Where To Find Zero Proof Drinks In Massachusetts & Other Sober Spots

The popularity of spirit-free and zero-proof drinks is on the rise. It’s a common thread of the holistic wellness movement and the go-to social solution for the sober-curious. Signature mocktails and innovative non-alcoholic drinks are making waves as a new creative undertaking for mixologists and bartenders everywhere.

Best Spots For Zero-Proof Drinks In Massachusetts

Boston was in the thick of the prohibition era and is one of the iconic cities for the quintessential speakeasies and the rum runner routes of old. Today, that theme still leads most social spots, but a new horse emerges in the race as zero-proof drinks in Massachusetts gain significant traction. Whether you’re looking for alcohol-free solutions as part of your recovery, you’re gearing up for a dry January, or you’re on a sober-curious journey, we’ve curated a list of options to check out.

Dray Drinks Non-Alcoholic Bottle Shop

Dray Drinks is located in the South End of Boston and is the Old Bay state’s first dedicated bottle shop for non-alcoholic drinks, beers, wines, bottles, and everything in between. You can pick up a pack of pre-mixed, ready-to-drink mocktails, the finest selection of zero-proof beers, non-alcoholic wine, trendy Dray Drinks swag, and more.

Barlette

Barlette is a BYOB (bring your own beer) bar with a fun speakeasy atmosphere and a supper club feel. The bar is stocked with all the best mixers, flavors, and mixologists to shake up something delicious just for you, sans the spirits. Bring your favorite spirit-free bottle and choose from any one of their refreshing mocktail options, or request something custom.

Redemption Rock Brewery

Redemption Rock is a traditional brewery in Worchester that has created a tantalizing mocktail menu adapted from seltzer cocktails. Try the Pineapple Habanero, made with housemade habanero syrup, pineapple juice, lime, and club soda, or the Strawberry Fields Forever, made with housemade lemonade, strawberry syrup, and soda water. They also make their own kombucha!

Tavern in The Square

A traditional pub-style eatery, Tavern In The Square has 13 Massachusetts locations, a delectable menu, and a dedicated menu of non-alcoholic beverages. Their offerings include several handcrafted mocktails, canned cocktail alternatives, and zero-proof beers, so there’s sure to be something for everyone. Check out Tavern In The Square at one of these locations:

• Attleboro
• Weymouth
• Burlington
• Shrewsbury
• Tyngsborough
• Littleton
• North Station
• So. Station
• Framingham
• Lowell
• Woburn
• Wrentham
• Dedham

Grace by Nia

Get an unforgettable taste of southern soul here on the Eastern Seaboard. Grace by Nia is a high-class bistro with a jazz club feel and a mocktail menu that you must try. Offering signature drinks made with alcohol-free tequila and other fun mixers, you’ll come for the mocktail but stay for the vibes.

Hecate

A witchy, magical experience, Hecate is an innovative bar in Boston with a dedicated zero-proof menu that features unexpected flavors and innovative specials. Rather than mixing non-alcoholic spirits into the usual suspects, they’ve created an entirely new approach to mixology with drinks like the Duende, made from coconut milk, tobacco bitters, fig, sour cherry, and lime zest. It’s a must-sip spot!

Find Non-Alcoholic Spirits By The Bottle

• Seedlip: Seedlip is a pioneer in the spirit-free movement and makes award-winning non-alcoholic spirits in new and exciting flavors that are also sugar-free. You can order online or find a distributor near you here.
• Spiritless: Spiritless offers high-quality, award-winning, non-alcoholic spirits, beers, and wines, including their signature sipping bottles for Kentucky 74 Whiskey and the Jalisco 55 Tequila. Their products are sold or on the menu at hundreds of Massachusetts locations. Find one near you here.
• Curious Elixirs: Specializing in “booze-free cocktails,” Curious Elixirs make a wide variety of non-alcoholic cocktails and beverages, from sparkling rose and Negroni Sbagliato to a Sicilian Spritz and a Smoked Chocolate Cherry Old Fashioned, all pre-mixed in bottles or cans and ready to drink. Order online here or find a local distributor.

Try These Non-Alcoholic Drink Options

If mimicking traditional cocktails and beverages isn’t your style, open your mind to other delicious possibilities and naturally zero-proof options.

• Tea Room: Despite infamous ties to the region, tea is still a popular drink of choice in MA. Try the Wenham Tea House in Wenham, the Jolie Tea Company in Salem, or Abigail’s Tea Room in Boston.
• Juice Bar: Hit up a juice bar after yoga or any day of the week for a refreshing pick-me-up. Try the Atomic Juicery in Beverly, the Juice N’ Java in Dalton, or the Maha Juice Bar in Norwood.
• Coffee Shop:  Coffee is always a good idea, no matter the hour, weather, or season. Try Lenox Coffee in Lenox, Acoustic Java Roastery & Tasting Room in Worchester, or the Aloe Natural Açaí & Coffee Shop in Chelsea.
• Fresh Apple Cider: In a region known for its apples, the cider is equally renowned. Try some of the local presses at Belkin Family Lookout Farm in Natick, Dowse Orchards in Sherborn, and Boston Hill Farm in North Andover.
• Kombucha: The fermented drink is a healthy sip emerging into a niche all its own. Try the local supply at LifeBooch Kombucha in Easthampton, KrafTea Kombucha in Worchester, and Independent Fermentations Brewing & Kombucha in Plymouth.
• Bubble Tea: Stuffed with jelly pearls for a textured sip, bubble tea is a fun take on an Eastern tradition. Check out the flavorful menus at Tea By The Sea in Boston, Boba Tea Snow Ice House in Gloucester, and the Bubble Station in Weymouth.

What Is Zero-Proof Alcohol?

In traditional alcohol, proof refers to how the potency is measured, and the percentage of alcohol by volume or ABV represents this.[1] The higher the ABV, the more potent the alcohol and potentially its effects.

Zero-proof refers to alcoholic beverages where the alcohol content or ethanol has been removed. They often have similar flavor profiles and similar structure to the drinks they mimic, from tequila or wine to whiskey or beer. Even that signature burn of sipping drinks like whiskey and bourbon can be replicated without ethanol.

The social component of drinking is significant and is often what many in recovery feel the absence of when living a sober lifestyle. Non-alcoholic mocktails and zero-proof drinks offer a direct replacement that allows a sober person to still participate in social functions without compromising their progress.

However, it’s important to note that some beverages advertised as zero-proof may still contain trace amounts of ABV and still be considered zero-proof.[2] While this is a nearly imperceptible amount and is significantly lower than standard drinks, it could be misleading to some. Those seeking alternative beverages due to a history of alcohol use disorder may determine it’s not a good fit for them to partake.

Are you still “in recovery” if you drink non-alcoholic beer or wine?

This is a tricky question, and the answer will vary from person to person. For some, consuming any beverages that are associated with alcohol isn’t part of their recovery plan. For others, making the switch to zero-proof drinks is sufficient. You must know what works for you instead of relying on labels.

Remember that the environment is nearly just as important as the drink. If avoiding establishments that serve any alcohol at all is the best fit for you, it may be better for your recovery to stick to naturally non-alcoholic experiences and  beverages that don’t mimic the taste or association of cocktails or beer.

See Other Massachusetts Resources To Help You Stay Sober

• Detox and Treatment
• Behavioral Health Therapy
• Local Support Groups
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
• SMART Recovery
• Celebrate Recovery

Find Your Community For Lasting Recovery

If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol use disorder, you don’t have to navigate recovery alone. Professional treatment, expert support, and community empowerment are just some of the tools and resources available to support your recovery. Reach out today to learn more.