Dry January, or purposely abstaining from alcohol during the first month of the year, has taken off in recent years. In 2022, almost one in five U.S. adults planned to participate in Dry January, and that was up 13 percent from 2021. Here are six places around Northern Virginia with must-try mocktails this month.
Matchbox
Restaurant chain Matchbox has an impressive mocktail menu, with noteworthy additions including a strawberry cosmo and a lemon honey mule. If you’re up for something refreshing to go with your hot and cheesy pizza, the simple strawberry lemonade doesn’t disappoint. Multiple locations
Ruthie’s All Day
This family-friendly restaurant prides itself on being unpretentious and using locally sourced seasonal ingredients. The house mocktails are delicious too. While there are only three, the “Garden Sipper” was a standout. Made with cucumber, honey, mint, lemon, and soda, you won’t even miss the alcohol. 3411 Fifth St. S., Arlington
Agora
Mediterranean eatery Agora has an accompanying mocktail menu that pairs perfectly with their yummy kebabs and flatbreads. If you want to stay seasonal, try the “Ottoman Sunset,” which uses cranberry and lime juice — just beware that it has a kick to it with some Habanero and spiced syrups. 7911 Westpark Dr., Tysons
Matt & Tony’s
Fun fact: The Tony in the name of this restaurant made such good rye bread that former President John F. Kennedy called it the best he’s ever tasted. He even had loaves of it shipped to the White House after he took office. Enough about the bread, though! Titled “Spirit Free … But Not Soulless,” the mocktail menu definitely has some fun. The concoctions include the “Buzzless Bee,” made with honey, lavender, egg whites, and seed lip grove; and the “Del Ray Cooler,” with grapefruit, lime, agave, sparkling water, and seed lip spice. 1501 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Pamplona
The Spanish tapas and sangria restaurant isn’t fussy when it comes to mocktails. While it mainly offers variations of Red Bulls, there is a reason it’s on this list: the Virgin Rickey. The muddled cilantro and lime, sugar, and club soda combine for the perfect mocktail to feature with authentic Spanish dishes like paella. 3100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington
Hummingbird Bar + Kitchen
The relaxed bar and kitchen gives patrons lots of options for food and drinks. On the extensive menu, mocktails come under the heading “What to Drink When You’re Not Drinking.” The “Blueberry Hill” is made with blueberry syrup, lemon, and agave; and “Havana Nights” includes lime juice, cane sugar, and fresh garden mint. 220 S. Union St., Alexandria
Feature image courtesy Matchbox
For more stories like this, subscribe to our Food newsletter.
