Imagine walking into a bar, the energy buzzing, the music flowing, the laughter contagious—except no one is drinking alcohol. Welcome to the world of sober bars, where socializing doesn’t have to come with a side of hangovers or regrets.
In Colorado, a state known for its craft beer culture and après-ski drinks, a different kind of nightlife is taking root—one that embraces connection without alcohol. The rise of Colorado sober bars is giving people in recovery, the sober-curious, and those just looking for a dry night out, a refreshing alternative. Looking for non-alcoholic bars near me in Colorado? Or maybe you're searching for the best sober bar near me to enjoy a night out without the booze? Let's explore how sober bars are making waves across Colorado, and what options are available for those seeking alcohol-free social experiences.
What Are Sober Bars?
Sober bars, also known as dry bars, are exactly what they sound like—bars that serve sophisticated, handcrafted drinks without alcohol. Instead of traditional cocktails, they focus on mocktails, spirit-free creations, and unique, health-conscious beverages. But it’s not just about what’s in the glass. These spots are designed to provide the same social, laid-back vibe of a regular bar—just without the hangover.
While some non-alcoholic bars are 100% alcohol-free, others might offer a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, catering to all kinds of drinkers. The goal? To create a space where everyone, whether they're sober-curious, doing a Dry January challenge, or living a fully alcohol-free lifestyle, can enjoy a night out without feeling out of place.
For those looking for non-alcoholic drink places near me in Colorado, sober bars are a perfect choice. These establishments focus on providing an inclusive space where everyone, whether sober-curious or fully committed to a no-alcohol lifestyle, can enjoy the social scene without any pressure to drink.
Types Of Alcohol-Free Drinks in Colorado
If you think alcohol-free drinks are just juice in a fancy glass, think again. The world of NA (non-alcoholic) beverages has evolved far beyond the simple Shirley Temples of the past. Today’s sober scene is packed with options that rival their alcoholic counterparts in complexity and flavor. Here are some of the best non-alcoholic cocktails and beverages Colorado has to offer.
- Mocktails – These are crafted to mirror traditional cocktails, using ingredients like fresh herbs, syrups, and botanicals to build depth and sophistication. Think alcohol-free margaritas, old fashioneds, or spritzes.
- NA Spirits – Brands like Seedlip, Lyre’s, and Ritual Zero Proof have developed alcohol-free gin, whiskey, tequila, and more, allowing bartenders to create genuine - tasting alcohol free cocktails.
- Non-Alcoholic Beer & Wine – With craft breweries and wineries stepping up their game, today’s NA beers and wines actually taste like the real thing—just minus the alcohol.
- Functional Beverages – Some alcohol-free drinks are made with adaptogens, nootropics, or fermented ingredients (like kombucha or jun) to offer relaxation or a mood boost without alcohol.
Benefits of Alcohol-Free Drinks in Colorado
Alcohol-free drinks are gaining popularity, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re cutting back, going sober, or just looking for a healthier way to enjoy a night out, these drinks offer all the fun without the downsides of alcohol. From better health to clearer mornings, here’s why alcohol-free beverages are worth considering:
1. A Boost for Your Health
Cutting out alcohol does more than just spare you from hangovers. It can have a big impact on your overall well-being:
- Better hydration – Alcohol dehydrates the body, while alcohol-free options keep you refreshed.
- Improved liver function – Giving your liver a break allows it to function more efficiently.
- Heart health support – Many alcohol-free drinks include natural ingredients that promote circulation and wellness.
2. More Inclusive & Socially Friendly
Not everyone drinks, but socializing should be for everyone. Alcohol-free drinks provide great options for designated drivers, expectant parents, health-conscious individuals, and anyone who just doesn’t feel like drinking. They make it easier to enjoy social gatherings without feeling left out.
3. Encourages Mindful Drinking
Drinking often becomes a habit—whether it’s a glass of wine after work or a beer at dinner. Alcohol-free drinks let you enjoy the ritual without the downsides, making it easier to be intentional about your choices.
4. A World of Delicious Alternatives
Gone are the days when your only alcohol-free choices were soda or water. Today, the options are endless:
- Crafted mocktails with fresh herbs and unique flavors
- Non-alcoholic beers and wines that taste just like the real thing
- Alcohol-free spirits that mimic whiskey, gin, and tequila
- Functional beverages with adaptogens and nootropics to promote relaxation naturally
Best Alcohol Free Drinks you Can Get in Colorado
Gone are the days when your only choices for a drink were soda, juice, or alcohol. The beverage industry has exploded with creative, health-conscious, and downright fascinating options. Whether you're looking for something refreshing, functional, or indulgent, there's a drink out there for you. Here are some of the most interesting drink options on the market today. Try searching for a mocktail bar near me, go out and try something new!
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Non-Alcoholic Spirits & Cocktails
For those who want the craft cocktail experience without the booze, non-alcoholic spirits and premixed mocktails are a game-changer. Brands like Seedlip, Ritual Zero Proof, and Lyre’s offer sophisticated alcohol-free alternatives that mimic the flavors of gin, whiskey, and rum. Premixed mocktails, like those from Curious Elixirs and Monday, bring a mixology-style experience to your glass with zero alcohol.
