Ringing in the new year doesn't need to be done with alcohol. In fact, many choose to go into the new year with a "Dry January" — something that seems more and more popular each year. A non-alcoholic bottle shop called Dear Dry Drinkery is taking initiative on getting that party started in Austin, hosting a sober alternative to the traditional New Year’s celebration.
The shop opened in August of 2023, and self-claims the title of "Austin's first non-alcoholic bottle shop." Although there are plenty of places to get non-alcoholic cocktails (Sans Bar), proprietary spirits (Slow Luck), and assorted bottles in a grocery setting (Foxtrot), Dear Dry is more like a traditional liquor store (except that it looks like a modern apothecary), with spirits from various makers.
A slightly belated party kicks the year off on January 2, 2024, and doubles as the shop's inaugural "Taco Tuesday" party.
Co-founders and husband and wife duo Joe Patterson and Grace Vroom were inspired by their desire to create an event that celebrates a refreshed and low-stakes start to the year.
Photo by Caitlin Rounds/Dear Dry Drinkery
Dear Dry Drinkery hosts a free evening of tacos, zero-proof beverage samples, flash tattoos, and more on January 2, 2024.
“Going into Dry January, we know what it's like to feel the pressure of starting new habits, getting a fresh start, and all that,” says Vroom. “We loved that we could start a new year without taking ourselves too seriously.”
Highlights of the free and open-to-the-public bash include zero-proof drink samples provided by Ritual Zero Proof, complimentary tacos, and flash tattoo appointments, all within the walls of the bar’s 1920s East Austin bungalow. Guests can expect an evening of chill vibes, mingling, and zero-proof spirits that won’t leave an unpleasant effect on the mind and body the following day.
Vroom and Patterson have been working to cultivate and maintain a space for community, innovative brand partnerships, and craft non-alcoholic cocktails with marked success. This Dry January and 2024 kickoff celebration serves as another way for patrons to enjoy the bottle bar to its fullest potential.
“Consider the party an open house for anyone who wants to meet cool people and try tasty things at the top of the new year,” Vroom says. “Hang in our sunlit lounge area with a drink and some tacos, peruse shelves of funky bottles and cans in our refrigerator, and meet folks who are creating cool things all over this city.”
In addition to being the bar’s first "Taco Tuesday" of the year, the event also serves as an unofficial kickoff of the many happenings on the program calendar in 2024.
“We're especially excited for our events in the first few months of the year, which include a dry drinks class with Sober & Funky, a new moon energy healing session, a vision board night with Saloon, and lots more,” Vroom says. “We're also cooking up something exciting for anyone who will be in town for South by Southwest. Stay tuned.”
Dear Dry Drinkery is located at 2226 E. Cesar Chavez St., and is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11:30 am to 7 pm, and Sunday from noon to 5 pm. RSVP for free at deardrydrinkery.com.
