Keep that winter arc on track and kick-off Dry July with these mocktail recommendations
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Want to still make your 7 am hot pilates class and avoid the Sunday scaries?
Mocktails might just become your new health and wellness bestie, letting you enjoy the night out without feeling like you need to get your life “back on track” the next day.
We have officially hit the halfway mark of the year, making it the perfect time for a little mid-year reset. Remember those goals you set back in January? Whether you want improved sleep, better focus, a stronger fitness routine, healthier habits, more savings or simply more balance, Dry July is your chance to realign.
And Dry July isn’t just about swapping your margarita for a mocktail. This challenge raises money for people affected by cancer while encouraging Australians to rethink their relationship with alcohol and embrace healthier habits.
But pressing reset doesn’t mean saying goodbye to after-work drinks, date nights or catch-ups with the girls – Canberra’s bars have plenty of zero-alcohol options so you can keep your goals on track and your social calendar full.
Here are the best guilt-free recommendations for mocktails to sip your way through Dry July.
Luna Bar (City)
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Located in the heart of the city, Luna Bar is the perfect stop for your night out.
The iconic Australian Weis Bar is a popular post-dinner sweet treat that we all know and love for its lighter, low-calorie dessert option. Luna Bar has created its own alcohol-free spin with the Wiser Weis Bar, bringing that tropical dessert flavour into your cocktail glass.
Swap your usual sweet treat for this fruity mocktail and let yourself remember what summer feels like, amidst the Canberra cold.
99 London Circuit, City |l unabar.com.au
Wilma (City)
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Your next stop in the city, Wilma brings bold flavours, good vibes and a lively atmosphere to your Dry July plans.
If you’re missing your go-to cocktail order, their Mock Mojito keeps things classic. Pair it with dinner, catch up with friends, and enjoy the night out while still keeping that winter reset on track.
1 Genge Street, City | wilmabbq.com.au
Devil You Don’t (New Acton)
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This dark academia-inspired, moody cocktail bar tucked away in New Acton is the perfect intimate date night spot. The Red Deckoning, made with cold brew, brown sugar and pandan cream, offers a modern twist between an Espresso Martini and a White Russian, giving you the rich coffee hit and creamy finish without the next-day regrets.
If you’re after something closer to a standard drink, they also offer Heaps Normal Hazy, a fruity non-alcoholic pale ale for when you want a break from the mocktails.
Basement 2/15 Edinburgh Avenue, Acton | devilyoudont.com.au
Leyla Bar (Barton)
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Cross the bridge and head up to the rooftop of the Burbury Hotel, where Leyla Bar combines amazing Barton views with a selection of classic cocktails turned mocktails. You simply have to ask.
It’s the perfect spot for your next girls’ catch-up and you can indulge in the bar’s mini cocktails at Sunset Hour every Tuesday and Wednesday, from 4.30 pm until 6.30 pm.
1/1 Burbury Close, Barton | leylabar.com.au
Joe’s Bar (Griffith)
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Tucked inside East Hotel in Griffith, Joe’s Bar brings you an intimate atmosphere perfect for your cosy winter catch-up.
While the menu is a bit of a secret and you might not know exactly what mocktail is waiting for you until you arrive, you can trust you’re in safe hands. Led by award-winning bartender Lucas Wiggers, the team crafts drinks full of creativity and flavour, proving alcohol-free doesn’t mean missing out on the cocktail experience.
69 Canberra Avenue, Griffith | easthotel.com.au
At home
Need a getting-ready drink, hosting your friends, or just want to romanticise your night in? Here’s your Dry July DIY.
Pop into Pop Canberra and grab one of the Unscripted Fermentation cordial syrups – there’s no need to be skilled in cocktail making. Simply add soda water or lemonade, pour over ice and garnish.
With flavours like mulled apple, blackberry cola, tamarind, lime and rosemary lemonade, finish it off with fresh herbs, berries or dehydrated citrus and your friends will be asking when you secretly completed that mixology course.
