Mocktails, Zero-Proof Beverages and Other Fun Drinks to Enjoy During ‘Dry January’ in Delco

The new year is upon us, which means that, for many, it’s time to cut back on the indulgences of the holiday season and focus on wellness. That might mean trying a cleaner diet, starting a new exercise routine or getting back to mindfulness practices, like mediation or yoga. Increasingly, this has also meant the embracing of “Dry January,” a month without alcohol. What started as a trend in the UK has become quite a phenomenon in America; It is estimated that in 2023, a quarter of Americans over the age of 21 participated in Dry January!

 

 

If you or others in your life are avoiding booze this month (or any other time), you can still enjoy a special beverage to celebrate the end of a long week or to pair with dinner. More and more bars and restaurants here in Delco have added “zero-proof” and mocktail sections to their menus, with options that are much more exciting than a plain club soda or regular soft drink. We’ve found some great non-alcoholic beverages around Delco for you to sample in January, and beyond! 

 

It’s no surprise that Teresa’s Cafe and Next Door, which was nominated for a prestigious James Beard Award for its beverage program, has a number of creative non-alcoholic drinks on its menu. Try the surprisingly bitter and bracing Phony Negroni (served properly on a big ice cube with a lemon twist), a can of fizzy Leitz Zero, a sparkling dry riesling in a can, n/a beers including Athletic Brewing IPA and Industrial Arts Safety Glasses Pilsner or a sweet-tart Italian blood orange or lemon soda.

124 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne; (610) 293-9909.

 

 

At Al Pastor in Havertown, the drink menu includes an entire “Spirit Free” section, with truly great options, like a non-alcoholic marg and pina colada, a ginger yuzu spritz, and the No Tai Fresca, a tropical treat made with pineapple juice, orgeat (an almond-flavored syrup), lime and bitters. Corona NA, flavored lemonade and unsweetened iced tea round out the selection. 

13 W. Benedict Ave., Havertown; (484) 455-4585.

 

 

If you miss the experience of ordering a drink from a big cocktail menu, check out the expansive mocktail options at Dom & Mia’s. There is so much deliciousness to try, from fruity mules made with fresh-muddled lime, simple syrups, fruit juices and purees and ginger beer, to “Mockarita” n/a margarita in a rainbow of flavors, to specialty mocktails, like the Grilled Apricot Sour and the Mango Painkiller! You can even add a shot of zero-proof whiskey or tequila to any drink to add a bit more bitterness and depth. There are a few non-alcoholic beers, as well.

145 Saxer Ave., Springfield; (610) 808-6381.

 

 

Estia, the Greek taverna in Radnor, is known for its inspired wine and cocktail program, but those avoiding alcohol are still included in the thoughtful beverage list! There are two fabulous mocktails to choose from: Cretan Palmer, a refreshing blend of Greek mountain tea, lavender simple syrup and lemonade, and the Santorini Soda, a beachy combination of cucumber, simple syrup, fresh mint and club soda. At $6 each, why not try both?

222 N. Radnor Chester Rd, Radnor; (484) 581-7124.

 

 

For a different take on an elegant zero-proof beverage pairing with dinner, order one of the incredible premium Japanese hot tea offerings from Hiramasa, a swanky sushi restaurant that opened in Newtown Square last October. These are not your standard teas! The senchu chumushi is a refreshing green tea with vegetal aromas, made with young tea leaves; the konacha is a richer green tea with a full body and a sweet, mildly grassy flavor; gyokuro, made from shade-grown tea is considered one of the finest teas in Japan, prized for its rich savory flavor, natural sweetness, and smooth finish; and the Japanese oolong is a rare blend of six different cultivars of tea from the spring harvest at Deai Nouen, a tea farm in Japan that’s been in operation since 1921. Sip and savor these alongside any of the delectable dishes from Hiramasa’s menu. 

3554 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square; (484) 420-4023.

 

It’s easier to pass on the beloved whiskey sour and espresso martini at Brick & Brew when you have five fun mocktails to choose from! On the more familiar side of things, there’s the hibiscus lemonade and the pineapple sour, but why not try something a little more innovative, like the Shrub & Spice, made with orange shrub (a flavored drinking vinegar), lemon, club soda and torched cinnamon with a cinnamon-sugar rim! We also love the Nojito, with orange, lemon, lime, spearmint and honey with a splash of club soda! 

26 W. State St., Media; (484) 443-8441; 31 E. Eagle Rd., Havertown; (484) 455-7250.

 

 

Head to The Crown Tavern for a jolly good night out! This British-inspired pub tops off its delightfully extensive beverage menu with elevated mocktails for your perusal. There’s the n/a sangria, made with zero-proof Syrah, spices, seasonal juices and citrus; the blackberry mojito; lavender lemonade; and, for a reminder of warmer months, the watermelon cooler. We recommend trying one during happy hour (Tuesday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m., and on the weekends from 3 to 6 p.m.) with buck-a-shuck oysters and other affordable bites.

451 Wilmington West Chester Pike, Glen Mills; (610) 361-9800.

 

Fun fact: There are also a few tasty zero-proof beverages made right here in Delco! The popular ready-to-drink mocktail brand, Mingle Mocktails, is based in Wayne — isn’t that a cool hometown success story? 

 

Deer Creek Malthouse in Glen Mills, makes malted grains for craft breweries and bakeries, and also has its own line of malted iced teas called Barley Tea. These unique canned beverages feature subtly sweet and roasty grain notes, complemented by a variety of herbs, spices, or fruit. Barley Tea comes in four flavors: original (with honey and lemon), herbal (with lemongrass and help flowers), peach and mixed berry. Each one is caffeine- and alcohol-free! Shop online or use its product locator to find them at a restaurant, shop or farmers market near you.

 

 

And, to try your hand at making mocktails at home, check out our Dry January post from 2023, which includes recipes from bartenders at some of Delco’s best bars and restaurants.

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Want to know more about everything Delco? We’re more than just your source for good eats — we’re your source for where to stay, what to do and more in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We’re Visit Delco, PA, and we’ve got you covered from Philly to the Brandywine. Find us at 1501 N. Providence Rd., Media, PA, 19063; (610) 565-3679 or online.

— Emily Kovach 

 

Featured photo: Pexels