31+ Alcohol-Free Drinks for Dry January

Non-alcoholic drinks for Dry January don’t have to be boring! These mocktails are flavorful, fun and perfect for sipping all month long.

A hand pours soda into a glass of sangria with ice and fruit slices. Two additional glasses and a pitcher are visible in the background.

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Your ultimate guide to mocktails for Dry January

Participation in Dry January, a month of not drinking, is increasingly common. It often aligns with other health-related resolutions and is a nice reprieve after a month that’s heavy on indulging.

Personally, once the holidays have come and gone I feel like a total reset is in order. And I do mean total, from putting away the decorations to taking a break from heavy holiday fare to swapping my sippers for something less boozy.

Mocktails are a must for me whenever I’m entertaining to ensure everyone has something to enjoy. They provide the flavor and fun of cocktails, but skip the booze, making them perfect for sipping during Dry January too.

Quick tips for Dry January 

Much like any challenge, you’ll be more likely to succeed if you make things easier on yourself.

  1. Have your ingredients on-hand. Whether you need to make a batch of simple syrup or stock the fridge with fruit, you’re more likely to make a drink when you have everything you need ready to go. Sometimes I’ll even wash and slice my fruit so it’s ready to go into something like an infused water in a snap!
  2. Make a big batch. If you’re going to put effort into making a drink (and dirty the dishes to do so), you may as well make a big batch of virgin sangria to enjoy over the course of a few days! Homemade sour mix makes a great base for a ton of cocktails, so that’s a good place to start.
  3. Find alternatives to your favorites. Non-alcoholic bitters * and non-alcoholic spirits make it easy to re-create virgin versions of your favorite cocktails.
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try non-alcoholic bitters

We love adding bitters to drinks to add a little extra depth and flavor complexity. I’ve teamed up with my friends at All the Bitter — who make fantastic non-alcoholic bitters — to bring you an exclusive discount on your purchase. Use code fwbitters for 10% off!

The best mocktails for Dry January

Whether you’re looking to warm up, wind down, or shake things up, these non-alcoholic sips bring all the flavor with none of the booze.

Here are some of my favorite drinks to enjoy during Dry January, but they’re good enough to keep on the menu all year long! Consider this your go-to list of winter-ready Dry January drinks worth making

