Quite a few Arlington establishments are serving mocktails and other non-alcoholic drinks this January — and year-round — for those looking for a sober start to 2026.
For customers looking to try out the “Dry January” trend — which some see as a way to improve health and wellbeing, especially after an indulgent holiday season — zero-proof menus in Arlington and Falls Church offer a way to enjoy drinks without getting drunk.
With origins dating back to 2011, Dry January has been growing in popularity as Americans have been drinking less and thinking differently about alcohol consumption. A Gallup poll released in August found that only 54% of Americans say they consume alcohol — a record low since the poll’s start in 1939 — and a growing body of research suggests that even drinking in moderation is bad for people’s health.
“Drinking less is a great way to be healthier,” said Dr. Timothy Naimi, who directs the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research at the University of Victoria in British Columbia.
Astro Beer Hall
Astro Beer Hall has long embraced non-alcoholic suds with a handful of craft options. But this month, patrons can also enjoy a slate of $8 mocktails like the Pure Passion (passion fruit syrup, lemon juice, club soda) and the Cranberry Mojito (lime juice, mint, cranberry syrup, agave).
4001 Campbell Avenue, Shirlington
Surreal Global Kitchen
Surreal features one of the largest zero-proof menus in Arlington. About half of the restaurant’s house cocktails can be prepared spirit-free, and three non-alcoholic beers are also available.
2117 Crystal Drive, Crystal City
El Rey
El Rey is serving $7 mocktails all January long in flavors like mango and strawberry.
4201 Wilson Blvd, Ballston
CIRCA
Along with a wide slate of traditional cocktails, CIRCA offers four signature zero-proof options. Popular drinks include the Pineapple-Jalapeno Faux-Rita — with pineapple, jalapeno, lime, agave and lemon-lime soda — and the Ruby Rose, with ruby red grapefruit-rosemary shrub and sparkling grapefruit juice.
3001 Clarendon Blvd, Clarendon
Nue: Elegantly Vietnamese
A non-alcoholic menu offered at Nue year-round is the highlight this month. Five different options ($9-$13) include spirit-free drinks like the Firelight, made with citrus non-alcoholic spirit, prickly pear, pomegranate, lime and maple orange, and the Le’s Passion, which includes Indian long pepper, butterfly pea tea and other ingredients.
944 W. Broad Street, Falls Church
Salt
Located under Rosslyn’s Open Road restaurant, Salt serves three mocktails with unique ingredients (all named after Queen songs). The “Los Palabras De Amor” includes grilled pineapple turbinado, while the “I Want to Break Free” features a distinctive blend of lemon and vanilla ingredients.
Salt also offers a mocktail of the week. This week is the Smooth Operator, with allspice coconut milk, maple mocha syrup and St. Lucia espresso.
1201 Wilson Blvd, Rosslyn
Whino
Based in Ballston Quarter, Whino features three crafted mocktails on its menu that include Seedlip non-alcoholic spirits. The “Blood Orange Moon” features the “garden-herb” Seedlip Garden, while “Lime after Lime” features the citrusy Seedlip Grove. Finally, the “Smoke Without Fire” includes Seedlip Spice, an “aromatic blend of allspice and cardamom.”
4238 Wilson Blvd, Ballston
Ruthie’s All-Day
This popular restaurant also serves three house mocktails: the Garden Sipper (cucumber, honey), the Tea Refresher (iced tea, ginger, mint) and the Draft Kombucha, with Wild Bay kombucha, strawberry and lavender.
3411 5th Street S., Arlington Heights
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
