How to embrace Dry January in the Tri-Cities

If you're doing Dry January (or if you are a non-drinker to begin with), here are some local spots you can find an enticing selection of non-alcoholic cocktails, beers and other beverages.

Author

Sam Kraft
January 01, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

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Non-alcoholic wines available at Geneva Wine Cellars.

Dry January is upon us — and local establishments are prepared.

Gone are the days of drinking-mandatory vibes at pubs and breweries. Regardless of the month, non-alcoholic beverages have been surging in popularity nationally. The Chicago Sun-Times profiled the city’s “sober-curious” movement just last week.

In the September 2024 issue of Kane County Magazine, Nick Miller, general manager of Pollyanna Brewing in St. Charles, said, “We’ve definitely seen an increase in demand for them. For whatever reason, people are more conscious about consuming alcohol.”

Alcohol mindfulness tends to reach its peak during January, when many people choose to take a monthlong break from drinking.

If that’s you (or if you were a non-drinker to begin with), here are some local spots you can find an enticing selection of non-alcoholic cocktails, beers and other beverages:

  • Barrel & Rye, Geneva: Two NA beer options and three spirit-free cocktails, including one with hot chocolate, smoked chipotle peppers and toasted marshmallows.

  • Geneva Wine Cellars: The Wölffer Estate, Spring In A Bottle (NA sparkling rosé wine) and the Weingut Huber, Layla (NA sparkling wine). Pictured above.

  • Geneva Winery: Four NA beer options plus tons of coffee and tea flavors.

  • moto imoto, STC: Two creative NA cocktails, plus an NA beer.

  • Niche, Geneva: Four mocktails, including the Princess Peach with peach nectar, grated ginger and ginger ale.

  • Obscurity Brewing, Elburn: Three NA beer options (from Go Brewing).

  • Penrose Brewing, Geneva: The taproom offers two NA beers plus juice boxes for the kids (and young at heart).

  • The Graceful Ordinary, STC: Six NA cocktails, including the tasty-looking Lyre’s Amaretti.

  • The James, Geneva: A nice selection of no-proof cocktails (the Passion of the Mule sure sounds refreshing).

  • The Lewis, STC: Four zero-alcohol cocktails and an NA beer.

  • The Walrus Room, Geneva: Several low-ABV mocktails and “un-cocktails.”

  • Whiskey Bend, STC: Special mocktails available staring New Year’s Day.

Certainly not an exhaustive list…but a good place to start!

📖 Thanks for reading

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