Trying 6 of the best alcohol free drinks in Cheltenham for Dry January

We know that January can seem like a bit of a drag, and for those of us taking on the annual Dry January detox it can seem like February will never come!

That’s why we’re here to help, with a roundup of some of the best Cheltenham bars and cafes offering low and no alcohol options in January 2023. We even went the extra mile and taste tested some of them for you.    

So the next time you’re out with friends at the weekend craving a tipple, why not reach for one of these delicious alcohol free alternatives instead…

The Alchemist Bar & Restaurant

The Alchemist, found in Cheltenham's Brewery Quarter, is a stylish, theatrical bar where every cocktail is curated with an obsessive eye for detail. Presented in vessels orchestrated to add a devilish dash of theatre, they bedazzle, bewitch and delight.

Their non-alcoholic selection is no different. We tried the CBD Spritz, a sweet, watermelon-foam-topped mocktail accompanied by a calming CBD gummy. The sparkling concoction was reminiscent of Olde Fashioned Sweet Shoppes from my childhood and, while not as showy as some of the drinks on offer, was still playful in its execution.

Memsahibs Lounge

Memsahibs, tucked away just off the Cheltenham Promenade, is a cosy, underground cocktail lounge offering inventive tea-infused drinks & Indian-inspired shared plates. A celebration of warm hospitality and delicious cuisine.

Their signature Gin Infused Teapots are a delight that can be enjoyed with or without the alcohol. We tried their Cucumber Teapot for two, a crisp, clean concoction beautifully presented in a transparent teapot. The subtle mint and basil notes are initially understated, weaving nicely through the refreshing elderflower and cucumber mix, but steadily become more pronounced as the ingredients in the pot intermix. Delicious.   

The Swan

The Swan is a fun and relaxed traditional free house and beer garden serving the best local, independent drinks and authentic Indian dishes in the heart of Cheltenham.

A January edition to their selection, having been upgraded from bottles only to on draught, is Clear Head from Bristol Beer Factory in collaboration with mental health network, Talk Club. Golden-amber in colour, clear head pours well with a decent head of foam. While not as well rounded as some of the other beers on offer at The Swan, the grapefruit tinted flavours provides a pleasing drinking experience.  

The Sober Parrot

The Sober Parrot is a not-for-profit, charity run café by day and an alcohol-free, live music and events dry bar by night, based in the heart of Cheltenham. Owned and operated by The Nelson Trust, a charity that works with people who are affected by addiction and those who have experienced multiple disadvantage.

The team have an array of signature mocktails on offer to choose from. We tried the Pink Fizz, a deceptively simple yet elegantly presented mix of pomegranate, ginger ale and mint that would be perfect for a summer’s day, but is equally refreshing on a crisp January afternoon!

Bath Road Beers

Bath Road Beers are a local independent business run by a passionate team of beer connoisseurs. The team have handpicked 450 of the world’s finest beers and ciders, among them a selection of various low and no alcohol options.

One of their newer additions to the family is Hogan’s High Sobriety. A naturally low, 1% cider that is crisp and fresh, if a tad sour. If you prefer your ciders dry and not overly fizzy then this will go down a treat. At 1% ABV this cider may not quite fit the bill for the strictest Dry January practitioners, but is perfect for cider fans that could do without the hangover.

The Ivy

The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie in Cheltenham is an all-day dining restaurant Located in the stunning grade I listed Montpellier Rotunda building, serving modern British and international classics as well as an all-encompassing drinks menu.

This January, The Ivy has teamed up with Lyre’s to create two flavourful mocktails to help you feel fabulous. The Angelic Amaretti Sour, crafted with Lyre’s non-alcoholic Amaretti and a fiery Picante made with a non-alcoholic lime & chilli spirit. We tried the Amaretti and it did not disappoint. Just the right balance of sweet and sour, the drink was tart but not bitter, akin to a punchy homemade lemonade. An excellent alternative to the real thing.   

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Dry January is just one of the ways to care for your health this year in Cheltenham, see our helpful guide 12 Events to Boost Your Wellbeing in 2023 for more.