Whether you call them “mocktails,” “free spirits,” or “zero proof,” non-alcoholic cocktails, beer, and wine are having a moment right now. We’re in the midst of Dry January, the U.S. Surgeon General urges anti-cancer warnings on bottles of alcohol, and many people are discovering they can enjoy N/A drinks that are as complex and satisfying as their alcoholic counterparts without the negative side effects.
Listen to Merchant bar manager Jaiden Desens and Erika Yanke, a lead bartender at Lucille and Merchant, talk to Bianca Martin on the City Cast Madison podcast today about why they’re prioritizing N/A cocktails on their menu. Plus, here’s a few more places where you can get N/A drinks in Madison, along with some of their signature drinks.
Come for the wood-fired pizza, stay for the N/A craft cocktail menu (just don’t call them “mocktails”), as well as an assortment of N/A beer and wine.
Signature N/A drink: Dream of summer drinks with the Pineapple Mint No-Jito.
This spot hits a hole in one for both its indoor driving range and the largest N/A drink menu in Wisconsin. It’s especially strong on brunch cocktails, but has all-day N/A concoctions to suit every taste.
Signature N/A drink: The Derek Zoolander Center For Kids Who Can’t Read, otherwise known as an N/A old fashioned.
Kristi Tanner started Wisconsin’s first NA bottle shop as a way to show that not drinking shouldn’t have to mean not socializing, with over 100 varieties of N/A wines, beers, and cocktails in its Middleton location.
Signature N/A drink: With so many options it’s hard to choose, but try a mushroom-fueled cocktail in a can from Little Saints.
Enjoy one of the bar’s N/A cocktails as you peruse the bookshelves for your next favorite read.
Signature N/A drink: Leopold’s N/A Paloma is almost indistinguishable from its alcoholic version.
The east side distillery’s bartenders put just as much thought and care into their N/A cocktails as their others. Put your fate in their hands and try a “dealer’s choice” mocktail.
Signature N/A drink: You won’t find anything in Madison like their Astral Projection, featuring spirit-free aquavit.
The fun and elegant restaurant’s new location includes a robust N/A menu.
Signature N/A drink: Mint Mark changes up its sangrita with a different “seasonal flavor” to match the time of year. Right now the sweet and spicy draft cocktail features beet.
Not only does Merchant have a robust N/A cocktail menu available year-round, but its N/A concoctions are 50% off for Dry January.
Signature N/A drink: Trade one vice for another in Dry January with the Pornstar Martini, featuring passion fruit syrup and vanilla extract.
