You've heard of the phrase - whether you participate or not - Dry January, where more and more people aim to cut out alcohol for the month as a way to reset their bodies and improve their overall wellness. As more and more individuals and businesses embrace this trend, the Mocktail - a non-alcoholic beverage offering just as much flavor and satisfaction as their boozy counterparts - has become more widely available on menus across the nation. 

In Fairfax County, many local restaurants are offering up creative and delicious mocktail options, some all-year long and some perfect for the changing seasons. Here are a few places to grab a specialty Mocktail the next time you're craving a little restorative balance. 

 

Wren
📍Tysons

Wren - Tysons - Kinsei Mocktail
Image courtesy Linda Roth PR/Wren

Wren, located at The Watermark Hotel in Tysons, has an extensive cocktail list. But this winter, don't sleep on the restaurant and lounge's new lineup of mocktails. For a limited time, guests can try Kinsei, a non-alcoholic cinnamon whiskey mixed with Pathfinder, Sencha Honey syrup, and club soda, served in a modern martini coupe. Two other daily mocktails are offered: Little Birdie Told Me features seedlip non-alcoholic gin with blueberry, lavender, yuzu, and lemonade; Like a Shirley is a beautiful sparkling pomegranate fizz with lemon, topped with a cherry.

 

Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen
📍McLean

Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen - RestaurantsImage courtesy Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen

One of the area's newest restaurants, Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen in McLean, has been garnering a ton of buzz for its seasonal menu and both cocktail AND mocktail offerings. Whether you dine for brunch, lunch, or dinner, be sure to keep a lookout for Mocktail favorites, including the Mellow Mango, a tropical beverage using a non-alcoholic tequila spirit (Jalisco 55) that blends flavors of honey, oak spice, and vanilla, topped with added mango and lime for zest. Guests can also soak up a bit of that Golden Hour, a Zero Proof Kentucky 73 Bourbon that swirls with lemon, honey, mint, and a splash of soda. Think of it as a NA take on a whiskey-laced Bee's Knees!

 

Davio's Italian Steakhouse
📍Reston

Davios Reston Mocktail

Davio's is known for its prime steaks, handcrafted pastas, and fun cooking classes/events, so what better way to round out the Dry January season than with an exclusive Mocktail Dinner. Taking place January 29, 2025 at the Reston location, guests can reserve a spot at this four-course dinner that expertly pairs the restaurant's innovative meals with handcrafted, non-alcoholic mocktails. Check out the menu here. If you miss this particular event, stop by during the winter season for a long list of seasonal Mocktails, including the Snowy Night (Eggnog spiced with Seedlip Spice 94 and cinnamon) or It's Cold Out-Cider (Warm apple cider that harmonizes with Seedlip Grove 42 and FLUÈRE Bitter, plush a splash of lemon). Or go with the classic take on the Smoky Margarita (a sweet treat using Seedlip Notas de Agave blended with jalapenos, simple syrup, Tajin Clasico, lemon and lime). 

 

Caboose Tavern
📍Vienna

Caboose Tavern - Vanilla Chai Fizz Mocktail - Vienna
Image courtesy Caboose Tavern

Caboose Tavern is known for its rotating taps of locally poured beers, but it's also home to a wide menu of farm-to-table foods, coffees, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. Through March 2025, guests can get cozy in this quaint Vienna taproom and restaurant with a specialty winter-time Mocktail called Vanilla Chai Fizz that is artfully made with house-made vanilla and chai syrup and topped with ginger brew. 

 

Ocean Paradise
📍Fairfax

Ocean Paradise - Mocktail - Restaurants
Image courtesy Ocean Paradise Restaurant

Family-owned Ocean Paradise Restaurant, centrally located in Fairfax just off of Interstate 66, has a large menu of innovative seafood dishes. But this winter, the Diner's Choice restaurant is also offering some fun sparkling Mocktails, including the Sparkling Apple Hibiscus, which combines apple cider and hibiscus syrup with some agave, lime juice, and club soda. Bonus points for being served in a fun mug and garnished with a sprig of rosemary!

 

bartaco
📍Merrifield and Reston

People dining in trendy restaurantImage courtesy bartaco / Merrifield

Last time we checked, tacos go better with a freshly made cocktail or mocktail. Stop by one of these two Fairfax County locations - bartaco in Merrifield and bartaco in Reston - for new Mocktail concoctions, like the Grapefruit Basil, which combines Seedlip 94 with lemon, grapefruit and basil. You can also choose from one of the house-made aguas frescas (honeydew, grapefruit ginger, pomegranate limonada, or a Nojito!)

 

Wildfire
📍Tysons

Wildfire - Blackberry Kentucky Mule - Mocktail
Image courtesy Wildfire

Wildfire, located at Tysons Galleria, is a win-win for steaks, chops, and other delights - it's a classic 1940s style dining experience that the whole family will love. But this winter, pair that parmesan-crusted steak with a Blackberry Kentucky Mule for a nice balance. Combining Lyre's American Malt Spirit and Blackberry syrup, with a bit of lime juice and Ginger Beer, it's a refreshing take on the classic 'mule! 

 

The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner
📍Tysons

ENTYSE- Ritz- Tysons
Image courtesy ENTYSE

The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner's staple restaurant ENTYSE, is perfect for date nights, afternoon tea, or a delicious meal paired with local jazz music. But if you want to go without the buzz, consider ordering the Zen Margarita, which pairs celery juice and lime juice with some heavenly slices of jalapeno and cucumber, then topped off with a jalapeno and dehydrated lime wedge. You'll feel just refreshed enough that you'll want to extend that feeling with a trip to the Ritz-Carlton Spa. 

 

Do you have a favorite spot for Mocktails or Zero-Proof beverages? Tell us in the comments or join the conversation on social media using #FXVA or @VisitFairfax.