A Sonoma guide to ‘Dry January’

A roundup of the best non-alcoholic offerings around town.|

It isn't easy remaining steadfast in 'Dry January': a month without alcohol. More than two weeks in and the post-holiday month-long alcohol fast has been going well for many but, as the weekend creeps closer, resolve begins to wane. Lucky for Sonomans, the alcohol-free cocktail movement is gathering steam like never before.

While the concept of drying out a bit after the celebratory Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's holidays is nothing new, Dry January began stirring as a certifiable public health campaign in Britain in 2013. According to the England-based nonprofit Alcohol Concern, in 2014 as many as 17,000 Britons gave up alcohol for the month of January. Or at least tried to.

And the trend has continued to gain steam. According to Pinterest's 2019 trends report, sober living searches have reached an all time high, up 746 percent from previous years. So while you're not alone in your Dry January quest, being in good company and being successful with your resolution are not one in the same.

Thankfully local watering holes keep tabs on what's trending and many have quietly been creating non-alcohol alternatives. Whether as an option for designated drivers, a preference for the health conscious, or an embracing of the sober-by-choice, these booze-free concoctions are just the ticket to see Sonoma through the rest of the month and, maybe even longer.

Here is a round-up of alcohol-free offerings in and around Sonoma:

The Starling Bar

With some of the most innovative cocktails in Sonoma, the Starling doesn't disappoint in the alcohol-free department. On a rainy Friday afternoon, bartender Audrey Morrison whipped up a signature 'Starling Shrub.' Made from a combination of muddled Meyer lemon and rosemary mixed with fresh citrus juice, simple syrup, housemade ginger beer and a dash of orgeat, the drink is both creative and refreshing. Embracing teetotalers, the Starling also offers a berry infused elixir, a mock-Moscow mule, fresh squeezed orange or grapefruit juice, a ginger beer plus hot coffee or tea and non-alcohol beer. Most mocktails are offered at $5.

OSO Sonoma

At OSO, bartender Joey Brown said that most any drink on their extensive cocktail menu can be made alcohol-free. A house favorite is a delicious blood orange margarita. Beautifully hued and not overly sweet, the libation is made with blood orange puree, fresh lime juice, a bit of agave and a splash of water. $6.

Maya

Maya bartender Hezir Arjona is more than happy to create a signature v-jito, short for virgin mojito. Combining muddled mint with fresh lime juice, housemade simple syrup, soda water and, his secret ingredient - love - the drink comes together beautifully with a bit of tartness to balance out the sweetness. Served alongside the popular Maya tequila-jito, one would be hard pressed to tell the difference. Other creations are also available including alcohol-free beer. Most offerings are priced at $6.

Hopmonk

Hopmonk is happening in the alcohol-free beverage category. At just $3 per drink, customers can stay until closing and safely drive home. Hopmonk bartender Lauren Geoffrey isn't much of a drinker herself so she put her creative juices to the test and came up with some truly inspired creations. Among other offerings, is a virgin Moscow mule, a no-jito, a virgin pina colada, a virgin hot toddy and, Lauren's personal favorite, the creatively named Cucumber Thumper (fresh cucumber juice, simple syrup, lime, a tajin-seasoned rim and guava garnish).

Mary's Pizza Shack

Mary's full bar offers a wide verity of options for cocktails. On the mocktail front, the Italian sodas are the way to go. Fizzy and fresh, they come in flavors like strawberry and raspberry and cost just $3.35 including one free refill. Also available, Clausthauler non-alcoholic beer.

Girl & the Fig

According to bartender Eric Gentzler, the Girl & the Fig is well known for its virgin Pimm's cup. A popular menu item for quite some time, the refreshing libation starts with muddled cucumber to which is added fresh lemon juice, mint, house made pomegranate juice and ginger ale. Served in a pint glass with a cucumber garnish, it is a 'great virgin cocktail,' he says. Also in the offing, a virgin hot toddy whose secret lies in a five spice simple syrup that evokes a taste of fall.

El Dorado Kitchen

Another fine spot for mocktails, EDK has been so bold as to put them on the menu. Creative options include the very popular basil julep with muddled basil, ginger, lemon and sparkling water. Bartender Izy Carriero extols the virtues of the healthy, refreshing and tropical Velvet Water which includes hibiscus water, pineapple and sparkling water, all infused with a bit of thyme. Don't miss the no-jito or the Sunflower with white cranberry and citrus flavors. $6 each.

Town Square

It doesn't get more local than the Town Square and it's nice to know that here, the virgin Bloody Mary is as popular as the alcohol-based version. According to bartender Kathy and the patrons in attendance, this is all due to the accoutrements: pickled asparagus, pickled green bean, pepperoncini, green olive and a great big prawn. Packing some heat thanks to tabasco and horseradish, this is lunch in a glass for $4.50. Or, if you're seeking something a little less spicy, fruity concoctions with juices, club soda and fruit garnish are also popular. And non-alcoholic beer from Coors and St. Pauli is available for $4.

Steiners Tavern

Just across the Plaza, Steiners embraces the nondrinkers among us with a range of items. Pretty much anything on the drinks menu can be replicated in a non-alcohol format. Or, don't miss the non-alcoholic beer selection if that is your preference.

Tips Roadside

Up the road a bit, Tips Roadside lists alcohol-free options on the menu. Included are a fun spritzer with cucumber, mint, lime and tonic; various seasonal shrubs; an apple no-hito with muddled mint, lime and apple juice. Tips also makes its own cold brew coffee and always has fresh squeezed juices on hand. Prices range from $4 to $6.

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