By J.P. Anderson By J.P. Anderson | December 1, 2023 | Food & Drink Feature Community
With the new year almost upon us, we’re all pondering what healthy changes we should aim to enact in 2024. While boozing is a great way to ring out 2023, starting the new year off by taking a break from alcohol and taking part in the increasingly popular Dry January can be a great way to hit the reset button. Lucky for you, Chicago’s top restaurants have nonalcoholic and equally Insta-worthy cocktails ready for you to experience. Sip on refreshing fruit juices, fun fizzy sodas and creative liquor substitutes so tasty you’ll actually enjoy staying true to your booze-free goals.
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1616 N. Milwaukee Ave. / Website
Enjoy locally sourced, seasonally inspired brunch and dinner menus at Cafe Robey. Instead of opting for a tired mimosa or espresso martini, try something new this year with Cafe Robey’s housemade sodas.
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2375 N. Milwaukee Ave. / Website
It’s no surprise that this Logan Square hot spot—a recent recipient of Chicago’s first Michelin Green star for its exceptional sustainability practices—would have an equally impressive slate of N/A offerings. Among the menu’s featured cocktails, herbal sodas and shrubs is one mainstay: the mushroom sour, a sweet-and-savory sipper featuring housemade syrup made from fermented mushroom stems.
2200 N. Clark St. / Website
One Michelin-starred Esmé goes all out when it comes to nonalcoholic beverages. Director of beverages Stevan Miller crafts all the syrups, shrubs and juices used in their innovative booze-free creations in-house and pays special attention to the flavors of the dining menu’s dishes so she can create flavors that will pair seamlessly. The restaurant’s N/A offerings include a spirit-free pairing with its tasting menu along with spirit-free cocktails made with nonalcoholic spirits like Giffard Aperitif and various Seedlip products.
318 N. Sangamon St. / Website
Who says steak houses are all martinis and red wine? This Fulton Market hot spot tempts with one particular spirit-free cocktail that has become a house favorite.
925 W. Randolph St. / Website
Head to this Fulton Market District Italian haven for nonalcoholic beverages featuring bright, light and fresh flavors inspired by Italy.
85 E. Wacker Drive / Website
One of the city’s premier rooftop destinations, this riverside hangout boasts stunning views and a see-and-be-seen crowd—plus a slate of tempting N/A drinks to boot, like the below.
905 W. Fulton Market / Website
Known for its transportive atmosphere, stellar Greek cuisine and lighthearted Mykonian vibes, LYRA offers guests simply delicious nonalcoholic beverages. With a mouthwatering brunch, dinner and dessert menu, this is a fabulous spot to give Dry January a try.
500 N. Clark St. / Website
This subterranean speakeasy inside master chef José Andrés’ River North tapas spot Jaleo beckons with an extensive libations menu ranging from classic cocktails to daringly contemporary drinks (cold vacuum-infused G&T anyone?), plus spirit-free cocktails that are equally intriguing.
222 N. LaSalle Blvd. / Website
Pair your premium dry-aged cut of steak with a light, booze-free cocktail crafted using bright flavors and refreshing fruit juices.
63 W. Grand Ave. / Website
This Lettuce Entertain You sushi fave is so dedicated to its spirit-free offerings that they have their own menu—the N.W.A, as in "nothin' with alcohol). The newest addition is The Glitter Bomb, which is a shot of strawberry cordial and fresh coconut water (with some edible glitter) dropped into housemade banana soda.
435 N. Clark St., alley / Website
Staying clear-headed at this beloved tiki bar can be particularly challenging given the boozy nature of most of the libations on offer (we’re looking at you, Rum Barrel). Now there’s a solution that involves neither club soda nor cranberry: Undead Reckoning, a spirit-free version of the classic rum-based Dead Reckoning, this one made with tangy verjus rouge that imitates the red wine notes normally contributed by late bottle vintage port.
530 N. Wabash Ave. / Website
Head to Yardbird to dine on locally sourced farm-fresh menu items and imbibe spirit-free cocktail creations.
Photography by: Jonathan Borba / Unsplash; Daisies photo by Ryan Gorey; LondonHouse photo by Amy Ulivieri