Dallas guide to booze-free drinks in January and beyond

Non-alcoholic beverages have come a long way from the days of choosing between a club soda or an O'Doul's.

Why it matters: Sales of the non-alcoholic alternatives increased 33% nationwide from October 2020 to October 2021. They total $331 million.

• 78% of people buying booze-free options also buy alcoholic beverages.

During a recent visit to Bar and Garden to pick up the monthly wine club bottles — to be consumed next month — we took a look at the non-alcoholic beverage wall.

• Don’t expect some of these alternatives to save you money. Water doesn’t retain flavor as well as alcohol, meaning boozeless spirits use more botanicals, per InsideHook.
• A six-pack of non-alcoholic beer basically costs the same as craft beer.

Here's what we thought of the dry choices.

Six-word reviews of non-alcoholic potions from Bar and Garden:

• Ghia Ginger Le Spritz: Herbal tart fizz for day’s end.
• Curious Elixir No. 1: You campari tell there’s no alcohol.

Six-word reviews of booze-free beverages from Central Market:

• Athletic Brewing Upside Dawn Golden: Tasty enough to make you hoppy.
• Lyre’s Classico: Sweeter, less biting than real Champagne.

Tasha’s take:

• French 75 from Chez Tsiaperas with Amass from B&G: No need to gin up liquor.
• Dry January in six words: Surprisingly refreshing and easier than expected.

Go deeper: Here are some other options from the DMN.