Zero-proof sips to sample 🍹

Local mocktails + non-alcoholic drinks in Boston

Sample a “Nongroni” this Dry January | @madreosteria_milton | Photo by @madreosteria_milton

If you’re just starting your Dry January journey, temporarily taking a break from booze, or exploring a sober curious lifestyle, you can still raise your glass this month. Boston has plenty of zero-proof offerings so you can keep up your social calendar without ordering soda and tea, again.

For those who choose not to booze, add one of these six bars with mocktails to your list.

A4cade, 292 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
Try one of the winning mocktails at this arcade speakeasy in Central Square, like the Sozin’s Comet made with iced green tea, apertif syrup, honey, strawberry, and lemon, or a Sandy Cheeks with passion fruit, berries, orange, cinnamon, and coconut.

Lamplighter Brewery, 284 Broadway, Cambridge
Visit the Broadway location to sip on a refreshing Orange Cardamom-flavored seasonal soda + try a cold brew coffee or kombucha.

Lifted Bar at the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, 450 Summer St.
Head up the fifth floor bar and restaurant to sip on an Atta Boy! and the Rio Perdido Faux ‘Rita.

Puttshack, 58 Pier 4 Blvd.
Sip on a Hibiscus Mock Mule, Cotton Candy Crush, or a Peach Free Bellini while you play a round or two at the new Seaport mini-golf bar.

Scholars, 25 School St.
This bistro and cocktail lounge offers something for everyone, including a few mocktails like the Jalapeno and Blood Orange Margarita and the Lemon and Cherry Hemp-Infused soda.

Wink & Nod, 3 Appleton St.
This newly reopened speakeasy is serving up The Bounty Hunter with macha, vanilla, non-alcoholic tequila, and whipped cream; a bubbly Carrot Limeade with cold-pressed carrot juice, lime, and seltzer; and the Not An Old Fashion made with non-alcoholic whiskey, peach, and caramel.

Did we miss your favorite local mocktail? Let us know and we’ll add it to our list.

7 MORE SIPS HERE

Are you participating in Dry January this year?

A. Yes, every year
B. There’s zero chance
C. I’m testing it out
D. Never heard of it

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Friday, Jan. 6

Candlelight: A Tribute To Fleetwood Mac | Friday, Jan. 6 | 8:45 p.m. | Old South Church, 645 Boylston St., Boston | $30 | Discover the music of Fleetwood Mac at this candlelight concert.
SoWa First Friday | Friday, Jan. 6 | 5-9 p.m. | SoWa District, 450 Harrison Ave., Boston | Free to attend | Don’t miss the First Friday of the new year in the South End’s art district.

Saturday, Jan. 7

Winter Reading Kickoff | Saturday, Jan. 7 | 2-4 p.m. | Boston Public Library, Central Library in Copley Square, Boston | Free | Take on the reading challenge and stop by the “New and Novel” area to pick up a reading log, check out recommendations, and enjoy warm cider.
Scents & Sounds Sculptural Candle Making Class | Saturday, Jan. 7 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | For The Record, 86 Joy St., Studio #22, Somerville | $65 | Make your own sculptural smiley face candle during this hour-long session.
Winter Blossom Watercolor | Saturday, Jan. 7 | 2-3:30 p.m. | CambridgeSide, 100 Cambridgeside Pl., Cambridge | $45 | All materials are included for this workshop where guests can create a flowering apple tree and poppy blossoms.

Sunday, Jan. 8

IceFlow Yoga on Ice | Sunday, Jan. 8 | 10-11 a.m. | The Rink at 401 Park, 401 Park Dr., Boston | Free | Register to attend the free yoga-inspired skating class for adults of all skill levels.
Horatio Day Beer and Vinyl Pairing | Sunday, Jan. 8 | 1-3 p.m. | Bone Up Brewing, 38 Norman St., Everett | $25 | Tickets include the vinyl pairing show, a flight, and a free vinyl from Light of Day Records.
Brunch & Burn 2023 | Sunday, Jan. 8 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Artists For Humanity, 100 West 2nd St., Boston | $30 | The event begins with a workout led by TRILlFIT founders Heather White and Melisa Valdez and ends with brunch.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

39º | Rain | 90% chance of rain

Concert

Lucky, lucky us — Grammy Award-winning artist Sam Smith is coming to TD Garden on Aug. 5 with special guest Jessie Reyez. Tickets to see the “Unholy” singer go on sale to the public on Friday, Jan. 13 at 9 a.m. 🎤

Biz

Penn Sports Interactive, aka Barstool Sportsbook, has received unanimous approval for a temporary mobile sports betting license from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. In-person sports betting is expected to begin on Tuesday, Jan. 31. (Boston.com)

Sports

Fenway Park is hosting the Frozen Fenway this weekend with two days of collegiate hockey. Tickets are available for the women’s doubleheader today when Harvard plays Quinnipiac, followed by BU vs. Holy Cross. Tomorrow, check out one or both of the men’s games: Northeastern vs. UConn at 2:30 p.m. + UMass vs. Boston College at 6:30 p.m. 🏒

Edu

Bay State College will phase out under-enrolled programs, including the criminal justice, entertainment management, fashion merchandising, information technology, management + physical therapist assistant programs. The college plans to help the students currently enrolled in these programs transfer to finish their degrees. 🎓 (Boston Business Journal)

Number

$15. That’s the new minimum wage in Massachusetts, effective as of Jan. 1. This is a 75 cent increase for hourly employees and the rate for tipped positions is up 60 cents to $6.65 per hour. 💰 (Boston.com)

Environment

The Bay State plans to invest in a wind power project called King Pine located in Aroostook County, Maine. The 1,000-megawatt project was proposed by Boston-based Longroad Energy to help meet clean energy goals, bring power to thousands of homes, and reduce local energy rates in the winter. (7 News)

Seasonal

Don’t let chilly temperatures keep you from going to outdoor sporting events or enjoying local hiking trails. Stock up on HotHands Hand Warmers + keep the feeling in your fingers all season long. Or try this rechargeable electric hand warmer with three different heat levels.*

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Ski you later, Boston ⛷️

Take the T to Wachusett Mountain

You’ll want to snow about this ski train. | Photo by @coda_scout

We have some news that local skiers and snowboarders will surely après-ciate. The MBTA is bringing the people to the powder with the return of the “ski train.”

This alternative transit option takes passengers from North Station to Wachusett Mountain in about 90 minutes. This is the first time this route has returned since 2020 and will help manage parking congestion + prevent folks from driving the ~64 miles back to Boston in unsafe conditions.

Each train will be equipped with racks for ski and snowboard equipment. Once you arrive, shuttles will run from the Wachusett Station to the mountain’s ski area. Pro tip: These shuttles depart the parking lot about 30 minutes before train departure times.

The ride costs $12.25 each way and is scheduled for Wednesdays through March 8 and Saturdays + Sundays until March 12.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Jessica.

Editor’s pick: I attended the Lamplighter Brewery Book Club this week, and after discussing “The School of Good Mothers” with the club members, I’m pumped for the next chapter and to start a fresh read. If you also need a little book inspo, check out this list of the Top 10 Checked Out Books in 2022 from the Boston Public Library. 📚

Should BOStoday host a book club this year? Let us know what you think + if you would join.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Refresh your feed with these local Instagram accounts.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Jessica Burton, Sara Frazier, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Peter Baldassare | Advertise with us.

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