Navigating your way through a “Dry January?” You’re not alone. Local bartenders and brewers agree, the non-alcoholic movement is on the rise, and not just in January. Patrons are becoming more “sober curious” as they reconsider their relationship with alcohol, whether for health reasons, for a refocused mindset, or for exploring alternatives like ethnobotanical drinks and THC seltzers. (More on those later.)

“People aren’t whispering about getting something without alcohol anymore,” says Jason Pollard, head bartender at The Usual, one of Fort Worth’s pioneering craft cocktail bars. “Not only have we seen an increase in requests for zero proof offerings, we are seeing guests expect something beyond simple juice and syrup drinks. Most are willing to pay close, or the same, as they would for an alcoholic cocktail, as long as the care in preparation is there.”

At Hop Fusion Ale Works in South Fort Worth, director of operations Matt Gurley says non-alcoholic requests aren’t specific to January but have been a “slow-brewing thing for a while.” The brewery has its own line of non-alcoholic beverages, like an award-winning root beer, and started carrying non-alcoholic canned beer from Connecticut-based Athletic Brewing Co. more than a year ago.

“We just try to carry as many N/A products as we can that guests have asked for,” says Gurley.

Whether participating in Dry (or damp) January or embarking on a new lifestyle, here are eight places to enjoy elevated alcohol-free options in Fort Worth this month – and maybe beyond.

Behold the Mockaccino Martini at Funky Picnic.Photo courtesy of Funky Picnic

Funky Picnic Brewery & Café
The Near Southside craft brewpub has launched a mocktail pop-up experience called Dry Bar, running January 11-13, with more dates to be added this month. Funky Picnic co-owner Samantha Glenn says the pop-up is a result of not only Dry January but the rising interest in mindful drinking. "We wanted to create a space where individuals can savor exceptional mocktails and celebrate their commitment to a sober lifestyle,” she says. The pop-up will take place in The Back Room at Funky Picnic, where patrons can visit from 5-9 pm for zero-proof cocktails like the Mocaccino Martini, a sober twist on the espresso martini; Mule Love This Too, made with apple butter, lime juice, and ginger beer; and I Know That She’s Pretty, made with pink lavender water, lemon juice, and angostura bitters. The pop-up will also feature an interactive build-your-own-mocktail bar where bartenders can help guests select glassware, garnishes, and more.

Kava Culture is a non-alcoholic bar in North Fort Worth.Facebook/Kava Culture

Kava Culture
New in North Fort Worth is Kava Culture Kava Bar, a Florida-based kava and elixir bar that serves a slew of botanicals on tap but not one drop of beer, wine, or liquor. (A North Dallas location is coming soon.) Kava, a root from the South Pacific, is touted as natural muscle relaxer that provides a natural sense of calm without affecting motor skills. The juice is made by squeezing the root and is traditionally sipped from coconut shells. Kava Culture’s expansive menu is a bit daunting for newbies, with options ranging from traditional shells of “bula” (kava root blended with various botanical additions) to botanical cocktails, infusions, herbal and sparkling teas, and coffee and espresso drinks, including “Bu-Lattes.” Luckily the “kavatenders” are ready to help first timers navigate their selections. The bar is open daily from 8 am-12 am.

Hop Fusion Ale Works
There’s something “on tap” for everyone at this longtime Near Southside brewery, where a roster of alcohol-free beverages is created right on-site. Called Oh Snap!, Hop Fusion’s non-alcoholic line includes grapefruit soda, lemonade, and an award-winning root beer that won bronze in the 2022 U.S. Open Beer Championship. Hop Fusion also carries Austin-based Buddha’s Brew kombucha, tea from nearby Leaves Book and Tea Shop (which now shares space with Stir Crazy Baked Goods at 1251 W. Magnolia Ave.), and cold brew coffee from Ostara Coffee Roasters, set to open this spring on Race Street, among various bottled non-alcoholic beverages.

The Great Obsession non-alcoholic cocktail at The Usual.Photo by Brian Hutson

The Usual
The pioneering craft cocktail bar was one of Fort Worth’s first to elevate the mixed drink scene when it opened in 2009. Ironically, The Usual is now a leader in the zero-proof libation movement, serving non-alcoholic gin, rum, sparkling wine, and beer. Try the La Curandera, a cocktail made with Lyre’s Spiced Cane (a non-alcoholic spiced rum), Earl Grey tea, lemon, orgeat syrup, smoked sea salt, and rosemary.

Bar Dryce
The Tastemaker Award-winning hotel bar located steps from Dickies Arena has entire menu of “dry cocktails.” Co-owner Jonathan Morris says, “We want to make sure you’ve got something sexy to sip on – with or without alcohol. Staying away from alcohol doesn’t mean you have to stay away from a good time.” The lineup includes the Cardamom Fizz, made with Ghia aperitif, yucca syrup, lime, and sparkling water; The Remix, made with guava paprika syrup, smoked chili bitters, ginger beer, and candied chili mango; and the effervescent Refresh & Repeat, made with sparkling water, lime, and grapefruit ice cubes. Hotel Dryce also hosts DJ music regularly for a bumping night out.

Cannabis-infused seltzers are now a thing. Photo courtesy of Bayou City Hemp Company

Roy Pope Grocery
While not a bar, Roy Pope Grocery is among the first in Fort Worth to sell the recently legal cannabis-infused seltzers, which are non-alcoholic but contain legit hemp-derived THC. The beverages are “budding” in bars all over Texas, increasing in popularity for their high-flying properties. Roy Pope sells multiple brands including Howdy and Third Coast Blends, both Texas-based. Howdy offers THC canned seltzer versions of two classic Texas cocktails: Ranch Water and Paloma. The coastal-inspired Third Coast Blends offerings include Beach Break Watermellow and Swellberry. The cans be and purchased to-go or for enjoyment right in Roy Pope’s dining area or outdoor patio.

HG Sply Co.
The WestBend riverfront restaurant, bar, and patio has always been on the forefront of healthier dining in Fort Worth, with well-executed menu items that can fit any lifestyle, even those not looking to cut corners. The cocktail lineup is no different, with ginger kombucha sharing menu space with draft beer and drinks like beet-infused margs and mimosas made with cold-pressed juices. Zero-proof cocktails include the Mango Refresher, made with turmeric and Topo Chico; the Guava Dog, made with grapefruit, pineapple, guava, and lemon juices; and the #Beetbetter, made with strawberries, citrus, and simple syrup. Note that Trophy Club has its own HG Sply Co. location, too.

The Maiden Spice Melange.Facebook/Maiden

Maiden: Fine Plants & Spirits
Texas’ first vegan fine dining restaurant, bar, and tearoom, opened last summer by Spiral Diner founder Amy McNutt in the Near Southside at 1216 6^th Ave., has a lengthy lineup of zero-proof cocktails on its extensive drink menu. Options range from the Rhubarb Pear Smash, made with non-alcoholic Seedlip Spice 94, pear shrubs, and soda water; to the classic gin fizz, made with Ritual Zero-Proof gin and either ruby red grapefruit soda or strawberry puree. There are at least seven unique signature mocktails in all, making Maiden a leader in the local mocktail movement.