NEW YEAR, NEW… mocktails? Why not! Houston restaurants are seizing the opportunity to shake things up when it comes to their drink lists — and, it turns out, that might make good business sense year-round. One consumer insights platform reports that more than half of customers are trying to drink less alcohol and 75 percent have stopped drinking entirely for at least one month. Many — especially millennial and Gen Z patrons — are seeking tasty replacements when they’re out to eat. We’ve rounded up some of the most innovative options appearing on menus around town this month.
Bludorn
Dove's Nest (photo by Michael Anthony)
Among the four zero-proof cocktails on offer at this Montrose mainstay is the Apple Bottom Sage, with apple, Verjus and fennel-sage foam. And the Sardoodledom — espresso, star anise, citrus and tonic — makes a festive after-dinner bev, too.
Coltivare
Not Tonic (photo by Mike Danae)
Having taken the mocktail fad pretty seriously for the last few years, Coltivare has churned out, unsurprisingly, a few great ones. Try the Perfect Storm — Caleno Dark & Spicy with lime juice, simple syrup, ginger beer and a Coca-Cola floater — or the alcohol-free version of the Heights staple’s famous G&T, with elderflower tonic and green peppercorn.
Eunice
(photo by Duc Hoang)
Spice is nice at this Cajun-Creole restaurant on Buffalo Speedway: Try the Puro Passion with non-alcoholic Cut Above mezcal, passionfruit and black-pepper syrup.
GJ Tavern
Noontime and Daily Program (photo by Michael Anthony)
The intimate Downtown bar from Underbelly Hospitality serves a unique Noontime mocktail with cucumber, pistachio orgeat, lime and tonic. Add CBD for just $4!
Kin Dee
Butterfly Tea Margarita
The authentic Thai restaurant in the Heights has some truly sweet mocktails, like the Mango Sticky Rice drink with Lyre’s non-alcoholic cane spirit, mango puree and coconut milk.
Navy Blue
Now open in Rice Village, Aaron Bludorn’s Navy Blue, like its sister resto Bludorn, has four zero-proof cocktails on the menu, including the cheekily named Peni-chillin with Lapsang Souchong, ginger, lemon and honey.
Nobu
Lyre Liar
Nobu’s Lyre Liar won the Grand Cordon Cocktail Competition last year, and for good reason. Try this concoction with Lyre’s Dark Cane spirit, pineapple, strawberry calpico and coconut cream.
Roots
This East End self-serve wine bar has plenty of non-alcoholic options, including a Eins Zwei sparkling Riesling and a sippable Luminara Red Blend from Napa Valley.
Tobiuo Sushi & Bar
At the Katy sushi star, the fruit-forward Lavender Lychee and Orange Dreamsicle mocktails are simple — but picture-perfect.