Detox With These Low-Alcohol Cocktails in D.C.

 

Lots of drinkers do dry months, but if you can’t commit to doing a completely alcohol-free month, here are some great options for lower-alcohol content drinks that will keep you somewhat in line.

 

Head to this Capitol Hill restaurant and bar for Balkan inspired bites and drinks utilizing the popular fruit brandy of the region, rakia. For a light and refreshing cocktail, try the Belgrade Mule with Plum Rakia, Berry Cordial, Lime Juice and Ginger Beer or the Jabuka Smash with Apple Rakia, Apple Juice, Lemon Juice, Rhubarb Bitters and Simple Syrup. (523 8th St, SE; 202-813-3039)

 

Spot the chicken feet on the pavement, follow it down the back alley and find the cute roofdeck drinking garden. Gin is king here, but don’t overlook the Signature Cocktails including the easy-to-drink One-Hour Energy: Capitoline Rosé Vermouth, Tito’s, peach-lemon shrub, club soda. (514 8th St, SE; 202-544-0100

 

The draft cocktails and adult juice boxes are great options for daytime drinking at the Blagden Alley patio. With just enough zing, they’re flavorful without being too spirits-forward. Try the Magic Carpet Ride juice box with Timber Wolf Sassafras Gin, Pomegranate, Lemon, Brown Sugar and Cayenne. (50 Blagden Alley, NW; 202-791-0134)

 

The ramen restaurant and second-floor izakaya offers cocktails at the bar upstairs. Opt for the draft cocktail, Super Ritzy, for a refreshing, less boozy drink featuring Aperol, Elderflower, and Sparkling Sake. (705 6th St, NW; 202-589-1600)

 

Todd Thrasher’s new tiki bar made its grand debut a few weeks ago on the Wharf. For something fun and tiki without all the booze, check out the GROG made with Thrasher’s Spiced Rum, Lemon Verbena Tea, Lemon Juice and Q Soda Water - a great light, fruity alternative. (1130 Maine Ave., SW; 202-900-4786)