Dry January: Eating out or having drinks without alcohol

January is all about good intentions for many people. And what is more popular than “Dry January,” a whole month of not drinking alcohol? Whether you participate in this trend, are pregnant, have religious reasons, or just want to be more conscious about alcohol consumption: the Netherlands offers more and more cozy places where you can enjoy yourself without a drop of alcohol.

Why Dry January?

It is no coincidence that the “Dry January” trend has been catching on massively for several years now. After the holidays, many people feel the need for a reset. One month without alcohol brings more benefits than you might think: your skin becomes clearer, you sleep better, and your wallet feels more comfortable. But above all: you discover how to enjoy conviviality, good food and special drinks even without alcohol.

The good news? The hospitality industry in the Netherlands recognizes this trend and is joining forces. More and more bars and restaurants are putting original alternatives on the menu alongside standard non-alcoholic drinks such as soda, fruit juice and tea.

In this blog we give you some tips.

Amsterdam

World of Nix

World of Nix is the specialist in non-alcoholic drinks with multiple locations in Amsterdam (De Jordaan, De Pijp and Haarlem). World of Nix brings non-alcoholic drinks directly from producer to consumer, which means you’ll find the widest range here: from non-alcoholic wines and beers to special spirits. Their best seller? The “Abstinence” line with original creations like Cape Citrus “gin.

Neni Amsterdam

Neni Amsterdam find the Lemonman Bar with lovingly made non-alcoholic cocktails. The Disa-no-no Sour (made from Lyre’s Amaretti, lemon juice, sugar and egg white) is a real sensation.

Ron Gastrobar

Chef Ron Blaauw’s RonGastrobar has introduced the Netherlands’ first completely alcohol-free wine list! In collaboration with World of Nix, the restaurant offers an extensive selection of non-alcoholic wines specially tailored to the gourmet dishes. This is a real first in the Netherlands and proves that fine dining at top level is absolutely possible without alcohol.

Wils

The Michelin-starred restaurant Wils, from chef Joris Bijdendijk, cooks with open fire and also offers a completely non-alcoholic pairing experience. Order from the extensive nonalcoholic menu featuring prisecco, fermented drinks, savory non-alcoholic drinks and much more. One and all enjoyment.

The Beer Garden

With multiple locations in Amsterdam (Centrum, Oost, West), the Biertuin is more than just a place for beer drinkers. They offer four non-alcoholic beers and seven lower-alcoholic (0.2% – 2%) options. Here everyone can enjoy a good beer!

Eindhoven

Thym by Parkzicht

Eindhoven is home to Thym by Parkzicht, a New York-style bistro. Thym offers a wide range of non-alcoholic alternatives: from carefully selected non-alcoholic wines and beers to refreshing mocktails. Highly recommended is the Copperhead 0.0%, a completely alcohol-free gin. Whether you join us in the morning for a croissant with coffee, reach for the lunch menu at noon, or head to the table in the evening for French à la carte, at Thym you can enjoy alcohol-free as much as anyone else.

Bobby’s Bar

With three locations in Eindhoven (Kleine Berg, Torenallee and Stratumseind) (but also branches in Helmond Den Bosch and Breda), Bobby’s Bar is the place to be for cocktail enthusiasts. The beauty: they not only offer craft cocktails and an extensive gin & tonic collection, but for non-drinkers they have a refreshingly wide range of non-alcoholic gins and virgin cocktails. They also serve wine and beer. Perfect for those who are in company but don’t want to drink alcohol (alone).

Heerlen

Grandcafé ZwartGoud

Grandcafé ZwartGoud in Heerlen is also highly recommended for alcohol-free get-togethers. With an impressive drinks menu, ZwartGoud offers everything your heart desires: six non-alcoholic beers and a wide selection of non-alcoholic cocktails and spritzers, you can enjoy completely non-alcoholic drinks here. The atmosphere is warm and cozy, and you really feel welcome here as a non-drinker.

The Hague

Haagsche Bier Kluis

Although known for beers, beer café the Hague Beer Safe also offers non-alcoholic beers and comfort food. From fries to burgers – no compromise on taste. If you like to cozy up to alcohol-free, this is an absolute place.

So Dry January doesn’t have to be boring at all. So the next time someone says “don’t whine, just drink one with me,” order your own alcohol-free favorite!

Good luck with your Dry January!

Credits photos: Canva.com