Dry January? Exeter’s got the sip

January often brings a fresh start—cutting back on indulgences, setting wellness goals, and easing into a new year. But embracing Dry January doesn’t mean waving goodbye to a vibrant social life.

Whether your January is dry, damp, or with a chance of drizzle, bars and restaurants across Exeter are proving you can still enjoy a delicious drink and a good night out without alcohol.

The Ivy Exeter is leading the way with its newly launched ‘Social Sips’ menu, a collection of carefully crafted mocktails and low-alcohol beverages. After all, low and no alcohol doesn’t mean low in flavour.

Highlights include the Geranium Collins, which gently blends Tanqueray 0% with Geranium syrup and Ginger Ale, topped with fresh mint and lime for a refreshingly light tipple. For something fruitier and more vibrant, the Orchard Lemonade is just the trick - warm and aromatic Seedlip Spice 94 combines with apricot and elderflower cordial and soda water, finished with Tajin Dust.

Beer lovers can enjoy the Lucky Shandy 0.5%, and for those looking to pop some bubbly, a glass of Wild Idol Naturally Alcohol-Free Sparkling Wine makes for a celebratory toast.

Beyond The Ivy, Exeter is full of other venues stepping up with enticing alcohol-free options. Down by the Quay, On The Waterfront pairs its famous pizzas with mocktails like the Angel’s Snare, a mix of non-alcoholic gin, elderflower, strawberry, and lemon, alongside a robust selection of alcohol-free beers and ciders.

The historic Turks Head pub has created its own 0% beer for the month, offering a cosy setting to enjoy a pint without the buzz. For something a little sweeter, there’s the Blood Orange Spritzer - choose between alcohol-free gin or Aperol, then add lime juice, blood orange juice, soda, and a splash of grenadine over crushed ice, and you've got a drink that’s as vibrant as it is refreshing.

Other local legends, like Topsham Brewery, are also stepping up for Dry January. Their alcohol-free lager on tap is a true game-changer, giving beer lovers a full-flavoured option to enjoy without breaking their New Year’s resolutions.

Another spot adding some serious hero-to-zero-alcohol is Coolings, tucked away on Exeter’s lively Gandy Street. Their cocktail cellar is a treasure trove of refreshing mocktails, including zesty fruity mojitos and the eye-catching Golden Sunrise; a vibrant tropical blend of pineapple, orange, passion fruit, and lime that’s sure to transport you to sunnier climes.

Over at Crave, nestled by the Quay, it’s all about stylish sips and laid-back vibes. Their Virgin Garibaldi is a mocktail masterpiece, mixing orange juice, grapefruit, passion fruit syrup, and soda into a refreshing concoction that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious. Crave’s commitment to quality makes it a go-to spot for anyone looking to skip the booze without skimping on flavour.

Dry January is a perfect excuse to rediscover Exeter’s hospitality scene through a new lens. With so many creative and flavourful options on offer, cutting out alcohol doesn’t mean cutting out the fun. From zesty mocktails to alcohol-free beers, Exeter’s bars and restaurants have embraced the challenge to keep your nights out exciting and guilt-free. So, whether your January, or even your year, is bone-dry or slightly damp, there’s something to toast to in the heart of the city.