1
A glass of dark cocktail garnished with coffee beans, surrounded by coffee beans, a bottle, a jigger, and a small glass container on a light surface.
Virgin Espresso Martini
Cool and coffee-forward, this Virgin Espresso Martini delivers bold espresso flavor with a smooth, lightly bitter finish. It’s a polished option for Dry January nights when you want energy without alcohol.
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2
A decorative glass mug of spiced tea with a cinnamon stick and star anise, surrounded by lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, and two spoons.
Tea Hot Toddy
Gentle warmth defines this Hot Toddy With Tea, where honey and citrus soften black or herbal tea. It’s an easy, comforting sip for cold evenings and slower moments.
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3
A glass with a virgin white Russian, iced to perfection in a clear tumbler adorned with gold polka dots, rests elegantly on a gold coaster. Nearby, shimmering gold-colored bar accessories add a touch of luxury.
Virgin White Russian
Rich and creamy, this Virgin White Russian puts coffee flavor front and center without feeling heavy. Served over ice, it works beautifully as an after-dinner treat.
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4
A refreshing cranberry lime mocktail in a glass with ice and a lime garnish, perched on a woven coaster and surrounded by fresh cranberries.
Cranberry Lime Mocktail
Bright and crisp, the Cranberry Lime Mocktail balances tart cranberry with fresh lime juice. A splash of sparkling water keeps it refreshing for Dry January or any time you want something light.
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5
Gold mug of spiced apple cider garnished with a cinnamon stick and dried orange slice, surrounded by star anise and dried citrus on a white surface.
Mulled Cider
Simmered with cinnamon, cloves and citrus peel, this warm Mulled Cider fills the kitchen with cozy aroma. Served hot, it’s ideal for winter gatherings when alcohol isn’t the focus.
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6
Two glasses of pomegranate juice with lemon garnishes on a table, next to a bowl of pomegranate seeds and a half pomegranate. Glasses have a star pattern on them.
Pomegranate Mocktail
Jewel-toned and lively, the Sparkling Pomegranate Mocktail blends tart-sweet juice with bubbles. It feels festive enough for celebrations or even New Year's, while staying Dry January friendly.
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7
Two tropical cocktails with orange slices and pink umbrellas, next to a cocktail shaker and measuring jigger.
Sunrise Mocktail
Layered citrus juices and grenadine give the Sunrise Mocktail its vibrant look and balanced sweetness. It’s especially fun for brunch when you want color without alcohol.
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8
A Virgin Margarita in a glass with lime and lime wedges.
Virgin Margarita
Lime-forward and zippy, this Virgin Margarita keeps the classic balance you expect. A salted rim adds familiarity, making it an easy swap during Dry January.
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9
A tall glass filled with blue cocktail and ice, garnished with an orange slice; whole and sliced oranges and green leaves are in the background.
entirelyelizabeth.com
2 Minute Blue Lagoon Mocktail
This 2 minute Blue Lagoon Mocktail is a refreshing, 3 ingredient summer drink. It’s bright, fizzy, and the perfect level of sweet and citrus.
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10
A glass of dark red cocktail with ice and a cherry garnish, surrounded by another similar glass, a bottle, and a small bowl with cherries.
Sleepy Girl Mocktail
Smooth and slushy, a classic frozen Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri highlights ripe berries lifted by citrus. It’s a fun and kid-friendly choice for casual get-togethers, especially the upcoming Mardi Gras celebrations.
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11
Two glasses of strawberry smoothie with limes and strawberries.
Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri
Smooth and slushy, a classic frozen Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri highlights ripe berries lifted by citrus. It’s a fun and kid-friendly choice for casual get-togethers, especially the upcoming Mardi Gras celebrations.
GET THE RECIPE
12
A glass of red sangria with ice cubes, sliced apples, oranges, and a mint leaf. A pitcher of sangria is in the background.
Virgin Sangria
Juicy and fruit-filled, this easy Virgin Sangria mixes citrus, juices and sliced fruit for layered flavor. Make it ahead and chill so everything melds before serving.
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13
Two glasses of a refreshing cocktail with ice, each garnished with a cucumber spiral and mint. Sliced cucumber and lime wedges are arranged on a wooden board nearby.
Cucumber Mocktail
Cool and clean, this Cucumber Mocktail has subtle vegetal freshness balanced by light citrus. It’s especially refreshing on warm afternoons or whenever you want something calm and crisp.
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14
A textured glass filled with a pink cocktail, garnished with ice, black cherries, and a sprig of mint. A bowl of cherries and mint leaves are nearby.
Cherry Mocktail
Deep cherry flavor gives this tart Cherry Mocktail bold sweetness with gentle tartness. Poured over ice, it’s a simple alternative to soda during Dry January.
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15
A cocktail in a star-patterned glass garnished with dried orange slices, beside another similar drink and a gold jigger, on a white surface with small thyme sprigs.
Citrus Ginger Beer Mocktail
Zesty citrus meets spicy fizz in the Citrus Ginger Beer Mocktail. The ginger bite keeps it lively enough to stand in for a cocktail.
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16
