January 7

Dry January

Find plenty of spirit in spiritless beverages of South Lake Union.

The cocktail game is strong in South Lake Union. The neighborhood boasts elegant and exotic libations from buzzy watering holes like Gold Bar, 2120, and other thirst-quenching standouts. But as the clock turned to midnight on January 1, resolutions for healthier lifestyles kicked in.

If you’re looking for a break from the booze, check out some of these neighborhood establishments that whip up some tasty non-alcoholic creations, juices, and more.

Rachel’s Ginger Beer, 2112 Seventh Ave.

The Seattle staple’s newest location sits right across the street from the Amazon Go store in The Regrade. Don’t let its boozy cocktails (or Ma’ono’s delicious fried chicken) dissuade you from the tasty ginger beers. While the original flavor is a classic, be sure to sample some of Rachel’s other flavors, which range from tropical (caramelized pineapple; pink guava) to earthy and refreshing (black current; cucumber tarragon). Bonus: you can get your ginger beer in a growler.

Joe and the Juice, 2112 Seventh Ave.

If you’re looking for a vitamin boost, Joe and the Juice might be for you. Its menu sports a wide variety of juices like the Go Away Doc (carrot, ginger, and apple), the Hell of a Nerve (strawberry, banana, elderflower), Herb Tonic (tumeric, ginger, pineapple, red bell pepper, black pepper, and apple), and more. This spot, part of a global chain, is more coffee shop vibe rather than bar mood, but you’ll be hard pressed (puns!) to find fresher juice options in SLU.

Deep Dive, 620 Lenora St.

Renee Erickson’s dreamy bar in the Amazon Spheres has an entire page of its extensive cocktail menu dedicated to non-alcoholic sips. If you like pina coladas, try the Piña Fauxlada (Seedlip Grove 42, Pineapple Shrub, Cinnamon Toast Crunch Coconut Cream, and Citrus).

Ba Bar, 500 Terry Ave.

Ba Bar’s elixirs are a refreshing and delicious. Plus, you can get a fresh coconut milk (yes, right out of a coconut).

Story by Ethan Chung and photographs courtesy of Rachel's Ginger Beer by Jake Magraw and Brooke Fitts.


At The Center

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