Dry January: 6 Los Angeles County Spots for Spirit-Free Mixed Drinks
Playa Provisions
119 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey; 310-683-5019 or playaprovisions.com
Playa Provisions is a four-restaurant venue that includes Dockside, an indoor-outdoor spot where you will find new mocktail specials. The drinks are made with Ritual zero proof spirits and include offerings like the Golden Slumbers. It’s made with Ritual “Tequila,” lime, grapefruit, passion fruit, fresno chili and soda. Whiskey drinkers, or maybe former whiskey drinkers, will want to try the Amalfi Highball or the Please Please Me, both made with Ritual’s version of whiskey.
The New Bar
1821 S. Lincoln Blvd., Venice and 8363 West Third St., Los Angeles; 424-781-9962 or thenewbar.com
The New Bar is a popular bottle shop that sells all the nonalcoholic drinks and mixers you will ever need. For Dry January you can expect several happy hours and tasting events. Check out the bar’s website for details.
SHOR Bazaar
12155 E. Carson St., Hawaiian Gardens; 562-202-9274 or shorbazaarla.com
This Afghanistan, Indian, and Pakistani restaurant is a mocktail dreamland because every drink is alcohol-free. The restaurant’s dry January cocktail menu includes a Mai Tai made with non-alcoholic rum, lime, orange juice and orgeat syrup. They’re also serving the Melon Sour, made with non-alcoholic tequila, lime and egg white. They’re available through Jan. 31.
Rendition Room
4349 Tujunga Ave., Studio City; 818-769-0905 or vitellosrestaurant.com
The Rendition Room is a 1930s-style speakeasy hidden inside Vitello’s Restaurant where non-drinkers can still get the atmosphere of a real old-school bar. Just step through a door disguised as a bookshelf and you’re back in time where you’ll find classic drinks and modern mocktails too. So instead of a mojito, you can order the Fauxjito, made with lime, mint and seltzer. And for the ambitious mocktailers there’s the Nectar of the Gods, which is a mix of watermelon, cucumber, lemon and seltzer.
Bar Louie
9301 Tampa Ave., Northridge, and 8860 Apollo Way Suite, Downey; 562-414-4400 or barlouie.com
Known for its flavorful cocktails, spiked dessert drinks, martinis and sangrias, Bar Louie is also a welcoming spot for non-imbibers who want to down some fancy drinks. The current alcohol-free menu includes the Pineapple Upside-down Margarita made with Ritual tequila and the Island Hopper, a tropical drink made with orange, passion fruit, sparkling water and lime.
Truman House
911 San Fernando Road, San Fernando; 818-912-8873 or trumanhousetavern.com
This popular gastropub offers a solid food, beer and drink menu plus house cocktails that include non-alcoholic options. Mocktails on the menu include the Mule-Ish, made with ginger beer, and the Sangria-Ish, spiced up with ginger ale and a splash of soda plus of course cranberry juice.
Conclusion
Dry January is the perfect time to explore the world of spirit-free mixed drinks, and Los Angeles County has plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a classic cocktail or something new and innovative, these six spots are sure to satisfy your cravings.
FAQs
Q: What is Dry January?
A: Dry January is a month-long challenge where individuals abstain from drinking alcohol to improve their health and well-being.
Q: What are mocktails?
A: Mocktails are non-alcoholic versions of cocktails, made with spirit-free ingredients and flavorings.
Q: Can I still have fun during Dry January?
A: Absolutely! There are plenty of ways to have fun without drinking, such as trying new restaurants, attending events, or simply spending time with friends and family.
Q: Will I miss out on anything by not drinking during Dry January?
A: Not necessarily! Many restaurants and bars offer non-alcoholic options, and you can still enjoy the atmosphere and company of others without drinking.
