Dry January: Mocktails, NA Beer, and Drinks Worth Ordering
Dry January is officially here, and whether you’re fully committing or just cutting back after the holidays, you don’t have to stick to soda water with lime. A handful of spots around Carlsbad are serving genuinely good mocktails and non alcoholic options. Drinks that feel intentional, not like an afterthought.
Here’s where to go when you want something delicious without the alcohol.
The Henry
The Henry makes Dry January easy with a dedicated zero-proof section right on the drinks menu. Their non-alcoholic cocktails are thoughtfully crafted and well-balanced. No awkward ordering, no feeling like you’re missing out. It’s a great option for brunch, lunch, or dinner when you still want something fun in your glass.
Bonus: it’s located in The Forum, so pairing your drink with a shopping stop at Anthropologie, Vuori, or Tecovas is effortless.
Try this: Pineapple & Thai Basil Soda. It gives Ranch Water vibes, just without the alcohol.
Campfire
Campfire’s seasonal approach translates beautifully to mocktails, listed under the “Free Spirits” section of the menu. Expect house tonic, layered flavors, and drinks that still feel special sitting next to a charred chicken plate or their signature s’mores dessert. Roasting your own marshmallow never hurts. Even non-drinkers can feel part of the experience here.
Try this: Upper East Side. A bright, refreshing mix of mint, cucumber, citrus, soda, and blue majik that feels clean, crisp, and elevated.
Steady State Roasting
This is where Dry January quietly shines. Beyond excellent brewed coffee, cold brew and teas, Steady State offers non-alcoholic drinks that actually feel special. A standout is their cascara sparkling tea. Lightly bubbly, subtly fruity, and incredibly refreshing, it feels like a small celebration every time you order it. One of those drinks you sip slowly because you don’t want it to end.
Just when you think you’ve explored the menu, there’s the Cold Fashioned, their seasonal drink at the moment. Made with cold brew concentrate, honey, and bitters, served over ice with a fresh orange peel, it’s a coffee-house nod to an old fashioned. Smooth, slightly bitter, not too sweet, and perfect for anyone craving a cocktail-style moment without the alcohol.
Try this: Cascara Sparkling Tea or the Cold Fashioned. Two different moods, both worth ordering.
Jimbo’s Naturally
If Dry January means stocking your fridge or finding a daytime alternative that still feels thoughtful, Jimbo’s is an easy go-to. Their shelves include non-alcoholic beers, alcohol-free wine, and social tonics that feel intentional. It’s the kind of place where you can build a lineup that works for both weeknights and hosting.
Don’t skip the juice bar. Beyond smoothies, you can order signature organic juices, build your own, or grab a single juice shot like wheatgrass, turmeric, or ginger. These drinks scratch the same itch as a mocktail.
Try this: Athletic Brewing Company non-alcoholic beer. A longtime favorite with a local tie. They even have a production facility here in San Diego County. If you remember them pouring samples at the Carlsbad 5000, you already know. Still just as good.
Playgrounded
If you’re looking for somewhere that pairs fun mocktails with built-in entertainment, Playgrounded is worth knowing about.
This speakeasy-style comedy club brings nationally touring comics to an intimate, up-close setting, giving you a solid hour and a half of laughs without needing alcohol to carry the night. The vibe is cozy, unexpected, and feels very “you’re in on something.” A great option when you want a full night out that’s more about the experience than what’s in your glass.
Try this: Order The Nanny, a delicious mix of pineapple juice, coconut milk, and lime juice that feels tropical, creamy, and genuinely satisfying.
Dry January doesn’t have to feel boring. In Carlsbad, it just takes knowing where to go.