A clear glass mug filled with dark red liquid sits on a wooden coaster beside an orange and cinnamon sticks.
Non-Alcoholic Mulled “Wine”
Warming spices and fruit notes give Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine familiar depth. Served hot, it’s a festive Dry January option everyone can enjoy.
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17
a non-alcoholic Bloody Mary with olives, tomatoes, cheese and celery on top
Virgin Bloody Mary
This Virgin Bloody Mary is the perfect mocktail for brunch and game day. It can be made three ways, each without alcohol and just as tasty as the real thing.
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18
a virgin mimosa with a garnish of mint and an orange slice
Virgin Mimosas
Virgin Mimosas are a delightful, non-alcoholic drink that's perfect for brunch and parties.
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19
a mule cocktail with a bottle of zero-proof spirits
Virgin Moscow Mule
There are a few different ways to make a Virgin Moscow Mule! Try them all to find your favorite.
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20
a virgin mojito on a wooden board with mint and a lime
Virgin Mojito
Try a non-alcoholic version of the classic mojito. It's just as refreshing, if not more!
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21
a non-alcoholic mint julep in a silver cup with a bottle of zero-proof whiskey
Virgin Mint Julep
Non-alcoholic drinks don't have to taste bad! Use a zero-proof whiskey alternative to make a great-tasting virgin mint julep.
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22
A glass of iced brown beverage garnished with lemon slices sits on a light surface, with a bottle and sliced lemons in the background.
entirelyelizabeth.com
Smoked Whiskey Sour Mocktail
This Smoked Whiskey Sour Mocktail is simple, flavorful, and alcohol free. Non alcoholic whiskey, lemon, simple syrup, and a dose of smoke.
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23
rosemary garnishes a glass of ginger ale on a wooden coaster.
Homemade Ginger Ale
Mix up some spicy homemade ginger ale to add to cocktails or sip on its own!
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24
A refreshing watermelon drink sits in a glass surrounded by lime slices, watermelon slices and watermelon chunks.
Watermelon Agua Fresca
Watermelon Agua Fresca is a refreshing and delicious drink that originates from Mexico and Latin America. This recipe combines juicy watermelon, lime juice and a touch of sweetness for a perfect summer drink. It's a great way to enjoy watermelon at its peak.
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25
A cranberry Italian soda garnished with a mint sprig on a gray stone coaster.
Italian Soda
The Italian Soda is the perfect non-dairy, caffeine-free and non-alcoholic drink for summertime!
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26
Two glasses of creamy piña colada garnished with pineapple wedges and maraschino cherries, with sliced pineapple on a tray in the background.
houseofnasheats.com
Virgin Piña Coladas (Non-Alcoholic)
Enjoy a cool, tropical treat this summer with these creamy, refreshing and non-alcoholic Virgin Piña Coladas that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy!
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27
a Shirley Temple with a straw and a cherry on top
Shirley Temple Drink
Serve up non-alcoholic Shirley Temples for a party! These mocktails are great for kids and non-drinkers who want something fancier than soda or lemonade, but you can also make it into a Dirty Shirly by adding vodka.
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28
a yellow frozen drink with red juices around the rim and a tamarind stick.
Mangonada
Cool off with a Mangonada, a frozen mango drink with Mexican roots. It's garnished with flavorful Chamoy sauce, a rim of chili-lime seasoning and a tamarind straw.
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29
two arnold palmers and a cutting board with lemons
Arnold Palmer Drink (Iced Tea Lemonade)
Cool down on a hot day with an Arnold Palmer drink, an iced tea lemonade combination that is full of refreshment.
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30
Two glasses of layered dessert, one with raspberries and the other with blueberries, sit on colored saucers against a white background, reminiscent of playful hues in sparkling mocktails.
Sparkling Balsamic Mocktails
A sparkling beverage with frozen berry accents. Perfect for baby and bridal showers or just easy sipping!
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31
An overhead view of a creamy pink soda drink with mint and a gold spoon laying beside.
French Soda
Also sometimes called an Italian cream soda, the creamy and fizzy French Soda is the perfect way to cool off in the summertime. Use your favorite flavor of syrup or dream up new flavor combinations.
GET THE RECIPE

What to serve with mocktails

If you’re trying to stay on the lighter side as you reset after the holidays, you can make your own hummus or guacamole for an easy snack. Charcuterie boards are always a good idea for a party or even a “girl dinner.” Blueberry yogurt popsicles are a great option if you need a sweet treat!

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About Susannah

Susannah Brinkley Henry is the founder of Feast + West, a cocktail blog featuring creative, budget-friendly drinks and hosting ideas. A graphic designer with bartending school training, she shares cocktails, mocktails, appetizers and desserts for easy, stylish entertaining. Her work has been featured by Southern Living, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post and Mashable, and she was a finalist in the Saveur Blog Awards. Susannah is also a publisher on MSN and has appeared on local news segments sharing seasonal drinks. She lives in Charlotte, N.C., where she brings Southern charm and global inspiration to every pour. Read more.

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