By Dathan Kazsuk
Whether you’re all-in, dry-ish, or just pacing yourself, Dry January is once again having a moment. According to national surveys, roughly one in four Americans plans to participate in Dry January in some form this year—either cutting alcohol entirely or dialing it way back. And if this feels less like a trend and more like a lifestyle shift, that’s because it kind of is.
I dug into that exact shift—the rise of mindful drinking, moderation, and why more people are rethinking their relationship with alcohol—in the January/February issue of Midtown. If you want the bigger picture, you can read that story HERE!
But for now, let’s get practical. Whether you’re skipping booze completely or just looking for something interesting that doesn’t come with a hangover, Triangle bars and restaurants are stepping up in a big way. From zero-proof cocktails that actually feel like cocktails to THC drinks, wellness events, and rooftop mocktails, here’s where Dry January gets flavorful.
Durham’s Alley Twenty Six has never been a one-trick pony behind the bar, and this January, they’re expanding their booze-free options in ways that still feel very Alley. Expect familiar favorites like the Earl Please, built around Earl Grey tea with passion fruit, ginger, and lime, and Tempting Fate, a bright mix of grapefruit, house pomegranate grenadine, aromatic bitters, and soda.
They’re also leaning into warmth and creativity with hot drink options, plus new additions like a tall, refreshing cooler made with South African rooibos tea and a stirred sipper featuring a house-made juniper-based NA spirit. Translation: you’re not just drinking juice and calling it a day.
320 E. Chapel Hill Street, Durham
alleytwentysix.com
Zero-proof drinks aren’t a January gimmick at Birdie’s—they’re always on the menu. Whether you’re grabbing dinner downtown or hanging out on the patio or outdoor bar, Birdie’s makes it easy to drink thoughtfully year-round.
The lineup includes the Strawberry Thyme Lemonade with house-made lemonade and fresh thyme; a Buzz Free Blackberry Mojito with blackberry, lime, mint, and soda; and the Cosmno, made with Seedlip Garden, Lyre’s Italian Orange, cranberry, and lime. You won’t miss the alcohol—and you won’t feel like you’re settling either.
150 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh
birdiesraleigh.com
All January long, Peck & Plume is offering a trio of thoughtfully crafted spirit-free cocktails for $9 each, courtesy of their bar team. These are layered, aromatic drinks that still feel like something you’d order with intention.
Highlights include the Black Lime Sour with Earl Grey and black lime; The Cranberry, topped with cranberry foam and bright bergamot notes; and an Elderberry Tonic built with botanicals, lemon, mulberry, star anise, and nonalcoholic sparkling wine.
The Mayton, 301 S. Academy Street, Cary
peckandplume.com/whats-new/dry-january/
Dry January doesn’t have to mean boring January. On January 17, the original State of Beer on Hillsborough Street is hosting an Alt Bev Fest from noon–4 p.m., featuring THC sodas, kombucha makers, a masseuse, and other wellness professionals.
Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure afternoon—where relaxation, curiosity, and alternatives to alcohol take center stage.
401 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh
trophybrewing.com/state-of-beer
The Durham is rolling out a zero-proof drink menu at both its Coffee Bar and heated Roof this January—and beyond. These drinks are designed to feel complete, balanced, and satisfying, not like an afterthought.
Standouts include the Ruby Spritz with Lyre’s Italian Orange and Falernum; Golden Granate, a layered blend of pomegranate Jabin, ginger, honey, and citrus; a Pear & Honey Shrub with apple cider vinegar and seltzer; and Jamaica Hibiscus Tea with cinnamon and mint.
This year’s menu also highlights Jabin, a locally made drink inspired by sekanjabin, an ancient Persian vinegar-and-honey beverage prized for its cooling, restorative qualities. Old ideas, new energy.
315 E. Chapel Hill Street, Durham
thedurham.com/events/dry-january/
Dry January? Sixty Vines isn’t judging. From January 1–31, Sixty Vines is welcoming both sippers and skippers with a lineup that doesn’t force a choice. On the spirited side, there’s a $14 wine flight. And if you’re skipping alcohol, the nonalcoholic options are just as thoughtful, including the Blackberry Sage & Soda, a Garden Spritz, The Bright Side, and a selection of NA wines that still play nicely with food.
No resolutions required—just good options, all month long.
4000 Center at North Hills Street, Suite 110, Raleigh
sixtyvines.com/locations/raleigh-nc
The Willard Rooftop is offering a full menu of $10 spirit-free mocktails throughout January. Each can stand on its own—or be turned into a traditional cocktail with the addition of a spirit for $6.
Options include the Nojito with a blueberry-mint-ginger NA spirit; the Soberita with cucumber and coconut; and More Passion, More Energy—a blueberry-passionfruit blend topped with Red Bull. Same skyline views, new approach.
AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown, 9 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh
thewillardraleigh.com/happenings/january-rooftop-mocktails/
Rooftop season doesn’t stop just because it’s January. Tenth & Terrace is offering spirit-free cocktails all month long for $8—or you can add a suggested spirit for $6.
Choices include Ollie’s Pop with cherry, vanilla, and maple shrub; Straw-Basil with strawberry syrup and basil limeade; and From the Empress, a lychee-hibiscus spritz finished with rose water.
616 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh
10thandterrace.com/happenings/dry-january-spirit-free-cocktails/
Vidrio continues to lean into thoughtful, global flavors with spirit-free cocktails priced at $13. Highlights include Ciao Bella with Seedlip Grove, jasmine tea, and Verjus Blanc; Flemengo with cucumber and elderflower; and Southwest Ibiza, a spicy-bright mix of ginger beer, mango, turmeric, Espelette, and lime.
500 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 100, Raleigh
vidrioraleigh.com
Wolfe & Porter is taking a wider view with a Dry (or High) January menu that includes THC specialty cocktails, canned THC drinks, and creative mocktails—plus packs to go, so the vibe doesn’t end when you leave.
905 W. Morgan Street, Raleigh
wolfeandporter.com
