After one glass too many during the holidays, many start 2026 without alcohol. For once, that means not waking up with a headache. But does Dry January also mean a month without drinks? Certainly not. In many places around town (or just at home) you can enjoy delicious mocktails. Prefer no alcohol at dinner either? Choose an alcohol-free pairing with a multi-course dinner. So your good intentions certainly don't mean you have to miss the cosy get-togethers.
Laberinto GastroTails
Gelkingestraat 58 - The name is a contraction of gastronomy and cocktails and sums up exactly what it's all about: refined Mediterranean dishes combined with creative, artisanal drinks. Preparing the drinks in the cocktail bar here is a small spectacle, from pouring to the finishing touches. All cocktails and mocktails are home-made and are based on ingredients from their menu. If you're more in the mood for a classic, you can definitely come here too. Try the 'Blossoms Up', a floral mocktail with hibiscus, lavender and Ginger Beer or the 'Nada Colada', a tropical mix of coconut water and Pineapple Soda.
Read moreFIXY
Oosterstraat 13a - FIXY is a club in the heart of Groningen with a raucous Berlin vibe, but it's also more than just night. There is a stylish bar where you can have a drink in the evening while enjoying good music and live DJs. This is the place to kick off a long evening. Even without alcohol, you can have a dance here with their mocktails 'Where Are My Keys' and 'Safe Sex'. So you can enjoy the energy of the club while staying sober.
Read moreMr. Mofongo
Oude Boteringestraat 26 - At Mr. Mofongo , everything is about experience. At the cocktail bar, dedicated bartenders and a robotic arm ensure a special experience. The cocktails and mocktails are prepared in front of your eyes with their own drinks from the Distillery. There is a choice of three 'Virgin Cocktails'. For coffee lovers, for instance, there is the 'Cafe Nigredo', a deeply aromatic mix of espresso, cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Besides your mocktail, Mr. Mofongo serves plenty of Streetfood dishes that are perfect for an evening of drinks. Whoever says you can't have fun without alcohol hasn't yet tasted these drinks. Which one will you have first?
Read moreWijck
Grote Markt 33 - Wijck is the place for those who like good drinks. Start or end your evening at the stylish bar with a surprising mocktail, and stick around for karaoke, comedy or just socialising with friends. Try a 0.0 Spritz Aperol Style or a Yuzu Elderflower Spritz, and enjoy the creative flavours. Alcohol-free, but full of flavour.
Read moreJamey Fitz
Gedempte Zuiderdiep 15 - When you step inside Jamey Fitz, it's like stepping back into the Roaring Twenties. With its rich past and atmospheric interior, the restaurant really has Great Gatsby vibes. At the bar, you can enjoy impressive cocktails as well as mocktails, which give you the luxurious feel of the jazz era. An unforgettable experience with every sip, even if there is no alcohol in it. The mocktails here are as delicious as the cocktails, with a choice of six different options. Will you take the sweet, nutty 'Amaretti Sour' or the rich and fruity 'Orchard Of Temptation'?
Read moreAlcohol-free pairing
An alcohol-free pairing with a multi-course dinner works in the same way as a wine pairing, but without alcohol. With each course, you’re served a matching drink – such as homemade juices, infusions, teas or mocktails – which enhances or balances the flavours of the dish. This gives each course extra depth, whilst allowing you to enjoy the meal whilst remaining sober. At De Betere Tijden, you can opt for an alcohol-free drinks pairing with the surprise menu that perfectly complements each course. Noor serves a refined selection of homemade juices, infusions, teas and alcohol-free wines. During special dinners, Tales offers a mocktail pairing, tailored to the seasonal menu. Sepia combines its surprise menu with five carefully selected non-alcoholic drinks as an alternative to the wine pairing. Even without wine or cocktails, you’ll experience a fully-fledged culinary journey, where the dishes and drinks are shown off to their best advantage.
Groningen drinks
Don't feel like going out? You can also make an original mocktail with local Groningen drinks at home. Think fresh MOJ Lemonade, a lemonade made in Groningen from squeezed fruit and natural ingredients. Add some ice, lime, mint or fresh fruit to make it a summery mocktail. With Hooghoudt Zero Zero 24, the alcohol-free spirit from the Groningen distillery, on the other hand, you put a classic mocktail full of character on the table. For a customer-ready replacement of the spritz, there is Spritzema: a non-alcoholic Spritz, made to quench your thirst. Spritzema is a nod to the Groningen ranja we grew up with. Sober, local and surprisingly tasty.