Dry January: Try these mocktails around San Diego

These 11 creative, alcohol-free concoctions are certainly worth a toast.

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Try the Sunset Cliffs mocktail at La Jolla’s buzzy Paradisaea.

Photo via Paradisaea

Partaking in Dry January this year? Many San Diego hotspots are offering marvelous mocktails this month — and that’s certainly worth a toast.

Check these out:

  • Sunset Cliffs | Paradisaea | The buzzy restaurant’s locally inspired, gimlet-type drink features Pink London “gin,” aloe vera juice, and apple blossom bitters.
  • A Toast to Mayor Jane! | Harrah’s Resort Southern California | The resort has robust zero-proof offerings but this little ditty and nod to celebrity “Mayor” Jane Lynch caught our eye: Hibiscus herbal tea, raspberry syrup, lime, mint, and raspberry foam.
  • Thornless Thicket | Huntress | The recipe for this one is sweet and simple: blackberry, lime, and cream soda.
  • Non-Groni | The Islander | The Coronado spot’s spin-off of a classic Negroni combines Lyre’s Italian Orange, Lyre’s Dry London, and Giffard Aperitif.

A lineup of colorful mocktails available at The Local Pacific Beach.

  • P.O.G. Soda | The Local Pacific Beach | This one features passionfruit, orange juice, guava, and club soda. You can also join the bar’s Dry January fitness classes.
  • Derby Day | Mustangs & Burros | This twist on a classic mint julep uses a Wilderton Earthen base with simple syrup, mint, and ginger beer.
  • Ginger Peach Smash | Marina Kitchen | A peach purée base with honey syrup, lemon, ginger beer, and mint.
  • Botanical Smash | Seasons 52 | White cranberry juice, cucumber, lime, and soda water with Seedlip Garden 108 — an herbal blend of peas, rosemary, thyme, and spearmint.

There’s a new “booze-free cocktail” in town.

  • Fant-astic Fun | Louisiana Purchase | Strawberry Fanta and lemonade, garnished with a dehydrated lemon.
  • The Not Toddy | Miss B’s Coconut Club | This Hot Toddy alternative features lemon, turmeric ginger syrup, honey, and hot water, garnished with candied ginger.
  • !MPROV Booze-Free Cocktails | Available at Sprouts and Whole Foods | This locally founded brand offers three flavors of non-alcoholic, canned mocktails — Lime Margarita, Tropical Mai Tai, and Grapefruit Paloma — and as of Jan. 1, 2024, the product is available at Sprouts and Whole Foods.
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Monica is based in San Diego, California. She was previously a senior digital media producer and podcast host at NBC 7 San Diego + The Scene, and has been in the news biz since 2005. She loves hiking, the beach, and family days with her husband and two kids.
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