Maryland’s Guide To Zero-Proof Drinks and Options For Sober Social Drinking

Whether it’s because of a healthy lifestyle, medical or religious reasons, celebrating Dry January, or recovery, more and more people are abstaining from alcohol while enjoying a night out at a restaurant or bar. Zero-proof drinks, which are also known as non-alcoholic drinks, are a big part of creating this experience with “mocktails” and alcohol-free spirits.

If you’re looking for bars, restaurants, and nightclubs to have a night out while in recovery, learn more about zero-proof drinks and where you can find them in Maryland.

What Is Zero-Proof Alcohol?

Alcoholic beverages have an alcohol proof, which is the measure of the ethanol content – or potency. The higher the proof, the more potent the alcohol is. Alcohol proof has been on liquor labels as a matter of tradition, but the modern measurement of alcoholic content in the US is percentage alcohol by volume (ABV).[1]

Following this labeling tradition, zero-proof alcohol is a beverage that contains no ethanol. Zero-proof alcohol goes by other names, including 0.0 spirit, plant-based alcohol alternatives, non-alcoholic beverages, and alcohol-free spirits.

To legally be called zero-proof alcohol, it must have less than 0.5% ABV.[2] Traditional alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and spirits can range from 4% to 40%. Zero-proof alcohol was created to offer an alternative to people who don’t drink but want to enjoy experiences that typically include alcohol, such as happy hours or celebratory occasions. In the past, the only option was soft drinks or a limited selection of non-alcoholic beers, but there are currently over 120 zero-proof alcohol brands available.

Many zero-proof alcohols are designed to mimic the flavor and sensory experience of the real spirit, such as the “burn” of whiskey – which is produced using capsaicin. Some are designed to complement the flavors of a complex cocktail with botanicals.

Some zero-proof alcohol brands include:

• Seedlip
• Ritual Zero Proof
• Spiritless Kentucky 74
• Arkay Beverages
• Strykk
• Damrak Virgin
• Zepeim Premium Beverages
• Brooklyn Brewery
• Heineken 0.0

Where to Get Zero-Proof Drinks in Maryland

Maryland has a lot of urban and tourism areas that are filled with bars, restaurants, and clubs – many of which are stocked with zero-proof alcohol. Here are some options to check out:

The Bluebird Cocktail Room

The Bluebird Cocktail Room is a Hampden hangout that sources ingredients locally and combines organic, herbal hydrosols (distilled waters from fruits) from a nearby farm with zero-proof alcohol. One of the best mocktails on the menu is the Old Sultan, a warm and spicy cocktail made with zero-proof spirits.

Blue Pit BBQ & Whiskey Bar

The Blue Pit BBQ & Whiskey Bar serves a lot of whiskey, but the barbecue joint offers options for zero-proof cocktails that replace the whiskey component with a high-quality non-alcohol alternative. The menu has notes on which cocktails can be served without spirits or with a low ABV option, but there are also curated mocktails like Figure It Out, a vibrant drink with apple bitters, fig, balsamic, and a gin alternative.

Clavel

The Clavel in Remington is renowned for its tacos and queso fundido, but it also serves an array of inspired mocktails. The Suero combines Topo Chico with lemon and a pinch of sea salt, while the Sandia Madura uses watermelon, lemon, basil oil, and house Tajin salt.

Church Bar

The Church Bar has been getting a lot of buzz for its inspired menu and zero-proof choices. Any cocktail that has a mocktail alternative is noted with a burgundy dot on the menu. The Saint Brigid, which has grapefruit, ginger, and lime, and the Lamplighter, a mix of cardamom and cold brew, are two favorites.

Duck Duck Goose

Duck Duck Goose offers one of the best French dining experiences in Baltimore, as well as a range of cocktails that use Seedlip’s premier zero-proof alcohols. The Mandarine du Sud is a local favorite that brings together Seedlip citrus, tangerine, egg whites, pistachio, and lime.

Dutch Courage

Dutch Courage is a bar mostly focused on gin, but it features plenty of non-alcoholic options like the N.A. Groni is a twist on a traditional groni made with botanical gin syrup, orange bitters, and jasmine-flavored kombucha. Another favorite is the Rocky Road, a combination of orange bitters, dark chocolate, and a giant toasted marshmallow.

The Food Market

The Food Market is a haven for comfort food that offers a long zero-proof menu. The Gucci Lemonade is one of the best around and blends blueberry, fresh mint, and lemongrass. Another option is a mocktail with grapefruit juice, Sprite, agave nectar, and thyme.

Guinness Open Gate Brewery

Despite the name, the Guinness Open Gate Brewery brews delicious low-ABV beer. You could also purchase Guinness 0, which is designed to taste smooth and bitter, like Guinness Draft, without the alcohol.

Can People in Recovery Drink Zero-Proof Alcohol?

While zero-proof alcohol is a good alternative for people in recovery, it’s not the best choice for everyone. These beverages try to replace the sensory experience of drinking alcohol, including the flavors and smells, so it can trigger some people to try the real thing.

For some, it’s not about the alcohol itself but the environment. If being around alcohol will be a trigger for you in recovery, even if you’re not drinking alcohol, zero-proof alcohol can be an issue.[3]
Another concern is that not all zero-proof alcohol is truly alcohol-free. Some brands avoid alcohol at any point, either in production or the finished product. Others may use alcohol to create certain flavors or qualities, but then it’s removed before the final product hits the shelves.

Some zero-proof alcohol is not truly zero, either. Legally, zero proof can be anything below 0.5%, which won’t get anyone intoxicated, but it’s still not technology zero. Just those trace amounts of alcohol may be a trigger for some people, just as it is with cough medication or mouthwash.

It’s important to thoroughly understand your own triggers before you try zero-proof alcohol. You should also bring a sober friend along the first time to ensure that you stay on track with your sobriety while experimenting with zero-proof options.

Experience Maryland Nightlife

Just because you’re avoiding alcohol doesn’t mean you have to avoid fun. Maryland has plenty of options for zero-proof drinks that are just as enticing as a real cocktail, so you can have the social experience without the negative health effects. For more intense support, consider professional treatment and support. At Alpas Wellness, we’re here to answer any questions and provide all the resources you need to be successful in your sobriety.