OBSERVING DRY JANUARY IN THE CHICAGO SOUTHLAND

The sober travel trend has been gaining traction in recent years. Those who choose to eliminate alcohol from their adventures may do so for a number of reasons - perhaps they’re living a fully sober life where alcohol is absent, they may be working toward a goal of eliminating alcohol for a specific period of time, it may be part of an overall wellness overhaul or they may simply be interested in being fully aware and present for each part of their trip. Such a practice is especially at the forefront at the start of the new year as individuals make resolutions that may include abstaining from alcohol, losing weight, saving money or improving their overall health - and skipping the booze can play into each of those.

If you are partaking in “Dry January” in the Chicago Southland and looking for alternatives to cocktails, you’ll find some delicious ways to still sip on a beverage and not feel like you’re missing out.

While not every bar has an official “mocktail” menu, many bartenders have a few tricks up their sleeves of some flavorful drinks that can be prepared in “virgin” form - sans the liquor. At Francesca’s Fortunato, upon request a concoction can be made from the syrups, sodas and non-alcoholic spritzer that they have on hand. Fat Rosie’s Taco & Tequila Bar serves up a refreshing limeade and can also make their margaritas (all except frozen) in a non-alcoholic version that will be beautifully garnished just like the full-octane option. Cultivate Community Table has a quartet of non-alcoholic spritzes available - strawberry, ginger peach, mango and wildberry. At Redbird Cafe, they carry a full array of zero proof spirits from Ritual, non-alcoholic beers from Athletic and mixers from Top Note, St Steve’s cordials and Siren Shrub.

Maybe you’re even avoiding places that serve alcohol and are looking for a tasty beverage to replace the cocktail, beer or glass of wine that you’d otherwise enjoy. If so, pay a visit to SoHo Sweets Creamery & Cafe for a cup of coffee or ice cream drink, Kdulche Cafe for an indulgent shake or flowery tea or Gayety’s Chocolates & Ice Cream for one of their shakes using their homemade ice cream. For a good cup of Joe, make your way to Cornerstone Coffee House for a variety of coffee drinks, including lattes, espresso shots, Americanos and cappuccino or the Edge Coffee House & Roasting Company for classic cup of hot coffee, an iced version, frappe and more. Check out our Coffee, Tea & Sweets travel inspiration for more local coffee shops!

You can also make a stop at several chains, like Sonic for one of their signature slushies, Culvers in Lansing and Matteson or Chick-fil-A for their creamy milkshakes or Olive Garden in Matteson or Lansing for their summery raspberry lemonade, mango-strawberry iced tea or strawberry-passion fruit limonita.

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