuming brick facade and a sign advertising Budweiser on tap, you’ve come to the right place. Inside Fort Greene, you’ll find a swanky cocktail bar—complete with funky decor and events like live DJ performances, dance parties, small art fairs and more. The equally inventive cocktail and natural wine list includes some booze-free options, too.
Try the Garden Views, which is made with herbal Seedlip Garden non-alcoholic spirts, passion fruit and lime. Or order the canned Ooso, which is a mixture of sparkling green tea and adaptogens, which are herbs or mushrooms purported to help the body deal with stress.
Zero-Proof Milk Punch at Restaurant Olivia
A heaping bowl of fresh handmade pasta on a frigid Colorado winter day? Yes, please. And, thankfully, the team at Restaurant Olivia puts as much care into their non-alcoholic drinks as they do their Italian dishes.
“We believe that our non-alcoholic drinks deserve just as much creativity and attention as their spirited counterparts,” says Erika Copeland, bar manager. “Our zero-proof Milk Punch is a perfect example of that philosophy. We wanted to create a beverage that’s not just a substitute but a fully realized experience, one that combines the elegance of classic mixology with a modern, thoughtful twist.”
Restaurant Olivia’s Milk Punch includes heavy cream, milk, hazelnut milk, blood orange juice, lemon juice, hazelnut simple syrup and cold-brewed Earl Grey tea. Even better? It’s served in glasses that look like little milk cartons.
Other zero-proof drinks on the list include the No-Groni, the Winter Shandy and the Moderate Mule. These drinks are “our way of showing that non-alcoholic beverages can be just as complex and exciting as any cocktail,” says Copeland.
READ MORE: Restaurant Olivia is Thoughtful Italian Cuisine at its Finest
My Bitter Clementine at Williams & Graham
Sure, if you were going to a speakeasy in the middle of Prohibition, you’d probably expect to drink some alcohol. But, in 2025, you can get the speakeasy experience, sans alcohol, at Williams & Graham. Hidden behind a bookshelf in Denver’s Highland neighborhood, this bar is a Mile High City nightlife mainstay.
Look for the My Bitter Clementine, made with Earl Grey, clementine shrub, Giffard Aperitif (a non-alcoholic substitute for a bitter liqueur like Campari) and lemon. Or the Imposter Syndrome, made with Giffard Aperitif, the Pathfinder (a hemp-based non-alcoholic spirit), Giesen zero-proof sauvignon blanc and strawberry rosé living vinegar (raw and unpasteurized). Not in a mocktail mood? No problem. Try their housemade sodas, like ginger beer and orange cream.
Cactus Cooler at Golden Hour
There are few things more Instagrammable than a cute cocktail at happy hour. And thankfully, even if you’re not imbibing, you can still snap that perfect picture at Golden Hour Wine Bar & Social. Sip the Cactus Cooler, made with jalapeno-infused Seedlip non-alcoholic spirit, prickly pear, simple syrup, lime and sparkling mineral water. Additionally, they also offer the Sugarplum Fairy, Shipwreck Cove and a few other non-alcoholic cocktails.
To ensure you get the best snap for your feed, order one of their charcuterie boards to munch on while you sip.
Un-Rum Punch at Homegrown Tap & Dough
Since 2011, Homegrown Tap & Dough has been a beloved Colorado staple, serving up hand-tossed pizzas, pepperoni rolls, salads, fresh pastas and more at several locations in the Denver area. Now, the drink menu includes non-alcoholic cocktails to pair with the restaurant’s classic Italian fare. We recommend the Un-Rum Punch, a zero-proof concoction developed by one of Tap & Dough’s bartenders during a contest to see who could make the best zero-proof drink.
“The Un-Rum Punch’s combination of grapefruit, zesty lime juice, agave and soda water was a hit right from the start,” says Cassie Pinckney, Gastamo Group’s director of marketing. “It’s fresh, flavorful and incredibly refreshing. Our vice president of food and beverage dubbed the Un-Rum Punch a winner because the balance of flavors was spot on, delivering a vibrant punch without the alcohol.”
Other options include the NA Cucumber Basil Lemonade, Pear-fect Basil and the Amalfi Spritz.
