Dry January or Any Month: Non-Alcoholic Drinks Done Right | Flanker SLC

Mocktails, zero proof, and non-alcoholic drinks have been growing in popularity for several years as people want alternatives to flavorful alcohol drinks without the effects of alcohol.
The demand for alcohol-free drinks soars in January, thanks to Dry January. Finding the best drinks requires experienced mixologists, like ours, here at Flanker, who understand how complex flavors and quality ingredients can provide an immersive non-alcoholic drinking experience.
What Is Dry January?
Dry January was started by Alcohol Change UK as a way for people to abstain from drinking for the entire month of January as a New Year’s resolution. Many individuals can overdo it with holiday parties and celebrations, so participating in Dry January provides a way to reset and evaluate one’s relationship with alcohol, while enjoying non-alcoholic drinks when socializing.
What Makes a Good Non-Alcoholic Drink?
Some of the key factors that make the best non-alcoholic drinks to order at a bar include:
- Housemade syrups
- Non-alcoholic spirits
- Infusions and adaptogens
- Layered, complex flavors
- Quality ingredients
- Visual appeal
It is vital to handcraft the drink by starting with a good base that isn’t just fruit juice. It requires building and balancing flavors, such as sour, sweet, or bitter. It also requires understanding the individual’s drink preferences to create the perfect mocktail.
How Do Zero Proof Drinks Compare to Cocktails?
Our zero proof drinks are similar to cocktails but without the alcohol. We use innovative techniques, fresh ingredients, and build complex layers to create flavorful, handcrafted mocktails that mimic the tastes of alcoholic drinks. Our mixologists offer a full alcohol-free mocktail experience for Dry January or any time of year.
Are Non-Alcoholic Drinks Made Fresh at Flanker Kitchen + Sporting Club?
Flanker is well-known for our inventive, unique drinks, including non-alcoholic options. All of our alcohol-free drinks are made fresh to order, with options that could include:
- Freshly squeezed juices
- Non-alcoholic spirits
- Fresh herbs, spices, and other ingredients
- Ginger beer
- Unique syrups
Our mixologists also handcraft virgin cocktails that taste like their alcoholic counterparts, such as virgin mojitos or virgin margaritas, as well as personalized creations to suit your tastes.
We can also suggest the best non-alcoholic drinks to order at our bar or create customized alcohol-free beverages tailored to your tastes, allowing you to experience a range of one-of-a-kind creations.
Can Non-Alcoholic Drinks Still Feel Like a Full Bar Experience?
You can still enjoy a full bar experience with our alcohol-free drinks. Whether you want one of our specialty mocktails, shots of non-alcoholic spirits, or zero proof beers or wines, we offer a wide range of options, with these benefits:
- Our non-alcoholic drinks replicate the taste, look, and aroma of alcoholic drinks.
- No one will know you are enjoying an alcohol-free drink.
- Allows you to socialize, relax, and feel included with others who may be drinking.
- Enjoy the big game or other special events without any impairments.
What Food Pairs Well With Non-Alcoholic Drinks?
All types of food will pair well with alcohol-free drinks, allowing you to tantalize all of your taste buds.
Some pairings include:
- Alcohol-free beers: Burgers, fries, chicken wings, and spicy dishes.
- Non-alcoholic wines: Steaks, lamb, pastas, charcuterie, seafood, poultry, cheese boards, and fresh fruit.
- Mocktails: Tacos, ceviche, creamy dishes, seafood, burgers, chicken wings, salads, and fruit or chocolate desserts.
View our menu for other combinations you will want to try when you dine with us.
Are There Options for Different Flavor Preferences?
There are plenty of flavor preferences for alcohol-free drinks to suit your tastes, such as:
- Earthy and spicy: Ginger, chili powder, cinnamon, and chipotle or tamarind for smokiness, which add depth of flavor and warmth.
- Sweet and fruity: Fresh fruits, like peaches, berries, citrus, pineapple, mango, and pomegranate, help build layers of complex flavors.
- Indulgent and decadent: Chocolate-based, coffee-infused, and chai-spiced mocktails are the perfect after-dinner drinks to accompany desserts.
- Herbal and bitter: The use of lavender, rose, juniper, rosemary, and chamomile helps build complex, sophisticated tastes.
- Savory: Popular virgin cocktails, like mojitos, margaritas, or Bloody Marys, are perfect when you want an alcohol-free drink that mimics the real thing.
The key to creating these flavorful combinations requires building bold flavors by:
- Layering: Starting with the right base flavor and adding secondary flavors.
- Mouthfeel: Using other ingredients to create texture and the mouthfeel associated with alcoholic drinks.
- Infusing aromatics: Aromatics are required to create an immersive sensory experience.
- Pairing: Properly matching drinks with the types of foods you will be eating.
Why Flanker Is the Perfect Destination for Dining and Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Flanker Kitchen + Sporting Club is the ultimate destination for premium sports viewing, elevated-casual American food, with vegan options, and unique handcrafted mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks.
Other reasons to visit us include:
- Multiple spaces: We have a large central dining area and sporting club, a cocktail lounge, Karaoke rooms, sports simulators, and large LED screens throughout our facility for catching all the action.
- Hidden Boot Salon: Enjoy mocktails and other drinks in our country-inspired speakeasy.
- Upscale American food: All of our scratch-made dishes provide a modern twist on typical sports bar fare, along with vegetarian and vegan options.
- Trendy, energetic, and lively atmosphere: We create the perfect environment for socializing, relaxing, or celebrating.
- Ideal location: We are near the Delta Center, making us a convenient stop pre- or post-game or event for alcohol-free drinks and dining.
- Weekend nightlife and entertainment: We set the standard for an unforgettable night out when you are downtown with high-energy DJs and dance parties.
- Semi-private and private events: Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, bachelor or bachelorette parties, corporate events, or other celebrations with a range of dedicated spaces and options to accommodate 20 to 630 guests. You can even book an interactive room for your event.
Enjoy Handcrafted Mocktails and Zero Proof Drinks at Flanker Kitchen + Sporting Club Today
Kick off the New Year by enjoying the range of handcrafted mocktails and zero proof spirits, beers, and wines at Flanker, located in The Gateway.
Our Dry January menu also features seasonal menu options, including our ½-pound dry-aged burger, BBQ dry-rubbed smoked chicken bowl, and a trio of sorbet.
Whether you are participating in Dry January, vibing without getting a buzz, or want to pace yourself, enjoy the same Flanker energy and environment today.
Sources: