Here are the hot spots for mocktails, and the best non-alcoholic brews to take home

By Jay McKinney

The name isn’t as catchy as Sober October, but Dry January is a healthy way to start the new year. Yes, January may be the most trying month of winter with its frigid temperatures, short days, and the joyous spirit of the holidays quickly fading into a memory. However, there are benefits to cutting out alcohol, even if it’s just for a month. For those who choose to pop bottles of Champagne and party through the night on New Year’s Eve, there’s a good chance that their head-throbbing hangovers will make abstinence from alcohol an appealing decision.

More options
These other Colorado breweries also produce non-alcoholic beers:
Oskar Blues: Designated Dale’s NA Pils
Prost Brewing Co: N/A Pilsner
Tommyknocker Brewery and Pub: N/A Blood Orange IPA
Grüvi: A variety of beer and wine

Clinical psychologist and neuroscientist Joseph Schacht suggests imbibers should think through some of the benefits of passing on alcohol. He specializes in alcohol abuse at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. In an interview with a campus publication, Schacht noted waking without hangovers, better sleep and slight weight loss as primary benefits most people will notice. Heavy drinkers can experience reduced blood pressure, improvements in liver enzyme values and enhanced mental health when they cut out drinking.

When considering jumping on the wagon, Schacht encourages people to question why they drink in the first place, and then tell friends and family about the plan to quit or reduce consumption.

But letting others know about a decision to partake in Dry January doesn’t mean cutting out social interactions focused around libations. Thankfully, there are numerous restaurants and bars throughout Colorado that have embraced the non-alcohol craze.

Grand View at Garden of the Gods Resort

Few sites in the state are as beautiful as Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. With a stunning landscape and world-class amenities, Garden of the Gods Resort is a destination for out-of-staters and locals alike. Guests can fill their days with activities like golf, tennis, biking, hiking or just a relaxing day at the spa. When the sun starts to set, secure a table at the Grand View, a restaurant and bar at the resort that has added a dry bar. The menu features “off the vine” wines, non-alcohol beers, and a carefully curated menu of seasonal mocktails. Order a New Fashion or Lav Haze and enjoy the sunset sober.

Honey Elixir Bar

Mixologists are remarkably skilled when it comes to crafting mocktails that mimic their alcoholic counterparts. However, it’s also nice to sip on something that many people may have never heard of. Honey Elixir Bar, located in the alley between Walnut and Larimer Streets in Denver, has an extensive menu that includes unique beverages like Jun, Cacao and other potions. Jun is best described as a cousin to Kombucha, Cacao is drinking chocolate with origins in South America, and the non-alcoholic potions are the bar’s own creations rather than mocktails based on popular classics. Each beverage is guaranteed to create a sensory experience that visitors won’t forget, and they have health benefits too.

Yampa Valley Kitchen

Skiers and snowboarders partaking in Dry January should consider a visit to Yampa Valley Kitchen in Steamboat Springs. The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch daily and serves dinner Tuesday-Saturday. Not only does Yampa Valley Kitchen have an incredible dinner menu with dishes like Steak Au Poivre and Frites and Duck a L’Orange, but it has flavorful cocktails that can easily be made into mocktails with the substitution of Seedlip N/A spirits.

“YVK has a theme of reimagined nostalgic classics but kicked up a little bit,” says owner Hannah Hopkins. “This is reflected in our mocktail menu, such as the Orange Julia (a play on the famous Orange Julius), an elevated Bloody Mary with beet, peppers and ginger, as well as the Winter Bliss Margarita mocktail with rosemary syrup and dried orange.” In honor of Dry January, the restaurant released its recipe for the Matcha Mint Garden and Tonic.

Lady Jane

Located in Denver’s LoHi neighborhood, Lady Jane is a cocktail bar with an assortment of amazing libations. The bar prides itself on outstanding service in a welcoming environment and the staff is constantly working to create new and interesting cocktails. With that, the menu is subject to change with the seasons, but every customer will always be able to find something they like. Some
of the non-alcoholic cocktails that have been available include a Green Strawberry Spritz, Papaya Colada and Pineapple No-groni.

Ceria Brewing Company

Arvada’s Ceria Brewing Company is a family-run business that specializes in making alcohol-free beer. According to co-owner Jodi Villa, numerous N/A beers can have trace levels of alcohol in them, whereas Ceria uses a patented process that ensures 0% ABV. Although Ceria doesn’t have a taproom, it’s distributed at liquor stores, breweries and other retail outlets. The brewmaster for Ceria is Jodi’s husband Keith Villa, who has a PhD in brewing from the University of Brussels and created the ever-popular Blue Moon brand in 1995.

“The growth of the non-alcohol/alcohol-free beer market is
a reflection of consumers’ push for a healthier, more engaged lifestyle while at the same time, enjoying the great craft beer tastes that boost any occasion,” Keith Villa says. “Ceria fits right in with
our award-winning craft beer styles that have no trace of alcohol whatsoever.”

Jay McKinney grew up in Sedalia and graduated from the Metropolitan State University of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in communications. During his free time, he enjoys playing golf, shooting pool and hiking throughout Colorado and neighboring Utah.

This story appeared in our January-February print issue of Thirst Colorado magazine. Flip through the full digital magazine here, or find a copy at one of these fine establishments around Colorado.