I’m not drinking this month for personal reasons and it helps that a lot of other people aren’t drinking either because of Dry January. New habits are easier to do in a group, no?
My younger self would have thought that no drinking means no going out – at least to bars, events, and even restaurants can be tough to abstain from a drink. Well, I managed to do all 3 without feeling like I was missing out, and it was surprisingly easy and enjoyable.
Mocktails and NA (non-alcoholic) beverages have come a long way. They are no longer an afterthought. There are now way more delicious and interesting options than there were a decade ago.
So what standout mocktails and NA drinks did I have over the weekend?
NA and Mocktail Spots
Simpang Asia
Not only does Simpang Asia have some of the best Indonesian food in west LA, I was also pleasantly surprised by their NA wine selection. Both the Salted Raspberry and Chamomile caught my eye, along with the Lemon Marmalade and Hibiscus. The staff is so friendly and our server let me taste test both. I went with Lemon Marmalade, which was also her recommendation. It drank like a natty wine with a unique lemon flavor that went well with the Rendang and Singapore Street Noodles we ordered. I would definitely go back to try the other NA wines.
Bar Bohemien
After going to see Kristofferson San Pablo’s show at Known Studio, we went to Bar Bohemien for a nightcap. Anything with an asterisk on their cocktail menu comes in a mocktail version. I went with the tequila-based La Adelita and joined everyone else happily on the rooftop.
Docent Brewing & Craft House
We spent Sunday in Orange County, first stopping by Docent Brewing for lunch. We liked their food menu which is “inspired by things fermented” (so a lot of kimchi items) but also they had 2 different NA kombucha drinks to choose from. I went for the blueberry lavender. We were in Dana Point at dinnertime and ended up at a place off PCH called Craft House. We were there for the happy hour and while they don’t have extensive options for mocktails, there were at least 3 on the menu. While the weakest of all the weekend’s mocktail establishments, I appreciated having options besides lemonade and iced tea.
*Update to the list: The Famous
*Disclaimer, the drink pictured below contains alcohol. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get a photo of the non-alcoholic star, the sparkling Oolong tea. But that is what I want to highlight here. I don’t know anywhere else that serves this specific bottle, it’s such a nice way to have an interesting drink without alcohol. It’s served as a full bottle accompanied with wine glasses so you can share with 3 – 4 people. This special drink gives tea drinkers that cocktail vibe without the booze.
I also have to share one of the cocktail and ice cream pairings they had for Lunar New Year.
JULIENNE CARROTS 