These mocktails won't leave you missing the buzz

Oh, January! You're the month with the most new gym memberships, you welcome a plethora of wilted kale salads with the dressing on the side and propose one question to the masses: Is it time to jump on board the "Dry January" train? 

We've all been there. One year my liver desperately needed a little bit of R&R after enough mulled wine and spiked eggnog to last a year. On the other hand, the years I rang in the new year without a glass of alcoholic bubbly in my hand haven't been the best of times. What to do? It's all in the eye of the beer-holder.

Let’s not dismiss mocktails just because they’re alcohol-free. Today’s zero-proof options aren’t the sugary Shirley Temples of yesteryear — they’re sophisticated, inventive, downright delicious and (zero) proof that you don’t need a buzz to have a good time.

So whether you’re doing a post-holiday detox, embarking on a journey toward lifelong sobriety or just curious to see what the fuss is about, mocktails are here to sip, savor and enjoy.

Let’s raise a glass of a booze-free beverage and toast to hangover-free mornings. Cheers to the best mocktails I've sipped here in Sarasota County.

Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar

6562 University Parkway, Sarasota; 941-337-0568; TommyBahama.com

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No Proof, No Problem: Start your designated driver mocktail journey with the Island Tea ($8)—a delicious blend of mango black tea, pineapple, orgeat and mint at the newest oasis in Lakewood Ranch. No need to beat the traffic to partake in the St. Armands staple. Just head over to University Parkway and sip in a guilt-free paradise. 

Spectacularly Sober: Pucker up with alcohol-free Giffard pamplemousse, orgeat, cinnamon syrup, grapefruit, lime, fever tree soda ($10) or ask for a virgin piña colada. With the creamy, dreamy combo of coconut and pineapple, it’s like a mini tropical escape in every sip. 

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Bonus Buzz: No trip to Tommy B's is complete without some appetizingly aromatic bites. Grab the street corn dip ($12) with Jack and cotija cheese, divine chipotle aioli and house-made chips. Or get the world-famous coconut shrimp ($14) with papaya and mango chutney. Embrace that island state of mind — no passport required!

Florence and the Spice Boys

4990 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-923-9920; FlorenceAndTheSpiceBoys.com

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No Proof, No Problem: The lavender margarita ($10) might look like a regular margarita, but it's anything but that. With zero-proof tequila, zero mezcal, lime juice, lavender syrup that gives it a floral kick and butterfly pea tea that adds that mesmerizing, mood-setting blue hue that changes color as you sip, it's like some sort of magical proof-less potion. I'd be remiss not to mention the creativity on the booze-filled end of the menu too — so whether you’re detoxing with this calming lavender margarita or indulging in Florence's creative cocktails, there's something for everyone. 

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Spectacularly Sober: If you’re looking for a mocktail that’s as playful as it is polished, the ginger spritz ($10) will steal the show. Made with zero blood orange aperitif, swirls of ginger syrup, zero botanical gin and soda water, it's the booze-less botanical cocktail that dreams are made of. 

Bonus Buzz: And if you haven't ventured to The Landings eatery, you are truly missing out on culinary excellence. The rainbow bowl ($22) is a colorful masterpiece that’s almost too beautiful to eat (but trust me, you’ll want to). This dish is a symphony of textures and flavors, packed with fresh veggies, sensational spices and a hearty base that’ll have you coming back for more.

Siesta Key Oyster Bar

5238 Ocean Blvd., Sarasota; 941-346-5443; SKOB.com

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No Proof, No Problem: Who says you need alcohol to feel fancy at brunch? Enter the Rosé All Day ($9) mocktail—a delightful concoction that proves the party doesn’t stop just because the proof does. Combine Gieson Non-Alcoholic Rosé with grapefruit juice, basil and simple syrup for a sip that’s equal parts chic and cheerful and leaves you clear-headed.

Spectacularly Sober: Good vibes, gracious company, great live music and a fizzy and refreshing drink that leaves you glowing in all the right ways. The faux-jito ($9) mixes club soda, fresh cool mint, zesty lime juice and a pop of sweetness with blueberry infused syrup. Bonus? No rum means no regret—just island life with sparkling conversation. 

Bonus Buzz: And if those two SKOB samplings don't tickle your fancy, the entire mocktail lineup proves that these alcohol-free concoctions are more than just placeholders—they’re the stars of the show. Sip on the ginger shandy ($9), baby shark ($9) with blue curacao, the Trop ($9) with tropical Red Bull for a major boost or the Saint-gria ($9) made with non-alcoholic Gieson sauvignon blanc and peach infused syrup.