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Doing Dry January? Here Are The Best Nonalcoholic Cocktails We Could Find In LA
Dry January is here. Not all cocktails need to be alcoholic.
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Jennifer Pallian
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Unsplash
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Editor's note: Who's doing Dry January? Pretty much everyone. So we've updated one of our more popular stories from January 2022, curating some of the best no-booze drinks we could find in and around L.A. (Also: Those in the know advise not to call them mocktails, because they're not "mocking" anything.) Whatever you call them, we think you'll agree: Giving up booze has never looked so appealing. Cheers!
Nonalcoholic drinks are more popular than they've ever been and spirit-free libations — which include liqueurs, beer, wine and ready-to-drink options — are booming. Here are a bunch of the best and most Instagram-worthy zero-ABV drinks in Los Angeles.
AOC: The Green Goddess
The invigorating Green Goddess cocktail from AOC.
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Aaron Cook
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This green drink has been a longtime bestseller at AOC in West Hollywood and Brentwood, both with and without booze. At lunch, the bars churns out nonstop NA Green Goddesses ($18) for diners on a green juice kick. It's an invigorating mix of green tea, arugula simple syrup, lemon juice, cucumber juice and jalapeño juice.
De La Nonna: The Ruby Rosa Spritz
The Orange Spritz nonalcoholic cocktail at De La Nonna in the Arts District.
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Caroline Pardilla for LAist
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Aperol Spritz fans should visit Arts District pan pizza joint De La Nonna for a tasty spirit-free replica of the cocktail. The Ruby Rosa Spritz ($13) is made with zero-proof sparkling wine, orange soda and nonalcoholic bitter aperitif. No, it's not just another orange soda. It boasts the bitter notes of the aperitif and the dry effervescence of a spritz.
Bar Bohémien: The Gentle Spirit
The Gentle Spirit nonalcoholic cocktail from Bar Bohemien in Culver City.
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Jenni Hwang
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If you find yourself wanting to toast the end of another workday at Bar Bohémien in Culver City, the bartenders has a customized drink for you. The menu boasts that every cocktail can be made booze free. Just ask. We enjoyed one called Gentle Spirit and it was made a nonalcoholic Seedlip Grove 42, watermelon, lemon, simple syrup and soda water. But feel free to customize. Cocktails run in the $16 to $20 range.
Cara Cara: The Ginger Snap
The Ginger Snap nonalcoholic cocktail at Cara Cara in DTLA.
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Courtesy of Cara Cara
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Want to feel like you're day-drinking without actually drinking alcohol? The spirit-free Ginger Snap, $13, at Cara Cara, the Proper Hotel's rooftop restaurant in DTLA "is bright, tropical and a touch spicy from the fresh ginger, then the tea just adds a bit of depth and complexity," according to the beverage manager we spoke to.
Bicyclette: The Passion Fruit
The Passion Fruit nonalcoholic cocktail from Bicyclette in Beverlywood.
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For non-drinkers who are tired of the sweetness of soda and juice-based options: The Passion Fruit ($11) drink at Bicyclette in Beverlywood is a bright, dry, vegetal libation made with Seedlip Garden 108 as well as grapefruit, red bell pepper, basil and soda. Savory, citrusy and not cloying.
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At Redbird — The Guicy
The Guicy nonalcoholic cocktail at Redbird in DTLA.
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Courtesy of Redbird
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Craving an Americano or Aperol Spritz to start your brunch at Redbird in DTLA but don't want alcohol? That's why this spirit-free spritz inspired by popular aperitivo cocktails was created. The Guicy ($13) is made with Giffard Aperitif syrup, red verjus, San Pellegrino wild strawberry essenza and orange.
At Nic's on Beverly — The Cool as a Cucumber
At vegan restaurant Nic's on Beverly, the Cool as a Cucumber ($14) boasts "complex notes of citrus, star anise, ginger, and habanero that bring warmth, heat, and acidity" and promises to "keep you coming back sip after sip."
All Day Baby — Blueberry Pomegranate Colada
The Blueberry Pomegranate Colada nonalcoholic cocktail from All Day Baby in Silver Lake.
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Caroline Pardilla for LAist
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Want a tropical vibe without hard liquor? All Day Baby in Silver Lake can help scratch that itch. One of our favorites, the blueberry pomegranate colada, is no longer on the menu but we're told that if you ask nicely, one can be whipped up for you. (Think pina colada with, yes, blueberry and pomegranate but minus the rum so you can enjoy it guilt-free at any time. Like at 9 a.m. with a waffle sandwich.) That said, All Day Baby's menu offers lots of other nonalcoholic aguas frescas and virgin milkshakes, all in the $11-12 range.
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