The dawn of drinking differently has risen. No longer do imbibers have to go all in for a night of booze, today’s bar patrons can go small, go liquor free, sip on low ABV cocktails, and even do one-on, one-off.
Even among Americans who do drink, consumption patterns are shifting. A record-low 24% of drinkers say they had a drink in the past 24 hours, while 40% say it’s been more than a week since their last drink, the highest percentage since 2000, according to Gallup. Industry analysts are calling the trend zebra striping, where people alternate between alcoholic and alcohol-free beverages over the course of a night out.
No matter how you drink, or don’t drink, these Denver area bars and restaurants have made imbibing not only delicious and decadent, but perfect for any type of diner.
A Shift In the Cocktail Tides
With high-proof rums and flavorful sweeteners that mask the alcohol content, the tiki era of cocktails ushered in drinks stronger than hurricane winds. So when it came to recreating classic tiki cocktails like the Painkiller and the Mai Tai in a zero-proof format for Adrift’s expanded “On Dry Land” section of the menu, Vince Polizzi, bar manager, was ready to get creative. For instance, the bar team looks to build out cocktails with something like Lyre’s orange liqueur alternative, which does a better job of mimicking a curacao’s oil and peel flavor versus the sweet juiciness you’d get from orange juice.
Once limited to specials during Dry January or Sober October, mocktails have now been elevated to year-round menu mainstays at Denver cocktail lounges. As bartenders put more thought into growing zero-proof menus, they’re responding to a broader shift in imbibing culture. After all, the percentage of U.S. adults who say they consume alcohol has dropped to 54%, the lowest in Gallup’s nearly 90 years of trend tracking, according to an August report.
But perhaps even more interesting, zero-proof drinks aren’t just for teetotalers anymore. For bartenders, this means raising the bar and going beyond fancy lemonades, juice, and syrup drinks.
“It feels lame to be relegated to a kiddy drink,” Polizzi said. “I want people to feel included. I have a lot of sober friends, when we go out I don’t want them to be getting something like a Shirley Temple.”
He credits bars like Death & Co, Yacht Club, Lady Jane, and Williams and Graham for pushing the envelope with nonalcoholic drinks in Denver.
“I want to keep up with this cutting-edge approach,” he added.
Recognizing the zebra-striping nature of today’s tipplers, BearLeek, a newly opened restaurant in RiNo, has created a non-alcoholic version of a strawberry Aperol spritz by flash blending the strawberries in Ritual’s nonalcoholic amaro.
“If the quality of a non-alcoholic cocktail isn’t on par with a full-proof one, it’s a challenge for guests to switch back and forth,” said BearLeek’s beverage director and co-owner Carlos Hugo Meza. “That’s why a great NA cocktail demands the same technique and intention as full-proof cocktails.
Up next, some great spots for zebra-stripers to sip standout mocktails, or downshift with low-ABV drinks and tiny tipplers.
Making Marvelous Mocktails
At these cocktail institutions, bartenders are putting as much thought and creativity into zero-proof drinks as they are into their boozy counterparts.
Honey Elixir Bar
Honey Elixir Bar is rooted in the idea of “conscious consumption.” The alcohol-free potions section of the menu includes complex sips like the Blue Velvet, a blueberry, lavender and vanilla bean drink with clover honey, Topo Chico and your choice of coconut cream or half and half. Or, go with something tart like the Lemon Head, a lemon-ginger drink with dandelion leaf, hops, honey, and bee pollen. 2636 Walnut St., #104, Denver, honeyelixirbar.com
Williams & Graham
This prohibition-era speakeasy features more than 60 classic cocktails, including some recipes that have been around for more than 200 years. Williams & Graham also features a sophisticated Temperance menu with nonalcoholic cocktails, with booze-free drinks like the Staycation made with The Pathfinder (a spirit-free hemp-based liquid beloved by bartenders), roasted corn, chocolate, and Coco Lopez.
