Sober in Style: NYC’s Chicest Mocktails for Sober October and Dry January

Gone are the days when going alcohol-free meant settling for club soda with lime. A wave of conscious drinkers — and flavor-obsessed mixologists — are transforming mocktails into the most exciting part of the menu. According to 2024 insights from CivicScience, about 10% of U.S. adults 21+ participated in Sober October last year, with 17% of Gen Z (21–24) and 16% of Millennials (25–44) joining the movement.

With Dry January 2026 on the horizon, New York’s luxury cocktail scene is proving that “no proof” doesn’t mean “no pleasure.” From Manhattan rooftops to Brooklyn patios, here are the city’s best spots for mocktails that feel every bit as indulgent as their spirited counterparts.

At Sungold, inside Arlo Williamsburg, guests can sip on inventive spirit-free creations that feel every bit as luxurious as a night out should. The Match Me ($17) blends fresh mango, passion fruit, mint, lemon juice, and matcha for a tropical, refreshing burst of flavor. For something spicier, the Mary’s Mule ($17) features Ritual whiskey alternative, lime, and Q-mixer hibiscus ginger beer.

Whether you’re lounging on the plush velvet banquettes in the art-filled lobby bar or basking in Wythe Avenue’s glow on the lush patio, Sungold makes mindful drinking an effortlessly chic affair.

📍 96 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11249
📞 718.408.7251 | @sungoldbk

Soak in panoramic views of the Hudson River and downtown skyline from ART SoHo, the year-round rooftop perched above Arlo SoHo. The bar’s zero-proof lineup dazzles with sophisticated layers of flavor — try the Chrysanthemum Ginger Spritz ($14) made with Seedlip Grove, chrysanthemum, lemon, and ginger beer, or the Garden Margarita ($14) blending Seedlip Garden, fresh herbs, agave, and lime.

Executive Chef Adrian Nava’s curated small plates perfectly complement these alcohol-free gems, making ART SoHo one of the city’s most elegant destinations for mindful indulgence.

📍 231 Hudson St., New York, NY 10013
@artrooftops

Floating 26 stories above the city, ART Midtown at Arlo Midtown offers the ultimate garden-in-the-sky atmosphere. With its panoramic Manhattan views, plush seating, and zero-proof menu, this rooftop destination feels like a private escape for those seeking serenity with sophistication. It’s ideal for after-work gatherings, weekend socials, or simply savoring a handcrafted mocktail under the skyline’s glow.

📍 351 W. 38th St., New York, NY 10018
@artrooftops

Perched thirty stories above Times Square, The Skylark pairs cinematic city views with an equally photogenic lineup of mocktails. The Watermelon Spritz ($18) combines Lyre’s non-alcoholic Italian aperitif, watermelon, and lime for a light, fruit-forward sip, while the Summertime Shandy ($16) blends Athletic Brewing’s non-alcoholic beer with honey, grapefruit, and lime — refreshing proof that elegance doesn’t need ethanol.

📍 200 W. 39th St., New York, NY 10018
@skylarknyc

As more New Yorkers embrace balance, creativity, and wellness without compromise, these venues prove that abstaining can be just as festive — and far more flavorful. Sober October and Dry January aren’t about what’s missing in your glass, but what’s been added: artistry, innovation, and a new era of celebration.