Photo by Lentils Anything
It’s that time of year again. Mid-year madness has set in. The EOFY sales are over, so is 2015. Or at least that’s how it feels. Everyone has already started asking questions about the staff Christmas party! Dry July is the perfect excuse to reset and get ready for the silly season. And, it is for a good cause!
If you’re raising money for Australian cancer organisations by abstaining from alcohol for the entire month, good on you! And don’t despair, you can still get out and about and be a social butterfly. These non-alcoholic drinks will make sure you don’t even miss the real thing.
Here’s our guide to the best mocktails in Sydney.
The Alcohol-Free Bar
Take away all temptation at Lentil As Anything’s new, completely alcohol-free bar. Located above the Inner West’s vegan, not-for-profit restaurant, the bar is also a pay-as-you-feel venue. The mixologist’s handmade syrups take the humble mocktail beyond pineapple and mint – think kumquat, pear and ginger.
Lentil on the Rocks, Newtown
Upstairs, 391 King Street, Newtown
(02) 8283 5580
lentilasanything.com/lentil-on-the-rocks
Non-Boozy Mocktails
Jamie Oliver just wants to look after everybody. And his Non-Boozy Cocktails are just one more way he takes care of you. The Refresher – elderflower cordial, cranberry juice, lemonade – is always a winner but why not go wild and try a few others.
Jamie’s Italian
107 Pitt St, Sydney
(02) 8240 9000
www.jamieoliver.com/italian/australia
Soda Surprise
Try a house made soda at Erskine Villa
Erskineville’s brand new restaurant Erskine Villa doesn’t shun the non-alcoholic drinks to the end of the menu. They’re front and centre. The list of “House-Made Goodies” includes rose & lychee and lemon iced tea sodas, a cloudy lemonade with a hint of rosemary and a non-carbonated ginger beer. All served in beautiful glassware so you don’t feel like you’re missing out.
Erskine Villa
63 Erskineville Rd, Sydney
www.erskinevilla.com.au
Creative Mocktails
The bartenders in the CBD’s favourite small bar are always very happy to get creative if you’re after a mocktail. They’ll ask you a few questions to get things started – sweet, citrus, tall, short – and then let them work their magic.
Grasshopper Bar
1 Temperance Lane
(02) 9947 9025
www.facebook.com/pages/grasshopper-bar
Gin & Tonic, Hold the Gin
The team at Sydney’s one and only gin distillery take their job very seriously. While the gin takes centre stage, they’ve invested plenty of time on the tonic too. Hold the gin, add a few cubes of the super pure ice from the bar, and you’ve got a seriously special tonic water. Trust us.
Archie Rose Distillery
61 Mentmore Ave, Rosebery
(02) 8458 2300
archierose.com.au
Steak & Mocktails
You’re out for a steak dinner and that red wine is looking oh-so-tempting. Don’t do it. Instead, flip straight to the non-alcoholic cocktail menu. Virgin Blush is more than a cute name – the lychee, grapefruit and peach bitters blend really hits the spot. And sort of looks like a wine… sort of…
Chophouse
25 Bligh St, Sydney
1300 246 748
chophousesydney.com.au
For more information about participating or donating to Dry July, see au.dryjuly.com
