Dry January is a campaign developed by the charity Alcohol Change UK, where people abstain from drinking alcohol for the month of January. This challenge started in 2012 and has been growing in popularity ever since. Last year, about 16% of people in the U.S. participated, and that figure is projected to jump to 25% this year.
January marks a season of resolutions and change, coming right after a few months that are typically jam-packed with social gatherings. It’s no wonder that people are gravitating toward this healthy way to reset and start the new year. If you are participating in Dry January this year, I’m here to tell you that you don’t need to spend the next 30 days chained to the couch in your living room. As the number of people embracing sobriety or drinking in moderation rises, bars now offer more non-alcoholic options than ever before. Just because you’re choosing not to drink alcohol doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a handcrafted cocktail while socializing downtown with friends.
Whether you’re participating in Dry January or just not drinking for the night, we’ve got you covered with 5 spots in Albany, NY that feature a great non-alcoholic drink menu. Mocktails are the focus of this list, but most of these establishments also serve N/A beer.
The Delaware – 300 Delaware Ave, Albany, NY 12209
Smoke & Mirrors – Pineapple, Lime, Simple, Liquid Smoke, Jalapeno
Loki – House made N/A Tequila, House made N/A Triple Sec, Lime, Simple, Spicy Citrus Shrub
B.S. Mango Colada – Brown Sugar Simple, Cream of Coconut, Mango Juice, House Made Bitters
Green Drink – Yuzu, Coconut Water, Ginger, Matcha, Lemon
Restaurant 605 – 605 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208
Ginger Judy – Cranberry, Lime, Ginger Beer
Creamsicle – Orange Juice, Vanilla, Sprite
Lav Lemonade – Lavender Syrup, Lemonade
Mai Mocktail – Pineapple, Orange Juice, Grenadine
City Beer Hall – 42 Howard Street, Albany, NY, 12207
Cucumber Cilantro Soda – Cucumber Cilantro Simple Syrup, Club Soda, and Lime Wedge
Peach N/A Mule – Peach Puree, Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice, Fresh Ginger, N/A Ginger beer, Soda Water, and Lime Wedge
Spicy Jalapeno N/A Marg – Muddled Jalapeno and Orange Wedge Simple Syrup, Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice, Pineapple Juice, Soda Water and Jalapeno Wheel
The Larkin Hifi – 200 Lark St, Albany, NY, 12210
Cucumber Spritz – Cucumber, Lime, Agave, Seltzer, Mint
Fred Savage – Ginger Beer, OJ, Jalapeno, Cilantro, Mint, Sage, Rosemary
Momo Boba Tea – Oat Milk, Black Tea, Peach Puree, Coconut Cream, Strawberry Boba
Green Tea Yuzu Sour – Green Tea, Yuzu Juice, Lemon, Ginger Beer, Egg White
Savoy Taproom – 301 Lark Street, Albany, NY 12210
Seedlip Pink Jeans – Our cult favorite made with Seedlip Garden 108 N/A spirit
N/A Aperol Spritz – Abstinence Blood Orange and Lemon Bittersweet, Grapefruit Bitters, Club Soda, Dried Orange
N/A Mojito – Made with Seedlip Garden 108 for an extra three dollars or just ask for extra juice and syrup
N/A Aperitifs – Abstinence Blood Orange Bittersweet, Abstinence Lemon Bittersweet