This post contains affiliate links and our team will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on the links.
Dry January, the practice of abstaining from alcohol for the month, can be a delightful experience even when dining out. Many restaurants have adapted to this trend by expanding their non-alcoholic drink menus, offering a range of mocktails, craft sodas, and alcohol-free wines and beers that can elevate your dining experience. You can enjoy the social aspect of eating out by focusing on the flavors of the food, perhaps trying dishes that you might typically pair with wine or cocktails in a new light.
Asking for recommendations from the staff or looking for places that specifically advertise non-alcoholic options can lead to discovering unique beverages that complement your meal. Additionally, many eateries now host special Dry January events or mocktail nights, providing a festive atmosphere where you can socialize without the pressure of drinking. This period can also be a great time to explore different cuisines or dining spots you’ve wanted to try, focusing on the culinary experience itself, which can be just as enriching and enjoyable without alcohol.
Here are a few SoCal restaurants offering delicious mocktails. Enjoy.
Hilton Irvine Offers Dry January Mocktail Menu (Irvine, CA)
Located in the heart of Orange County, Hilton Irvine’s Aura Restaurant is embracing the Dry January movement with an exclusive selection of artisanal mocktails available throughout the month.
Guests can enjoy thoughtfully created beverages like the Sparkling Blood Orange (blood orange juice, honey and vanilla) and Cranberry Ginger Fizz (ginger beer, cranberry juice and orange juice). As they explore mindful drinking habits, Hilton Irvine is committed to creating well-rounded dining experiences that cater to all preferences.
For more information and to book a stay at the Hilton Irvine, click here for a FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE.
Warehouse 72’s Dry January Mocktails & All Day Happy Hour (Irvine, CA)
Warehouse 72, Irvine’s new chef-driven, modern American eatery at Hyatt Regency Irvine, is offering two limited-time Dry January Mocktails to kickstart the new year. The bartender crafted mocktails include the Peaceful Pearidice, boasting Seedlip Notas De Agave, prickly pear, lime juice, and agave, and the Rapheal, meaning ‘Angel’ or ‘healing,’ containing Ritual Tequila Alternative, Blood orange juice, lime juice, agave, aloe syrup, and club soda.
And, during January, Warehouse 72 is hosting an All-Day, Every-Day Happy Hour, featuring the mocktails for just $6!
Warehouse 72 is open daily for lunch from 11 AM to 2 PM, dinner from 5 PM to 10 PM, and the bar stays open until 11 PM. Reservations are highly encouraged, and can be made on Warehouse 72’s website: https://irvine.warehouse72.com/reservations
SHOR Bazaar (Hawaiian Gardens, CA)
LA County’s upscale Desi eatery, SHOR Bazaar, is kicking off the New Year with a brand-new mocktail menu to celebrate Dry January.
Opened in 2024, SHOR is known for its trailblazing non-alcoholic bar program, redefining sober mixology with bold, halal mocktails, rotating seasonal menus, zero-proof shots, beer, and even N/A wine menu. A centerpiece of the program is SHOR’s luxurious “Water Bar,” offering bottles ranging from $8 to $1,000.
Each mocktail on the Dry January menu is priced at $12 and will be available for a limited time through January 31, 2025. The Dry January mocktails include:
- Kale Smash: Kale meets pineapple nectar, non-alcoholic gin, lime, and simple syrup for a bold, green creation.
- Blue Ice: A refreshing combination of lychee nectar, lime, Seedlip 94, and blue curaçao.
- Mai Tai: A tropical blend of non-alcoholic rum, lime, orange juice, and orgeat.
- Melon Sour: Honeydew melon paired with basil, non-alcoholic tequila, lime, and egg white for a frothy twist.
Reservations are available on OpenTable, and more information can be found at http://shorbazaarla.com.
Mint Desi Craft Kitchen (Laguna Hills, CA)
With its impressive non-alcoholic beverage program, the newly reopened MINT in Laguna Hills is a hub for Dry January and beyond.
Mint’s beverages are crafted with organic, fresh ingredients and highlight vibrant flavors unique to the Desi community. Standouts include the Falsa-tini, a blend of Grewia asiatica pulp and black salt, the Smoked Purana Zamana, featuring hibiscus-raspberry pulp, ginger jus, and a smoked dome for a bold profile inspired by Desi flavors, and the Pina Colada made with wild pineapple molasses and crème de coconut.
Mint is also celebrating its grand reopening on Wednesday, January 8th, with a public ribbon-cutting ceremony, donations to NAMI OC, and a complimentary glass of non-alcoholic champagne for all attending guests. Reservations for Mint’s Grand Reopening and beyond can be made on OpenTable. For more information, please visit MintDesiKitchen.com.
Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen (Fullerton, CA)
Fullerton’s four-time Michelin-recognized Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen boasts a booze-free bar program that is 100% alcohol-free and at its inception was the first of its kind in SoCal, and fourth in the nation.
Desi-inspired beverages crafted by Head Mixologist Ahmad Hosseini include the Smoked Negroni, made with Seedlip Spice 94, rose syrup and Palo Santo bitters and served under a smoke filled dome, and the Tower of Peshawar, made with Seedlip Garden 108, cucumber, basil and elderflower tonic.
Reservations to experience SoCal’s top-tier mocktails are available now through OpenTable.
Calaca Mamas Cantina (Anaheim, CA)
Anaheim’s Day of the Dead-inspired eatery located across the street from Disneyland, Calaca Mamas Cantina, offers five unique Mexican-inspired mocktails made with the freshest organic and non-GMO ingredients.
Options span from the fruity and herbaceous Blushing Maria, made with organic strawberry, organic lemon juice, organic mint leaves, orgeat, sprite and soda water, to Tia’s Surprise Lemonade featuring organic blueberries, organic basil leaves, organic lime juice, simple syrup and soda water, curated by mixologist TJ Majeske.
For more information and to make reservations, visit https://www.calacamamas.com/.
