Each year, millions across the country take on a new challenge in the form of New Year’s resolutions. And while many of them fall short, there’s something to be said about personal growth and lessons learned in the process. One of the most popular of these resolutions is Dry January, a month away from alcohol.

 

But in Milwaukee, going on an ABV hiatus doesn’t mean you have to stand in the corner with a soda in your hand, counting down the days to February. Here, you’ll find mocktails so spirited you forget they’re spiritless and, for those going California sober for the month, THC beverages with a buzz of another kind altogether.

 

So, join us this year on this zero-proof bar crawl, this sober shuffle, this mocktail trail through some of Milwaukee’s best mocktail makers.

 

Five craft cocktails in assorted glassware on a marble table, garnished with citrus and set against leafy plants.

 

Downtown
 

Agency Cocktail Lounge

Located in the Cathedral Square neighborhood, this cozy cocktail lounge comes with a zero-proof surprise: it’s home to the nation’s first hybrid cocktail menu. That means each drink on the menu can be made either as a cocktail or as a mocktail, with zero-proof substitutes that taste nearly identical. Agency’s ambiance is the perfect place to enjoy a conversation amidst the low lighting, plush seating and intimate space.

Drink Suggestion: Dealer’s Choice

 

the Bar

A sophisticated night in an art gallery with live music and a drink in your hand is just what Dry January ordered at the Bar inside Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel. Underneath ambient lighting, and surrounded by works of art from a variety of disciplines, you can sip your mocktail and stroll through not one but three on-site galleries. And while you’re there, maybe even pay a visit to the art vending machine just outside the bathrooms for a little memento of your zero-ABV evening.

Drink Suggestion: A Walk in the Park

 

Tropic Lounge

You can set sail for a Caribbean getaway without ever leaving the city at Tropic Lounge. Situated in the heart of downtown, this bar, restaurant and hookah lounge serves island flavor in everything from the décor and lighting to the menu offerings. You’re always on island time at Tropic, and their mocktail menu packs a punch of delicious flavors sure to satisfy as you let the winter chill melt away sip by sip.

Drink Suggestion: Rum Punch

 

Upper Bar

Just a few steps away from the galleries of the Saint Kate hotel, take a short stroll down the hallway of the Associated Bank Theater Center to the Upper Bar. Boasting some of the best all-season views of the Milwaukee River and a sensational raw bar, the Upper Bar gives you the best of both worlds. You can have a spirit-free drink at the bar and enjoy the great outdoors without setting foot in the elements, thanks to the space’s panoramic glass windows.

Drink Suggestion: Garden No-Jito

 

Interior of a café bar with a long counter, hanging wine glasses, liquor bottles on shelves, and large menu boards above.

 

Bay View
 

Centraal Grand Cafe and Tappery

Let’s go Dutch with this next one. Drawing inspiration from Centraal Station in Amsterdam, Centraal Grand Café is our next stop along this zero-proof mocktail trail. Serving globally inspired fare with a local flair, all over the restaurant, you’ll find Dutch touches and homages to the country’s love of cycling in the artwork and even in the in-house beer list. Located amid the bustling bar district of Kinnickinnic Ave. in Bay View, the taproom and restaurant is the perfect place to meet up for a bite and a drink off their “Free Spirited” menu of NA cocktails, beers and soft drinks.

Drink Suggestion: Faux-Fashioned

 

The Sugar Maple

Right next door, you’ll find this hidden gem. The Sugar Maple uses local ingredients to batch their tasty craft cocktails, including many NA offerings for you to sip throughout the evening, with the option to add a little hemp-derived elixir if you’re feeling adventurous. The inviting space is much larger than it looks, with tons of seating at the bar, booths on the opposite wall and a patio when it’s nice outside. They also serve cold brew and some of the best kombucha around.

Drink Suggestion: Roll for Initiative

 

Cafe Corazon

Travel just a little way down KK (Kinnickinnic Ave.) to find non-alcoholic drinks that you can sip to your heart's content. Cafe Corazon, a Mexican restaurant known for their addictive chips and salsa, loaded burritos and inventive tacos, is also introducing a bevy of new mocktails to its menu. In addition to mainstays like virgin margaritas and micheladas, at the Bay View location, you'll now find orgeat lemonade and an orange ginger fizz. 

 

Three colorful tropical cocktails on a patio, served in a pufferfish mug and two decorative cups with fruit and mint garnishes.

 

Third Ward
 

Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen

Right on the edge of downtown, Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen is an upscale, but approachable drinking experience. It’s a step away from anything, and the well-loved local staple specializes in Central Standard’s craft spirits. But they also have plenty on their menu for those seeking a little zero-proof fun. Accented by Cream City brick, preserved wooden floors, mood lighting and stylish glasses poured to the brim with expertly crafted mocktails.

Drink Suggestion: Matcha Tonic

 

Pufferfish

It’s time to swim with the fishes. Pufferfish, atop Hotel Metro, brings a taste of the tropics to a winterized tiki-themed rooftop bar, with views of the downtown skyline as a chaser. The drinks here come in tiki glasses, with new takes on well-loved island classics that blend an array of delicious flavors in bright colors and a floral finish. Pufferfish has an entire menu dedicated to ABV-free bevvies, with inspired drinks that’ll make you want to try them all.

Drink Suggestion: Flip the Bird

 

The Edison

Chic, buzzworthy, upscale. The Edison is one of the newer additions to the Third Ward’s dining scene, and it’s proven itself as a serious cocktail (and mocktail) trail contender for those looking for a refined night out. The bar area features nostalgic eras of years gone by, with handcrafted cocktails made by their staff of expert bartenders. The wide selection of spirit-free cocktails has a little something for everyone, from NA sparkling wine to a butterscotch espresso dessert in a glass.

Drink Suggestion: Butterscotch Espresso Notini

 

A bartender serving a non-alcoholic cocktail to two bar patrons.

 

More to Explore

There are so many more Milwaukee craft mocktail makers and NA brewers to explore this Dry January. Try some of these on your next night out:

 

 

Canni MKE

 

California-Sober Dry January: THC Drinks

Shake up your Dry January experience. You can still savor an alcohol-free January with a buzzworthy THC drink in hand. Follow the THC tree to savor a bevvy of a different kind entirely.

 

Cafes, Bars and Stores

 

Third Space Brewing Co.

 

Breweries

Resolve to explore more in Milwaukee this year! Plan your stay and book your Cream City getaway today.