Fresh & Flavorful Mocktails for Dry January at N.E. Restaurants


As many people shift their focus to a healthier lifestyle this January, restaurants and bars around the country have created non-alcoholic drinks for patrons taking a break from alcohol. Here are three delicious offers from restaurants in Portland, Maine & Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Two of which are being offered the entire month of January and one Valentine-themed offered throughout the month of February.

These creative mocktails are made with a variety of fresh and flavorful ingredients to be enjoyed guilt-free. Pop in for a drink at one of these New England establishments, or roll up your sleeves and make at home!

Harbor Bistro + Terrace – Portland, ME

Peachy Keen ($12) – Available the month of January.

1.5 oz Ginger Peach puree

1 oz Mint Simple Syrup

.25 oz Lemon Juice

4 oz Sparkling Water

Top w/ Ginger Ale

Garnish with dried lemon wheel & mint

Harbor Bistro + Terrace is located inside The Portland Harbor Hotel at 468 Fore Street, Portland, ME. For reservations call 207-523-2075 or visit harborbistroandterrace.com.

ALTO Terrace Bar + Kitchen – Portland, ME

Mayor Dow ($8) – Available the month of January.

1.5 oz. Blueberry Jalapeno shrub

.5 oz. simple syrup

.5 oz. lemon juice

Shake/strain into a Collins glass

Top with seltzer

Grenadine float

Garnish with fresh blueberries

This Mocktail uses a very old, traditional preparation known as a shrub. The American version of the shrub has its origins in 17th century England where vinegar was used as an alternative to citrus juices in the preservation of berries and other fruits for the off-season. Fruit preserves made in this fashion were themselves known as shrubs and the practice carried over to colonial America. By the 19th century, typical American recipes for shrubs used vinegar poured over fruit—traditionally berries—which was left to infuse anywhere from overnight up to several days; afterwards, the fruit would be strained out and the remaining liquid mixed with sugar or honey and then reduced to make a syrup. The sweet-and-sour syrup could be mixed with water or soda water and served as a soft drink.  Shrubs were considered to have many beneficial medicinal properties and were popular with farmers and field hands because of their high electrolyte content (think the 17th century version of Gatorade).

ALTO Terrace Bar + Kitchen is located on the fourth floor of Cambria Portland Old Port Hotel at 25 Hancock Street, Portland, ME.

For reservations please call 207-800-3421 or visit altoportland.com.
Rooftop at the Envio – Portsmouth, NHHearts of POM – Available the month of February.1 Sprig of Rosemary.5 oz. Agave.5 oz. Lemon JuiceRosemary Leaves (We used a 2 inch sprig of rosemary)2 oz Pomegranate Juice1 in. Orange Swath
Using a torch, or lighter, light the rosemary on fire and immediately extinguish. Place on a plate and cover with a martini glass. Let sit.

In a tin shaker add agave, lemon, rosemary leaves and pomegranate juice. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Turn over smoked martini glass and double strain contents of shaker into glass. Top with soda water or flavored seltzer. Pinch orange swatch over the glass to capture the orange essence and garnish with orange swath and rosemary.

Rosemary is known to have antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Consuming rosemary regularly can potentially help lower the risk of infection and help the immune system fight any infections that do occur. Pomegranate juice is considered to be an antioxidant, which may help prevent cancer and other conditions, providing vitamin C, boosting digestive health, and reducing insulin resistance. It may help with cancer prevention as well as immune support. Enjoy this Valentine’s-themed mocktail throughout the month of February.

Rooftop at The Envio is located on the rooftop of the AC Hotel Portsmouth at 299 Vaughan Street, Portsmouth, NH. For reservations call 603-334-4207 or BOOK HERE.