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Kava and Kratom Beverages
Kava, a traditional Polynesian root-based drink, is known for its calming, anxiety-reducing effects. Kava bars have popped up across the U.S., serving earthy, slightly numbing drinks that promote relaxation. Kratom, another plant-derived drink, is popular for its stimulating or relaxing effects, depending on the strain. Both are gaining traction as natural alternatives to alcohol.
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Probiotic & Fermented Beverages
Fermentation isn’t just for alcohol—it's also the foundation of gut-friendly drinks like kombucha, water kefir, and switchel. These drinks are packed with probiotics and natural acids that promote digestion and overall gut health. For a more adventurous option, try makgeolli, a lightly fizzy Korean rice wine that comes in low or non-alcoholic varieties.
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Nitro Cold Brew & Unique Coffee Blends
Coffee culture continues to evolve, with options like nitro cold brew, mushroom coffee, and sparkling coffee on the rise. Nitro cold brew is infused with nitrogen for a creamy, smooth texture, while brands like Four Sigmatic offer coffee blended with medicinal mushrooms like lion’s mane and chaga for added cognitive benefits. -
Alcohol-Free Wines & Craft Beers
Non-alcoholic beer and wine are no longer afterthoughts. Craft breweries and wineries have mastered the art of producing complex, flavorful NA beverages that mimic their alcoholic counterparts. Whether it's an alcohol-free IPA from Athletic Brewing or a sparkling NA rosé from Surely, non-alcoholic drink places near you are more than you might imagine.
Best Mocktails Near Me in Colorado
1. Grand View at Garden of the Gods Resort – Colorado Springs
Sipping a handcrafted non-alcoholic cocktail while gazing at the stunning red rock formations of Garden of the Gods? Yes, please! This resort’s Grand View restaurant offers a full dry bar with seasonal mocktails like the Lav Haze, plus non-alcoholic wines and beers. Pair it with a sunset for the perfect end to your day.
2. Honey Elixir Bar – Denver
This isn’t your typical mocktail bar—it’s an apothecary for the senses. Tucked away in an alley near Larimer Street, Honey Elixir Bar serves up unique potions featuring Jun (a cousin to kombucha), ceremonial cacao, and botanical infusions. If you’re looking for alcohol free cocktails, or just a drink that’s as intriguing as it is delicious, this is your spot.
3. Yampa Valley Kitchen – Steamboat Springs
Après-ski just got an upgrade. Yampa Valley Kitchen blends nostalgic flavors with a modern twist—think an Orange Julia (inspired by the classic Orange Julius) or a beet-ginger Bloody Mary. Their dinner menu is top-notch, and they have some of the best nonalcoholic cocktails, using Seedlip non-alcoholic spirits for a full-flavored experience.
4. Lady Jane – Denver
A stylish cocktail bar in Denver’s LoHi neighborhood, Lady Jane always has a seasonal rotation of creative zero-proof drinks. Past favorites have included the Green Strawberry Spritz, Papaya Colada, and Pineapple No-groni. The menu changes, but the vibe stays effortlessly cool.
5. Ceria Brewing Company – Arvada
Love beer but skipping the alcohol? Ceria Brewing crafts award-winning, full-flavored non-alcoholic beers with a true craft brew taste. Founded by the creator of Blue Moon, this brewery ensures their beverages contain 0.0% ABV—so you get all the flavor, none of the buzz.
6. Rootstalk – Breckenridge
Altitude and alcohol don’t always mix well—so Rootstalk in Breckenridge is here to help. This upscale eatery offers zero-proof pairings for its tasting menu, plus house-made non-alcoholic versions of gin, bourbon, and vermouth. Try the Free Bird mocktail for a refreshing blend of pineapple, lime, and house-made grenadine.
7. Death & Co – Denver
Straight from NYC, Death & Co is a cocktail lover’s paradise—including for those skipping alcohol. Their zero-proof menu is as meticulously crafted as their boozy drinks, featuring ingredients like Seedlip spirits, clarified lime juice, and house-made syrups. High-end, high-quality, and worth every penny.
8. Fellow Traveler – Englewood
A cozy non-alcoholic bar with a love for Italian-style aperitifs, Fellow Traveler offers a robust selection of non-alcoholic options. Whether you’re sipping on a dry vermouth spritz or a house-made botanical infusion, this spot proves that sophisticated sips don’t need booze to shine.
Why Sober Bars Might Not Be Ideal for Those in Recovery
Sober bars are becoming more popular, offering alcohol-free alternatives to traditional nightlife. However, for those in recovery, they might not be the safest option. The atmosphere of a sober bar—dim lighting, music, and the act of holding a drink—can trigger old habits or cravings, making it harder to stay committed to sobriety.
Moreover, sober bars can subtly reinforce the social aspect of drinking, even if alcohol isn’t involved. Being in such an environment can blur the lines between maintaining sobriety and slipping back into familiar, unhealthy routines. Even if the drinks are alcohol-free, some options, like kombucha or non-alcoholic beers, still contain trace amounts of alcohol, which could potentially be risky for someone in recovery.
Instead of looking for non-alcoholic bars near me, focusing on healthier, alcohol-free social activities might be a better option for those committed to rebuilding their lives and breaking free from past habits.
If you're ready to take the next step in your recovery journey, Avenues Recovery Centers is here to support you every step of the way. Our compassionate team offers personalized treatment plans designed to help you regain control of your life and build a stronger, sober future. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help you overcome addiction in a safe, supportive environment. Take that first step—your future starts now.
