Toast to a healthier you at Orlando’s hottest zero-proof bars and restaurants, including Salt & the Cellar by Akira Back at the ette hotel (pictured).
Updated Sept. 16, 2024
Kickstart a healthy new year by celebrating Dry January — a full month without alcohol — with enticing zero-proof hotspots in Orlando. Whether you’re sober-curious, celebrating a milestone anniversary, or simply looking to explore some of Orlando’s must-visit bars and eateries, you won’t want to miss these alluring nightspots where alternative liquors and master mixologists reign supreme.
Discover: Orlando Nightlife
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What Is Dry January?
After a holiday season of feasting and toasting with family and friends, Dry January has become a popular “reset” button for those looking to kickstart their wellness resolutions and pursue healthier habits in the coming year. It’s also a great way to get onboard with a growing trend: a push for more health-conscious and alcohol-free nightlife options.
“At The BANDBOX, we’re not trying to turn anyone into a sober drinker,” says Kevin Zepf, whose popular Ivanhoe Village Main Street speakeasy will return as a mobile zero-proof bar in early 2025. “Our goal is to provide you with an alternative option and in many cases a healthier non-alcoholic option than you would get at a regular bar or restaurant.”
He lists the pandemic, younger health-conscious generations, and studies on the harmful effects of alcohol as just a few reasons why many people are seeking out alternative nightlife options. The BANDBOX was the only non-alcoholic speakeasy in Florida. "That takes the pressure off our guests knowing that everyone isn’t drinking and there isn’t any pressure to drink," says Zepf, adding that it was also one of the few spots in Orlando serving CBD cocktails and beverages.
We’ll drink to that, and you can too — here are some of our favorite alcohol-free spots to imbibe, guilt-free.
Zero-Proof Hotspots in Orlando
ette hotel Orlando
Just minutes from Walt Disney World® Resort, the luxurious ette hotel Orlando is a primarily alcohol-free property with a fantastic dining concept from Chef Akira Back of MICHELIN Guide Fame. Salt & the Cellar by Akira Back features jaw-dropping mocktails from expert mixologist Jarl de Vries, all enhanced with fresh botanical ingredients, aromatic mists, spritzes and more for full sensory immersion. Alcoholic versions are also available, but the resort's signature cocktails were initially created to be enjoyed without spirits.
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Take Into the Woods for example. The forest-hued concoction features an earthy blend of fresh green herbs, ginger, cucumber and lime, topped with cookie crumble and presented tableside atop a bed of forest aromatic mist. It’s one of six breathtaking libations at the innovative Mediterranean Asian restaurant. Other standouts include Taurus in Retrograde, a blend of rooibos tea, sarsaparilla shrub, Layres American Malt, house-made bitters and amarena cherry nectar, and The Queen Bee, a divine blend of smoked pear and parsnip, Lapsang Soughing tea, honey, rice vinegar, 0% mezcal and dehydrated pear served in a buzzworthy vessel.
The BANDBOX
Editor's note: The BANDBOX is now closed. Stay tuned for updates on their upcoming mobile bar.
Part of the spirited Ivanhoe Village Main Street district near downtown Orlando, The BANDBOX was a prohibition-era speakeasy with an unusual twist: every drink is alcohol-free. In lieu of giggle water, The BANDBOX offered non-alcoholic craft cocktails, wine, beer and CBD beverages. The speakeasy also boasted an onsite bottle shop, making it easy for you to take your favorite non-alcoholic spirits and prepackaged items home after your visit. Per Zepf, “Ultimately the goal of the non-alcoholic craft cocktail is not to recreate the same feeling [of an alcoholic beverage], but rather to be a delicious, sophisticated alternative to its alcoholic counterpart.”
Discover: Things to Do in the Ivanhoe Village Main Street District
SODO Kava
In Orlando’s eclectic SODO Main Street District, near downtown Orlando, SODO Kava is the perfect place to unwind in a no-pressure, alcohol-free zone. Along with fresh botanical teas, kava, coffee, Vitalitea beverages on tap, and prepacked drinks, the laid-back spot offers a variety of delicious mocktails crafted with your choice of kava or botanical tea. Current favorites include the Cacao Mama (organic raw cacao, plant milk, agave, lavender), Island Palmer (half botanical tea, half kombucha), and Hades Hex (pomegranate, passionfruit, mango, apple, lime). They also offer fun shots and wellness boosters, perfect for keeping the party going all night long.
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SODO Kava also hosts regular specials and events throughout the year, including trivia, happy hour, live DJ sets, and parties for some of your favorite holidays and seasonal celebrations. You can also find them about 40 minutes from our main tourism districts in Longwood.
More Places to Celebrate Dry January
Many of Orlando’s top restaurants and resorts boast delicious mocktails and zero-proof cocktails, including several MICHELIN Guide restaurants throughout our vibrant neighborhoods and tourism districts. Discover some of our top beverage picks or choose your own non-alcoholic adventure during your next visit. Cheers!
Discover: 25 Marvelous Mocktails
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