Lose the spirits, keep the cheer this holiday season. Low- and no-alcohol drinks have evolved way past soda water and juice, so no more blaming the spiked company punch for those bad party decisions — they’re all yours!
Eye Opener
Espresso Martini — Stella
Flavored wine, rather than coffee liqueur and vodka, gives this classic Italian cocktail a lower booze factor, but the shot of espresso will keep you buzzing for hours. Creamy and dreamy.
9049 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood. 707-801-8043, stellakenwood.com
Zen and Tonic
Letizia’s Orchard Shrub — Starling
The fruits of a 2-acre orchard, herbs, chia seeds, and raw cider vinegar go into this thoughtful, alcohol-free shrub. Calm and balanced.
19380 Highway 12, Sonoma. 707-938-7442, starlingsonoma.com
Sprite’s Sprite
Garden Gnome — Little Saint
It takes a little magic to capture the zesty botanicals of gin without the alcohol. Dhos Gin Free plus lime, tonic, and crisp Little Saint Farm cucumbers make this refresher extra delicious. Gnome joke! 25 North St., Healdsburg. 707-433-8207, littlesainthealdsburg.com
Pepper in Your Stepper
Dr. Feel Good — Lo & Behold
Fernet-Branca, Montenegro, apricot, crème de banane, and allspice somehow mimic the secret blend of 23 flavors in the original Dr Pepper. Fizzy low-alcohol fun for the kid in you (but not the kids).
214 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. 707-756-5021, loandbeholdca.com
Pucker Punch
Crash Test Dummies — Jackson’s Bar & Oven
Once there was this drink that didn’t have spirits in any of its makeup. But the fruit-packed sour sparkler rimmed with spicy-hot Tajin had a spirit all its own. I couldn’t quite explain it. Mmm mmm mmm.
135 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 707-545-6900, jacksonsbarandoven.com
Ho Ho Sober
Designated Sledder — Flamingo Resort & Spa
Stay on Santa’s nice list with this tropical mocktail that’s got all of the holiday joy and none of the morning-after regrets. Coconut cream, lime, and pineapple are tempered by earthy, vanilla-esque pandan syrup. Elf approved. 2777 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 707-545-8530, flamingoresort.com
Drink Your Veggies
Michenada — Bijou
The beer-based, south-of-the-border to the Bloody Mary, the michelada is salad in a glass — at least that’s how to justify a glass (or four). This version, with agave, cucumber, tomato, bell pepper, and nonalcoholic beer (hence the name, michenada) gives all the sass with a designated driver pass.
190 Kentucky St., Petaluma. 707-753-9155, restaurantbijou.com
Tropical Dreamsicle
Thai and Dry — Fern Bar
Lovelier than a southeast Asian sunset, this glowing, alcohol-free cocktail starts with floral Thai tea steeped in coconut water. Pineapple, orange, and vanilla with sweet coconut foam evoke happy memories of a summer Creamsicle — with a Bangkok twist.
6780 Depot St., Suite 120, Sebastopol. 707-861-9603, fernbar.com
Still thirsty? Find more local bars and restaurants serving great nonalcoholic drinks here.
Sip smarter this season. Find more nonalcoholic hotspots and keep the cheer going all winter long.
