Dear reader, it is what it is—the holiday season typically doesn't lend itself to balance. If you are fortunate enough to be living with family, consider yourself lucky; no further explanation needed. However, even if you aren't, it's difficult to avoid the indulgences that come with the season. There's the office lunch, and then merging different friend groups leads to multiple Christmas celebrations, not to mention the excesses of New Year's Eve. For some, the whirlwind actually began on Thanksgiving!
We've all had our fill, and let’s be honest, our glasses are overflowing as well. A little indulgence from time to time is beneficial for our well-being. That said, the body often yearns for a reset. You know the routine: consume your five servings of fruits and vegetables, meet your protein and fiber targets, limit carbohydrates, and keep healthy fats in check...and take a break from alcohol for a while. Some of you might be going all out with Dry January, the challenge to abstain from alcohol for the entire month. Personally, I prefer to be more mindful about my choices.
Do I genuinely want to drink alcohol at the moment? Or do I simply want to enjoy a cold, fun beverage while socializing? If it’s the latter, I might choose a mocktail. I tend to steer clear of traditional soft drinks, and kombucha isn't commonly available at bars just yet. Fortunately, it's become easier to find quality mocktails nowadays in Beijing. They’re tasty, often less expensive than their alcoholic counterparts, and if you know where to go, they don't have to be loaded with sugar and unhealthy ingredients.
To illustrate this, I’ve been chatting with the wonderful teams at some of my favorite venues around town. They shared insights about their mocktails—many of which I order frequently—as well as their personal favorites. Make a note to try one, two, or all of them. You won’t be getting tipsy! And feel free to share any other spots you enjoy in the comments! A Virgin Bloody Mary? Some imaginative creation that deserves more recognition? Don't hold back—let us know!
**Side Street**
Raise your hand if you think Side Street has been absolutely nailing it with their seasonal menus! Their price and quality are unbeatable, and you can never go wrong with them. They offer burgers, side dishes, and of course, mocktails! It's been a while since I enjoyed their incredible weekend brunch, and when I do, I’m definitely ordering a drink to complement those eggs Benny. They have five mocktails priced between RMB 56-60: Passionate Fruit, Passionate Mojito, Berry Mojito, Strawberry Love, and Virgin Mojito. And what’s General Manager Daulèt's personal favorite?
Passionate Fruit is my signature choice—vibrant, tropical, and effortlessly refreshing. It embodies everything I love about passion fruit: that bright, tangy note and aromatic fruitiness, without veering into overly sweet territory. Every sip is perfectly balanced, maintaining a clean, crisp quality that’s both lively and sophisticated.
Currently, Side Street has two locations in Beijing: their Jianguomen branch, right by the Friendship Store Complex, and another in Jiaodaokou (ideal for your hutong adventures!). However, they are set to open a third location at Polpas Shopping Mall near Olympic Park in January next year, so be sure to follow their official WeChat (ID: Side Street 街旁) for all the latest updates!
**Side Street Jianguomen branch**
Bldg N28 2/101-102 17 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District (behind Nola)
Hours: 11am-midnight
Phone: 135 2195 8643
**Side Street Jiaodaokou**
113-02 Jiaodaokou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District
Hours: 10am-midnight
Phone: 176 0088 1832
**Golden Weasel**
Small yet impactful, Golden Weasel draws a diverse crowd filled with artsy, sophisticated types. But rest assured, they aren't stiff at all—they're all about fun! If you’re not in the mood for their impressive and regularly updated wine selection, don’t worry; they offer mocktails too. Specifically, two options. My favorite is the Pomegranate Sizzle (石榴嘶嘶声 shíliú sī sī shēng), a uniquely satisfying drink made with pomegranate juice, lemon, homemade spicy honey syrup, and club soda, garnished with grapefruit.
As for the team behind the bar, they're fans of their Ginger Blast (姜风 jiāng fēng), a combination of fresh homemade ginger juice (for that extra kick), lemon, simple syrup, and club soda, featuring a block of chewy ginger candy on top. I asked what distinguishes a good mocktail,
Having a tidy Dry January is quite achievable with our selections.