Cocktails bring a festive vibe to gatherings, but a beautifully made mocktail offers a delightful, inclusive option that’s equally enjoyable, especially during Dry January and Sober October.
Whether your purpose to abstain from alcohol for the month is health-related or to counter too much indulgence during the holidays, the choice of nonalcoholic beverages available at Downtown Napa bars, wineries and restaurants is vast and plentiful. With the growth of alcohol-free – or zero-proof drinks – on the rise, you’ll find an abundance of places to enjoy a delicious drink, as well as some of the best dining options to pair them with. Following is a list of a few of our favorite spots to enjoy a tasty mocktail during the month – or year-round.
Wilfred’s Lounge unapologetically leans into their island-inspired mocktail vibes—because who doesn’t love a tropical escape in a glass? After all, the Downtown Napa modern tiki bar did get its start in Honolulu. Among the half-dozen or so choices are Blue Skies, featuring nonalcoholic blue curacao, pineapple, lemon and soda, and Banana Dreams, a mix of banana, pineapple, grapefruit, lime and fassionola, a fruit-flavored syrup. Pair any of the drinks with Kalua Pork, a Honolulu Burger or one of the other tasty food items on the menu, and you’ll be in Hawaii heaven.
Situated along the Napa River at the Historic Napa Mill, The Fink is a popular spot of locals and visitors alike. Owned by Judd Finkelstein, this destination serves up food, beverages and live performances, as well as friendly hospitality. Mocktails include Island Breeze, a tasty concoction of pineapple, orange, almond and ginger; Ruby’s Usual, a fizzy combination of ginger, cucumber and mint; and several more. Try some delicious Baked Crab Dip, Lobsta Rolls or Quesabirria Flautas with your nonalcoholic drink and you’ll go home happy.
If you’re looking for a great lunch, dinner or weekend brunch stop, consider Kitchen Door, a Todd Humphries restaurant, located at First Street Napa. There are several nonalcoholic drinks that sound as good as they taste. For example, Hot Apple Cordial includes Martinelli’s apple juice, spiced apple cordial and lemon, perfect for a cool night on the Kitchen Door’s patio. La Perdiz, a combination of chai spiced brown sugar, lime juice and Fever Tree grapefruit soda, is another favorite of those skipping alcohol for the month. The menus are so packed with wonderful cuisine choices, you’ll want to come back for more than one meal.
There may be no place that offers a better selection of nonalcoholic beverages than Fieldwork Brewing Co., located at Oxbow Public Market in Downtown Napa. Beer and wine are in great supply, as is quality craft beer without the alcohol. But wait … there’s more! Fieldwork has Supertonics, sparkling beverages in a variety of flavors, as well as Hop Water, sparkling water with tastes of fruit and premium hops, all without alcohol. Appetizers, salads and delicious Detroit-style pizza pair wonderfully with so many of Fieldwork’s beverages.
Surrounded by beautiful vineyards and rolling hills, Stanly Ranch is a wine country treasure, and the perfect place to take family, friends or to romance that special person in your life. If you’re lucky enough to book a stay for a night or more, or you just want to visit and enjoy a great meal, Bear at Stanly Ranch is the place to dine. Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, Bear offers delicious cuisine that can be paired with a Teatotaler, featuring zero-proof agave, black tea, ginger, lemon and peppermint. For a fruitier nonalcoholic beverage, order an On the Wagon, a combination of zero-proof aperitivo, passionfruit, lime, orange and tonic.
The nonalcoholic beverages at The ArBARetum on First Street are as unique as its setting, which features a garden atmosphere. The ArBARetum offers delicious drinks and yummy bar bites. Its seasonal mocktail menu includes The Fig Lebowski, with fig balsamic vinegar, peach, Meyer lemon and pomegranate basil soda; the Mariposa Azul, with juniper-infused butterfly pea flower and lavender, topped with coconut whipped cream; the Rotating Gazoz, featuring lightly fermented fruit and seltzer and/or tonic; and Under the Sun, with Almave Blanco nonalcoholic agave spirit, yellow bell pepper, lime and tonic. And should none of these beverages appeal to you – which is hard to believe – bartenders will concoct a drink more to your liking.
Just because the Whiskey Bar at Archer Hotel Napa’s Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar specializes in all things whiskey, doesn’t mean they can’t make a terrific zero-proof cocktail. Each of the Archer Hotels across the U.S. are featuring a special nonalcoholic drink during Dry January, and the Napa location is offering the tasty Maize Legend. Honoring the ancient Aztecs, this flavorful drink includes white corn, cinnamon and serrano, combined with Seedlip Nara de Agave, vanilla and mint. Enjoy it with an order of Shishito Peppers, Brisket Sliders or other tasty bites, and take in the beautiful Napa view while warming up next to a stone fireplace.
The Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar may not have the whiskey selections its rooftop mate has, but they excel in many other ways, starting with its mocktails. Peaches, Peaches, Peaches is a wonderful blend of Seedlip Notas de Agave and – you guessed it – peaches. Or try Island Time, a combination of Seedlip Grove 42 Citrus, guava, pineapple, lime, agave, Scrappy’s Firewater Tincture and tajin. The food offerings are plentiful, with Dirty Fries, Oysters on the Half Shell, Lobster Corn Dogs and Margherita “Pie in the Sky” pizza just a few of the tempting treats.
Located a short distance from the Uptown Theatre, Folklore is part record store, part wine bar and part café. Who wouldn’t want to peruse new and gently used music records while sipping on a glass of wine? Or, in Dry January and Sober October – or really any time of the year – try one of Folklore’s nonalcohol beverages, such as an Athletic Upside Dawn Golden IPA with spice, earthy and citrusy notes, as well as coffee and organic tea. If a mocktail is more your style, try the Tepache Margarita, made with Lyre’s tequila (zero proof, of course), lime and bitters. For other seasonal mocktails, ask your friendly wait staff while ordering delicious items, from a bar bite to a full-blown main course.
If someone promised you a blend of “flavor, education and relaxation” while visiting Downtown Napa, you’d jump at the opportunity, right? That’s exactly what Napa Zero Proof Tours provides.
The three-hour tours – perfect for a weekend getaway or a group – offer “flavor” in the form of nonalcoholic cocktails, spirits, beers and wines, as well as gourmet cuisine, artisan cheeses and pastries. “Education” comes from learning about Downtown Napa’s history and culture while visiting historic landmarks and exploring districts such as Oxbow, Sofi, the Historic Mill and more. The “relaxation” is the leisurely stroll along the Riverfront, enjoying the beautiful scenery and spending time with fellow zero-proof drinkers.
Downtown Napa has so much to offer – from world-class restaurants to special outdoor events and activities. Select from a variety of lodging choices and book your healthy and fun getaway today.
