With the holiday season upon us, it can mean a dazzling, non-stop whirl of twinkling lights, festive cheer, and a whole lot of socializing. For those of us choosing a sober or ‘sober-curious’ path, navigating these times can feel like a mixed bag of emotions.
Gatherings bring a sparkle to the season and a chance to reconnect with friends and family. But they often go hand-in-hand with a glass of Bubbles or spiked eggnog. How do you navigate the season with a sober mindset?
Solace is not far away, and can be found in the subtle ups and downs of the sober life during the holidays. There’s the up of waking up clear-headed after a late night, and the down of being handed a sad, watery spritzer with a lime. The up of deep, genuine conversations, and the down of fielding the “Why aren’t you drinking?” question for the fifth time.
But here’s the good news. The NA (non-alcoholic) movement is vibrant, delicious, and an utterly refined way of life that is making holiday inclusion easier than ever. And according to a new Gallup report, 46% of Americans are choosing alcohol abstinence.
The NA Renaissance is Real
With that in mind, the desire for quality non-alcoholic options is surging. The US no-alcohol market is expected to continue its impressive growth. It’s not just about Dry January anymore; it’s a year-round commitment to wellness and mindful consumption, and women, along with younger adults, are currently the biggest drivers of this growth.
In fact, Kirstin Vracko, owner of the award-winning non-alcoholic bottle shop Cheeky and Dry sees “health” as the primary reason customers are seeking out alternatives.
This means the days of settling for just plain juice or sparkling water are over. Our city’s innovative spirit has embraced this renaissance, and your next holiday bar cart is about to get an upgrade.
Your Holiday Prep Stop Is Cheeky and Dry Bottle Shop
When it comes to building a truly sophisticated, zero-proof cocktail menu for hosting, or finding the perfect bottle to bring as a guest, there is one essential stop and that is Cheeky and Dry bottle shop.
Vracko and her crew curate the best of the best in the non-alcoholic world—from complex spirits to elegant wines—making this quaint store on Phinney Ridge the ultimate destination for all your NA cocktail needs. No more dread on what to serve, embrace your inner mixologist, and get ready to toast the season with something truly special.
Direct from Cheeky and Dry’s Tasting Room: Festive NA Cocktail Recipes
Here are four stunning recipes, perfect for cozy nights in or bringing a bottle of holiday cheer to your next gathering.
1. Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine with Noughty Syrah
This warm, spiced classic is the quintessential holiday hug in a mug. Using a high-quality NA Syrah gives it a rich, full-bodied foundation that juice simply can’t match.
Serves: 4–6
Ingredients:
1 bottle Noughty Syrah (750 ml) 1 cup pomegranate juice or cranberry juice 1 medium orange, sliced into rounds (plus more for garnish) 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (to taste) 2 cinnamon sticks 4 whole cloves 3 star anise 1/2 teaspoon allspice berries (optional) 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional) Fresh cranberries and orange peel twists for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Pour the Noughty Syrah and pomegranate (or cranberry) juice into a saucepan.
2. Add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, allspice, and ginger.
3. Stir in the maple syrup (or honey) and vanilla extract.
4. Warm gently over low heat for 20–30 minutes—do not let it boil.
5. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice levels as desired.
6. Strain (optional) and serve warm in mugs or heatproof glasses. Garnish with orange slices, cranberries, or a cinnamon stick.
Variations:
Spiced Apple: Replace half the pomegranate juice with apple cider.
Citrus Twist: Add a few strips of lemon peel for extra brightness.
2. Non-Alcoholic Kentucky Mule
Focusing on the bold botanicals, this take on a classic mule uses a sophisticated non-alcoholic bourbon for depth and warmth.
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
2 oz Free Spirits Non-Alcoholic Bourbon 1/2 oz fresh lime juice (about half a lime) 1 teaspoon Nowhere Bourbon Aged Maple Syrup 2 dashes All the Bitter Non-Alcoholic Aromatic Bitters 4–6 oz ginger beer (choose a bold, spicy one) Ice (crushed or cubed) Lime wheel or wedge, for garnish Fresh mint sprig, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or rocks glass with ice.
2. Add the Free Spirits Non-Alcoholic Bourbon, lime juice, Nowhere Bourbon Aged Maple Syrup, and All the Bitter Aromatic Bitters.
3. Stir well to combine.
4. Top with ginger beer and give it a gentle stir.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of mint.
Optional Variation: Add a few slices of fresh ginger for extra spice or swap the lime for lemon for a slightly brighter flavor.
3. Non-Alcoholic Mediterranean Spritz (A Dirty Martini Upgrade)
Elevate the holiday staple! This NA aperitif is bittersweet and herbal, offering a mature alternative to the standard sugary spritz, or even a fun twist on a dirty martini experience.
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
2 oz (60 ml) ROOTS DIVINO BIANCO 2 barspoons olive brine Soda water, to top Ice (cubed) Olive, for garnish Lemon slice, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
2. Add ROOTS DIVINO BIANCO and olive brine.
3. Top up with soda water and stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with an olive and a lemon slice.
4. Non-Alcoholic Hot Toddy
The ultimate in cozy, comforting drinks of the season, perfect for chilly Northwest evenings. This one gets a punchy, complex base from a beautiful NA black ginger spirit.
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
2 oz Tenneyson Non-Alcoholic Black Ginger 1 oz fresh lemon juice 1 oz honey (or to taste) 4 oz hot water Lemon wheel, for garnish Cinnamon stick, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine Tenneyson Non-Alcoholic Black Ginger, lemon juice, and honey in a heatproof mug.
2. Add hot water and stir until the honey dissolves.
3. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a cinnamon stick if desired.
4. Serve warm and enjoy.
Make your season merry and bright without the regret and side effects of the usual drinking ritual. Not only is Cheeky & Dry stocked with everything you’ll need this holiday season, the shop is adorable and the friendly team there is ready to help you say “Cheers” to clarity.
MaryRose Denton is a freelance writer for Seattle Refined. Follow more of her work here. Images by Richard Schmitz.
Dining and Cooking