There is a meme that goes like this:

My bestie: I thought you were doing Dry January.
Me: This is dry. It’s a Sauvignon Blanc.

The Library Wine Bar

At the Spring Branch Management District’s newest wine bar, The Library Wine Bar, you can order that dry white wine or you can follow the true spirit of “Dry January” and order one of three non-alcoholic drinks the purveyors have created for those who are trying to start 2024 off without partaking in alcohol.

The non-alcoholic cocktails at The Library and “mocktails” at other nearby restaurants and bars are a great way to continue to support local businesses while still meeting your goal of abstaining from alcohol through the end of this month.

At The Library, 8510 Long Point Rd., the non-alcoholic drinks are made with Seedlip, the world’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirit. It is based on the distilled non-alcoholic remedies from The Art of Distillation written in 1651.

In 2024, you can choose from:

— Herb Craft Elixir, featuring Seedlip Garden, FeverTree Cucumber tonic, rosemary and cucumber.

— Pom Spritz, made with Seedlip Spice, sparkling water, pomegranate, star anise and orange zest.

— Citrus Refresher, comprised of Seedlip Citrus, FeverTree Sicilian lemonade soda and grapefruit zest.

The Decoy

At The Decoy, 1222 Witte Rd., the name of the game is having fun – whether it’s on the sand volleyball court, in a game of corn hole, dancing to a fire DJ set, or watching a thrilling sporting event on one of their many TVs.

And you don’t have to have alcohol to have fun at The Decoy, even though you still have to be 21 to order a nonalcoholic beverage there.

The Decoy, next to new restaurants Underbelly Burger and Wild Oats, is serving up three refreshing mocktails at just $7 each.

The Watermelon Fresca combines fresh watermelon puree, lime and soda. The Kickin’ Lemonade combines lemonade, simple syrup and ginger beer. Meanwhile, the Spicy Grapefruit combines grapefruit, jalapeño and club soda.

At Low Tide Kitchen & Bar, 2030A Bingle Rd., there is also no need to stick to sodas or juices when enjoying your delicious seafood dinner. Low Tide is serving a wide selection of zero-proof liquors, beers and mixed mocktails this month, according to a reel on their Instagram account.

At Slowpokes, 8147 Long Point Rd., mocktails are always on the menu year round, and anyone of any age can enjoy a Patches’ Push-Pop, Monster Mash or Slowpokes Punch, all made with Italian soda, various flavorings and optional cream.

We paired our mocktails with the “Let It Brie” cauliflower-crust flatbread for a sweet and savory afternoon snack on the patio.

Cascabel, the Spring Branch District’s vegan Mexican restaurant at 1415 Murray Bay St., serves up “virgin” versions of all of their cocktails every day. You can even have them delivered or pick them up to take them home.

Most establishments will make an effort to provide a non-alcoholic version of specialty drinks or will try to make something unique just for you.

All you have to do is ask. Don’t worry, they won’t mock you.

— by Dorothy Puch Lillig