It’s officially 2022, and for some, that means the start of some healthier resolutions. One popular kickstart to the new year is cutting out some vices — including alcohol — and if you’re in Philly, you’re in luck. You can find mocktails just as tasty, as unique and as desirable as cocktails, but without the guilt the next morning whether you’re sober, pregnant or just looking to participate in Dry January.
One local restaurant group is making it all that much easier with designated happy hours and mocktails being offered around the city, and you can find some to sip on all month long. FCM Hospitality is embracing the concept of Dry January and taking it to an all new level with the launch of a new Dry January Mocktail Happy Hour, along with new and expanded mocktail menus at five properties, ranging from Northern Liberties to Center City, Spring Garden to Ardmore, and more, a release states.
“Just because you don’t drink, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a handcrafted beverage. Mocktails are a great way to enhance your dining experience without the repercussions of drinking alcohol (diving home, hangovers, etc.). Also great for pregnant women, children and non-drinkers to feel part of the group,” says Matt Deutsch, FCM’s Beverage Director. “Our mocktails are crafted with purpose using fresh ingredients we prepare in-house. Whether it’s a take on a cocktail on the menu or a new creation in itself, they all are created to be balanced and full of flavor.”
“After the holidays everyone needs some type of a reboot. Some people drink a little heavier during the holiday season,” he added. “Taking a month off is a great way to get yourself back to even.”
So what makes a good mocktail? Deutsch had some thoughts: “Balance, balance, and balance,” he says. “Making a good mocktail is more than just throwing a few good ingredients into a glass with ice. It must be done in the right proportion to ensure a balanced drink.”
Here’s where to head to indulge in a unique mocktail in Philly.
Harper’s Garden
This Center City oasis offers a Dry January Mocktail Happy Hour every Monday to Friday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The selection includes their Moon Drop Lemonade (made with Moondrop Grape and fresh lemonade), Blackberry Ginger Soda (made with blackberry, strawberry, ginger, lime and soda), Fig Vanilla Palmer (made with fig, vanilla, fresh lemonade, lemon, and fresh iced tea), and Mulled Hot Cider (made with hot apple cider, cinnamon, star anise, lemon and ginger).
31 S. 18th St., harpersgardenphilly.com
Craft Hall
One of the most popular spots in the city for both Philadelphians and their furry friends (it’s one of the only venues with a designated puppy porch in the city) is offering their own spin on mocktails. Their mocktail happy hour will be Wednesday to Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. with options including their Strawberry Lemonade, Peach Palmer, Apple Cider Spritzer and Cranberry Splash.
901 N. Delaware Ave., crafthallphilly.com
Juno
At this heated outdoor hotspot, the mocktail happy hour will be every Monday to Thursday, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and while there, Philadelphians can sip on a slew of non-alcoholic margarita mixers. Flavors include their Blood Orange, Strawberry, Pineapple, Spicy, Mango, Blackberry and Hot Honey and they will be offered in their outdoor patio, new covered dining room, bar and new greenhouses.
1033 Spring Garden St., junophilly.com
Rosy’s Taco Bar
Rosy’s is celebrating the New Year with their own mocktail happy hour every Monday to Thursday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Similar to Juno, Rosy’s Taco Bar mocktails will include an offering of non-alcoholic flavored margaritas ranging from Passionfruit, Mango, Blood Orange, Strawberry, Habanero and Pineapple.
2220 Walnut St., https://www.rosystacobar.com/
Lola’s Garden
Philadelphians can head out to the Main Line to check out a bevy of alcohol-free beverages this January. At Lola’s Garden, Dry January Mocktail Happy Hour is Monday to Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the bar and then again on Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. This eatery’s mocktail offerings include their Blackberry Ginger Soda (boasting blackberry, ginger and lime juice topped with soda), Spicy Pineapple (boasting grilled pineapple juice, lemon juice and fresno pepper extract), Cucumber-Basil Butterfly (boasting lime juice, muddled cucumber and basil finished with butterfly pea tea), Fig-Strawberry Lemonade (boasting strawberry syrup and fresh lemonade) and Spiced Apple Cider (boasting apple cider, ginger, cinnamon, clove, star anise and lemon).
51 St. Georges Rd, Ardmore, lolasgardenrestaurant.com
Philadelphians who want more information and food items to pair with January’s mocktail program can visit each restaurant’s website. Mocktails will continue year-round at many of these properties and will vary by season.
