Starting the year off in a sober state of mind is never a bad idea, and the movement, Dry January, where you abstain from alcohol for the entire month is a great national movement to get involved with. For starters, refraining from alcohol for even just 3 weeks is scientifically said to improve sleep, focus, and memory, plus, helped reduce inflammation around the liver that’s usually caused by alcohol. It’s also a great way to dabble in sober living since the fact that it’s a national movement helps facilitate that community feeling that people search for with any sort of hobby group. Whether you’re all in, or dabbling with the idea, Denver is a great city to find some expertly made and creative mocktails, and in this list, we’ve highlighted 5 of our favorite bars that are whipping up amazing mocktails that won’t even have you missing the buzz.
1. Honey Elixir Bar
Step into Honey Elixir Bar’s “funky lux lounge” and imbibe on one of their potions, an alcohol-free drink that’s meant to elicit a feeling. They’ve got five different Potions, all with a unique flavor profiles ranging from chocolate- to floral. With ingredients like club soda, peach, cardamom, fresh ginger root, fresh orange juice, and more, you can see that the drinks pack plenty of flavor. When Dry January is done and over with, you can head back to Honey Elixir Bar to continue your mocktail journey, or try one of their standard cocktails or low ABV ones for a new adventure.
2. Room for Milly
Room for Milly is an excellent and cozy cocktail bar that’s doling out three delicious mocktails on their menu. Crafted for “the clear eyed and self possessed” as per their menu, they’ve got an affordable $3 soda and lime and then 2 expertly crafted mocktails at a higher price point. Their Cantab is a refreshing Iced Jasmine Tea with Ume Shrub, Pomegranate and Mint, and The Clara has Seedlip Spice and Tonic. Have that along side some Bites like Bottomless Truffle Salt Popcorn and Herbed Croquettes for a deliciously sober January night out with friends.
3. Lady Jane
Lady Jane is a favorite cocktail spot in Highland with an excellent atmosphere and four mocktails on their menu. The Blood Orange Spritz is made with Lime, Pomegranate, Nori, and Soda, the Coffee Tonic is made with Cinnamon and Strongwater Tonic, the Spiced Apple Sour has Lemon, Ginger, and Orange, and finally, their Pumpkin Flip is made with Palo Santo, Cream, and an Egg for a smoky, creamy drink.
4. Root Down
It’s no surprise that this contemporary and funky health food spot has also got some amazing non-alcoholic beverages to imbibe from the Coconut Ginger Fizz made with coconut milk to their SPORTea with Brazilian Mate, Siberian Ginseng, and Ginger (plus you get free refills on this one). They’ve also got a huge menu of lunch and dinner plates to choose from so come and stay awhile and enjoy an early evening out.
5. Enigma Bazaar
They’ve got three listed on the menu: The Star with Butterfly Pea Flower and Licorice Tea, Star Anise, and Lemon, their Red Room with Strawberry, Lemon, Cranberry, Ginger, and Cinnamon, and their Misty Mountain with Cucumber, Pineapple, and Lime. Even better, their mocktails are only $5 during happy hour.