And while a soda wouldn’t typically make the cut for a nonalcoholic option, Williams & Graham crafts its own snazzy homemade ones like the Passionate Earl with Earl Grey, green apple, passion fruit, lime, and mint. 3160 Tejon St., Denver, williamsandgraham.com
Yacht Club
Broader cocktail trends, like veggie-forward drinks, spill over into the nonalcoholic menu at Yacht Club, which is ranked among The 50 Best Bars in North America. The Paradise Awaits is a zero-proof rendition of a savory tropical margarita. Instead of mezcal, the bar team uses Almave, a nonalcoholic agave spirit as well as celery for earthy and vegetal undertones, curry leafy for smoky aromatics, and green pineapple for a touch of acid and vibrancy. For a little cheekiness, Yacht Club also features a KoolAid Du Jour on its menu. 3701 N. Williams St., yachtclubbar.com
Light Buzz With Low-ABV Options
Proof that sometimes less can be more, these low-ABV cocktails are balanced and flavorful without packing a high-alcohol punch.
Deviation Distilling
Spritzes are a fantastic option when you’re looking for a refreshing cocktail that’s low in alcohol content. Deviation Distilling’s tasting room in the Dairy Block is among the best places in Denver for spritz lovers. The tasting room also has refreshing sippers that let its gin shine, like the Island in the Sun cocktail on its seasonal menu with coconut water and a honeydew melon foam. 1821 Blake St. # 130; deviationdistilling.com
Death & Co
Everyone in your group will find a cocktail they love at Death & Co, including the non-drinkers thanks to a thoughtful menu of booze-free cocktails. For example, the espresso Shadow Brew with Lyre’s Coffee Liqueur, Pathfinder’s Hemp Spirit, vanilla and clarified milk. Inside the Ramble Hotel, Death & Co divides up its menu into personalities that run the gamut from “bright and confident” to “boozy and honest.” For those looking for something with some levity, zero in on the “light and playful” section of the menu, with cocktails like the Rocket No. 9 with Singani 63, St. George Basil Eau de Vie, pomegranate, and soda. 1280 25th St., deathandcompany.com
Fellow Traveler
Fellow Traveler, an all-vegan restaurant that wins over meat eaters, too, with dishes like a barbecue-smoked jackfruit sandwich. You’ll also find plenty of drinks from classic cocktails to a nice lineup of spritzes, think Aperol or a citrusy limoncello option. The menu also includes lower ABV cocktails like a lavender gin lemonade and, on the happy hour menu, an orange and rosemary-infused vodka tonic. 3487 S. Broadway, Englewood, ftbar.com
Tiny Cocktails
Sometimes, you just want a tiny cocktail before switching to wine with dinner or as a nightcap. In addition to fantastic zero-proof cocktails, here’s where you can find petite-sized drinks for slow sipping.
Public House
Set in the cute carriage house attached to Urban Cowboy hotel, Public House should be on the list when wanting a late night happy hour. Here you can enjoy an $8 tiny tini paired with Little Johnny B’s pizzas. Opt for an espresso martini or a classic with vodka or gin. Late-night happy hour runs from 9 to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. 1665 Grant St., urbancowboy.com
Lady Jane
A fan favorite, the $6 Tiny Tini changes with the seasons at Lady Jane. Enjoying a summer residency on the menu, the tropical Hendricks gin martini is made with Pairidaeza Crème de Banane and subtle vanilla notes from Kota Pandan Liqueur. 2021 W. 32nd Ave., Denver, ladyjanedenver.com
Ambler
At Ambler, a restaurant in downtown Denver, small-format $7 “snaquiris” are on the menu for those looking for a little treat during happy hour (3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and all day Sunday). The lineup includes a tiny rum daiquiri, a mini marg, and a “Snacky Sour” with bourbon, lemon sugar, and bitters. 1801 Wewatta St., Denver, amblerdenver.com
