Eight thirst-quenching Birmingham mocktails you will love from daiquiris, martinis, negronis & more

Kick-starting your 2023 with ‘Dry January’ can feel daunting, but Birmingham bars are brimming with delicious mocktails here’s some top recommendations from award-winning food & drink writer Laura McEwan, author of Bite Your Brum blog
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The phrase a ‘New year, new me’ can mean all sorts of things to people, but for many it’s about taking a step back from alcohol. After enjoying all the festive indulgences of December, many take the month-long pledge to go booze-free for Dry January.

Whether you’re doing it for body or mind, taking a break from drinking can seem intimidating when temptation is everywhere and, until fairly recently, the non-alcoholic options have been less than inspiring. More alarmingly they’re often as expensive as their counterparts, making the choice even more limited for many.

But that’s all changed for 2023, says one food and drink blogger, as some of Brum’s most-loved bars, pubs and restaurants have created an array of exciting mocktails to ensure you can still enjoy a tasty tipple this month – and many of them are better value than you may expect.

We sent Laura McEwan of Bite Your Brum on a mission to find some of the best non-boozy cocktails available across the city to make sure your new year gets off to a scrumptious start. Here are 8 alcohol-free cocktails you can enjoy in and around Birmingham.

The best mocktails for dry January in Birmingham

What: Apple and Kiwi Daiquiri

Where: Fox and Chance, City Centre

Zingy, bright and extremely quaffable, this zero alcohol take on a daiquiri is a fun mocktail for those who would normally go for a rum-based tipple. It’s a delicious drink that won’t leave you missing the booze and at just £5 it’s one of the best value non-alcoholic cocktails you’ll find in the city right now. Head to the Fox and Chance website to learn more about what’s available during January.

What: The Calm Before The Storm

Where: Chapter, Edgbaston

This restaurant and bar always has a gorgeous array of cocktails regardless of the time of year, but they’re worth visiting in January especially thanks to the plethora of no and low alcohol alternatives. For fans of zingy cocktails with sweet kick, this one uses a booze-free spirit to give the essence of white rum without the units. To find out more information visit the Chapter website.

Chapter, EdgbastonChapter, Edgbaston
Chapter, Edgbaston

What: Caramel V’espresso Martini

Where: Le Petit Bois, Moseley

Very few cocktails have the universal popularity of an espresso martini. The perfect sweet treat to end a meal, this January you can still enjoy the caffeine buzz but without the vodka kick. This version also has a hint of caramel to make it feel extra decadent. Top tip – you can also ask for this to be made with decaf coffee, too. Check out the Le Petit Bois website for information about their mocktails.

Caramel V’espresso Martini, Le Petit Bois, Moseley, BirminghamCaramel V’espresso Martini, Le Petit Bois, Moseley, Birmingham
Caramel V’espresso Martini, Le Petit Bois, Moseley, Birmingham

What: Sober Negroni

Where: Dishoom, City Centre

For fans of a fiery negroni, Dishoom’s alternative makes the perfect mocktail for those that love the bitterness of the original with absolutely zero alcohol. Made with their homemade Sober Negroni batch and soda water, you won’t find another that ticks the boxes like this ruby gem. You can find out more about the low and no alcohol cocktails at Dishoom by visiting the website.

What: Blackberry and Thyme Highball

Where: Arch 13, Jewellery Quarter

If you like your cocktails fruity and herbaceous, the dedicated Dry January mocktail from this popular wine bar will have you wowed. Using a homemade thyme infusion and blackberry syrup, it’s a refreshing drink hand-crafted by some of the best in the business. Only one non-alcoholic cocktail is available here at any given time, so you know this one will knock your socks off. For more information check out the Arch 13 website

Arch 13 Wine Bar in the Jewellery QuarterArch 13 Wine Bar in the Jewellery Quarter
Arch 13 Wine Bar in the Jewellery Quarter

What: Cranberry Collins

Where: Harborne Kitchen, Harborne

If you’re looking for a guilty-free take on a Collins style cocktail this is one for your list. Served within the most beautiful bar and restaurant on Harborne High Street, this is a fruity drink with a fresh taste. Thanks to a little sweet almond syrup and a hint of warmth from the Seedlip spice it’s a well-rounded mocktail that won’t leave you longing for the gin kick you’d usually expect.  You’ll find more information about the drinks available at Harborne Kitchen via the website.

What: Saigon Sunset

Where: Vietnamese Street Kitchen, Resorts World

If you’re heading to the arena at Resorts World and need dinner and drinks before your show, this colourful restaurant and bar has all you need. Aside from tasty Vietnamese dishes you’ll find an array of bright cocktails including a large selection of mocktails. More for those with a sweet tooth, the sunset inspired Saigon is a fruity number with a splash of grenadine. Take a look at the Vietnamese Street Kitchen website for more information.

Saigon Sunset, Vietnamese Street Kitchen, Resorts World BirminghamSaigon Sunset, Vietnamese Street Kitchen, Resorts World Birmingham
Saigon Sunset, Vietnamese Street Kitchen, Resorts World Birmingham

What: Non Alc Italian Spritz

Where: The Pineapple Club, City Centre

Perfect for anyone looking for an alternative to the Aperol Spritz, this non-alcoholic incarnation is ideal for those looking for a spritz fix but without the ABV. It’s a little bitter and a little sweet, making it a universally popular choice for those seeking a balanced mocktail with a bit of pizzazz. There’s five booze-free cocktails to choose from with floral and fruity notes if that’s more to your taste and they start from just £6. View the menu on The Pineapple Club website.

Laura McEwan is the author of award-winning Birmingham blog Bite Your Brum. You can find her Instagram page here: Bite Your Brum