Screw the juice cleanse. You can still live your best life (and hang out with your booze-hound friends) this January with this wholesome list of mocktails.
Sober Bar
►It’s not an oxymoron. Booze-free bars are gaining popularity as people are seeking to socialize without alcohol.
Photo courtesy of Sans Bar Facebook
Say hello to Sans Bar KC — the first booze-free bar in Kansas City. As a recovering alcoholic and licensed chemical dependency counselor, Chris Marshall, who founded the first Sans Bar in Austin, Texas, thought the world was ready and in need of an alcohol-free zone to socialize and connect with people. His concept has been so enthusiastically embraced that this year, he’s introducing Sans Bar in 10 cities across the United States.
Sans Bar KC is being spearheaded by Melissa Mann Saubers, who stopped drinking more than two years ago. She plans to bring the concept to diverse locations throughout the area as a pop-up. Sans Bar KC will offer cocktails devoid of alcohol but described as “inspired concoctions to delight the senses.” Saubers is passionate about Sans Bar’s potential for bringing people together to enjoy alcohol-free connections and emphasizes it’s not just for people in recovery. “Sans Bar welcomes all,” she says.
Marshall says that’s the magic of Sans Bar: National Mocktail week is Janaury 13 – 19.
Corvino
►Drink of Choice: The High Tide | $5 | corvino.com
Verjus blanc — the fresh juice of unripe wine grapes — is the backbone of this inventive mocktail, but it’s the combination of pineapple, serrano and Thai basil in one sweet and spicy syrup that gives it a real punch. One sip, and you’ll feel like you’re on a tropical vacation.
Brown & Loe
►Drink of Choice: Chocolate Phosphate | $3 | brownandloe.com
These days, it’s hard to find a chocolate phosphate soda, the drink that originated in the late 1870s. In keeping with tradition, Brown & Loe uses Yoohoo chocolate syrup, half-and-half, club soda and, of course, zippy phosphate to make this tasty throwback that will have you falling in love with the 19th century.
Restaurant at 1900
►Drink of Choice: Fig Apple with Cardamom Agua Fresca | $5 |
therestaurantat1900.com
Aguas frescas originated in Mexico as light, fruit-based drinks, and the Restaurant at 1900 gives the tradition a new spin with its Fig Apple with Cardamom Agua Fresca. Try this new thirst-quenching refresher in place of your traditional holiday go-to.
Manifesto
►Drink of Choice: Pearl Thyme Cooler | $5 | manifestokc.com
A spiritless mocktail to warm your spirit? Manifesto has just the thing. Its seasonal cooler is made with a pear and thyme syrup, fresh lemon juice and sparkling water, all served in a Collins glass over ice. It’s so easy to drink, you’ll be tempted to order this creation year-round.
