Zero-proof, spirit-free, virgin, nonalcoholic or mocktail — no matter how booze-free cocktails are referenced on the menu, bartenders in Atlanta have delicious offerings for Dry January and beyond.
Chai Espresso Martini at the Alden
Chamblee’s the Alden has a vast selection of zero-proof wine, beer and THC-infused drinks. The Chai Espresso Martini is a luxurious nonalcoholic twist on the classic. Lyre’s White Cane Spirit, which captures the essence of aged rum, mixes with housemade cold brew and the warm spice notes of chai concentrate.
5070 Peachtree Blvd., Chamblee. 678-395-6982, thealdenrestaurant.com.
Credit: Angela Hansberger for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Credit: Angela Hansberger for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Le Tropic at Avize
Included on a lengthy list of Amaro herbal liqueurs, Alpine-inspired restaurant Avize in west Midtown uses nonalcoholic Lyre’s Italian Orange as a bittering agent in cocktails. Citrus oleo-saccharum and acid-adjusted pineapple add tropical flair. Ginger beer adds bubbles and spice.
956 Brady Ave. NW, Atlanta. 404-879-1713, avizeatlanta.com.
Credit: Angela Hansberger for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Credit: Angela Hansberger for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Il Giardiniere at Il Premio
Il Premio stirs up a delicious sipper in Il Giardiniere, a zippy and fresh highball that complements the rich pastas and steaks at the standout Italian steakhouse. Seedlip Garden 108, an alcohol-free spirit made with peas, hops and garden herbs provides a base for blood orange, lemon and ginger topped with soda water.
800 Rankin St. NE, Atlanta. 470-470-8010, ilpremioatlanta.com.
Credit: Courtesy of Lucky Star
Credit: Courtesy of Lucky Star
Manhattan at Lucky Star
While the food menu at Lucky Star in west Midtown focuses on traditional Taiwanese cuisine, the bar uses some decidedly more high-tech techniques. Beverage director Kirk Gibson removes the alcohol from the Rittenhouse rye, Dolin rouge vermouth and Angostura bitters used in Lucky Star’s nonalcoholic version of a Manhattan.
1055 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta. 678-994-6016, luckystaratl.com.
Credit: Courtesy of CHG
Credit: Courtesy of CHG
Orange is the New Black at Double Zero
Bold and zingy, Orange is the New Black at Double Zero in Emory Village combines the fresh bright citrus appeal of orange and lemon juices; the warm, invigorating kick of fresh ginger; and the bubbles of club soda.
1577 N. Decatur Road, Atlanta. 404-991-3666, doublezeroatl.com.
Credit: Courtesy of the Office
Credit: Courtesy of the Office
The Heater at The Office Bar
The Heater at the Office Bar is vibrant and sophisticated while being completely unleaded. Giffard Pineapple liqueur gets tropical sweetness and aromatic intensity from a maceration of pineapples. It blends with tangy yuzu and gets a warm kick from fresh ginger and habanero.
1105 W. Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta. 470-283-2912, theofficebaratl.com.
Credit: Courtesy of Rocket Farm
Credit: Courtesy of Rocket Farm
Triple Crown at Little Sparrow
All-natural Regatta ginger beer provides the bubbles and spice in Little Sparrow’s Triple Crown. The ginger-forward highball uses Wilfred’s Non-Alcoholic Aperitif, a botanical distillate of bitter orange, rosemary, clove and rhubarb for both complex body and spice. Lime juice balances the drink with citrus.
1198 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta. 404-355-2252, littlesparrowatl.com.
Credit: Courtesy of Six Feet Under
Credit: Courtesy of Six Feet Under
Pineapple Sunshine at Six Feet Under
Built on the clever and crisp sweetness of cucumber ice cubes, Six Feet Under’s Pineapple Sunshine is refreshingly sweet-tart with earthy freshness. The menu also features a watermelon mock-mule with melon cubes that is an excellent pairing with fried seafood.
437 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta, 404-523-6664 and 1824 Cheshire Bridge Road NE, Atlanta, 470-762-0733. sixfeetunder.net
Credit: Courtesy of the Third Door
Credit: Courtesy of the Third Door
Bearcat at The Third Door
Named after Third Door’s trailer that can be reserved for groups of up to six, the Bearcat stirs together Lyre’s London dry gin alternative with fresh-squeezed lime, cucumber and a splash of ginger beer. Aloe lends a rich viscosity to the bright, vegetal drink. It’s a classic at the converted filling station in the heart of Marietta Square.
131 Church St., Marietta. 470-361-0370, thethirddoor.net.
Credit: Courtesy of Eaton Social
Credit: Courtesy of Eaton Social
Rain Dance at Aria
With a little bit of citrus and a dash of spice, Aria’s Rain Dance builds balance with Szechuan pepper, fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice, lime juice and a little sweetness from simple syrup. It’s topped with a bubbly spice blast of ginger beer.
490 E. Paces Ferry Road NE, Atlanta. 404-233-7673, aria-atl.com.
Credit: Angela Hansberger for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Credit: Angela Hansberger for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jamaica Agua Fresca at Southern National
The Jamaica Agua Fresca at Southern National in Summerhill brings together the wintery island flavor of hibiscus (which also adds a ruby hue) with fresh-squeezed lime juice and the bittery bubbles of tonic water. A pinch of salt creates perfect balance.
72 Georgia Ave., Atlanta. 404-907-4245, southernational.com.
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