6 Great Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Recipes for Dry January That Don’t Feel Like a Compromise

Dry January doesn’t have to mean defaulting to soda water or nursing a glass of juice while everyone else sips something more interesting. The new wave of non-alcoholic spirits and zero-proof beers makes it easier than ever to mix drinks that look good, taste layered and still feel like a proper cocktail moment.

Below are six standout Dry January–friendly cocktail recipes from respected brands and creators. Each offers real structure and flavor—without the booze. We’ve included the highlights and flavor notes for each, with space to link out to the full instructions if you want to try them at home.

1. Empress 0.0 & Tonic

(Photo: Empress 1908)

A classic gin and tonic reimagined for Dry January. This zero-proof version keeps the ritual intact, from the copa glass to the citrus garnish, while letting the botanical profile of Empress 1908’s newly released inaugural non-alc release do the heavy lifting. Crisp, refreshing and lightly bitter, it’s an easy entry point for anyone new to non-alcoholic spirits.

Click here to find the full recipe and instructions.

2. Maria Sin Culpa

(Photo: Amanda Chen/Tomonotomo)

“Maria without blame” is exactly what this drink delivers: all the savory, spicy satisfaction of a Bloody Maria, minus the tequila. Built around Tomonotomo’s distilled non-alcoholic agave spirit, this cocktail leans bold, vegetal and lightly acidic.

It’s a brunch-ready option that doesn’t feel watered down, with enough complexity to stand up to its boozy inspiration.

Click here to find the full recipe and instructions.

3. Atmosphere Spagett

(Photo: Atmosphere Brewing)

A non-alcoholic riff on a beloved dive-bar classic, this drink blends zero-proof pilsner with bitter, citrusy elements for something unexpectedly elegant and very sessionable. Traditionally, a Spaghett mixes beer with Aperol and lemon; here, non-alcoholic beer and a spirit-free bitter aperitif take center stage.

The result is light, refreshing and slightly bitter, with herbal aromatics that make it feel more cocktail than beer.

Click here to find the full recipe and instructions — including a riff on the recipe to make it low-alc!

4. Fluère Negroni

(Photo: Fluere)

Fluère’s botanical and bitter blends recreate the structure and intensity of the classic Negroni, delivering bitterness, spice and depth without alcohol.

Served over a large cube with a citrus twist, this drink is evidence that Dry January doesn’t mean giving up on bold, spirit-forward drinks.

Click here to find the full recipe and instructions.

5. Lively Paloma

(Photo: Three Spirit)

Bright, citrusy and energizing, this non-alcoholic Paloma swaps tequila for Three Spirit Livener, a functional spirit alternative made with botanicals like guayusa and schisandra berry.

It’s a simple, daytime-friendly cocktail that feels especially at home during winter afternoons or early evenings.

Click here to find the full recipe and instructions.

6. Indigo 0.0 Sour

(Photo: Empress 1907)

Sours can be tricky without alcohol, but this one leans into texture and balance. Empress 1908 0.0 Indigo provides a botanical backbone, while citrus, sweetness and foam come together for a silky, composed drink that looks as good as it tastes.

Elegant and slightly indulgent, it’s a reminder that Dry January cocktails can still feel special-occasion worthy.

Click here to find the full recipe and instructions.

Whether you’re taking a full month off or just looking to drink more intentionally, these recipes show how far non-alcoholic cocktails have come. With the right ingredients and a little effort, Dry January doesn’t have to feel so dry after all.