Maryland is a city filled with beautiful harbors and scenic views of Chesapeake Bay. It’s filled with neat shops and restaurants and has a very vibrant social atmosphere. There are a variety of bars and restaurants with a lot of rich culture, and it can be a great place for a night on the town.
However, if you’re trying to enjoy yourself without consuming any alcohol, it can sometimes be difficult to find an inclusive activity you can do with others while still enjoying yourself. The good news is that Maryland is home to a wide range of zero proof bars, shops, and dining locations, so you can fully enjoy yourself without compromise.
What is a Zero Proof Drink or Cocktail?
There can sometimes be confusion when hearing terms like “non-alcoholic,” “alcohol-free,” and “zero proof” when referring to the contents of different beverages. The term “proof,” however, is specific to the amount of ethanol that’s contained in liquid.
Proof is also relevant to Alcohol by Volume (ABV) percentages. For example, in the U.S., proof equates to two times ABV. So a bottle of 80-proof whiskey typically has a 40% ABV.
Now, when it comes to defining a zero proof drink, most people assume this means that the drink contains absolutely no alcohol. While this can be true for now beverages, the actual classification of “zero proof” can mean anything between 0.0% and 0.5% ABV.[1] This means that in many non-alcoholic beverages, there is still a chance that there is a trace amount of alcohol, although these amounts are too small for there to be any psychological side effects when consuming them.[2]
Interestingly enough, many things we eat or drink every day, like different types of breads, fruits, or juices, can also have these trace amounts present, since alcohol is simply a byproduct of sugar fermentation.
Best Spots to Find Zero Proof Drinks in Maryland
Maryland is filled with some really great places to visit, many of which offer a wide range of zero proof drinks. Below are some of the top locations you can try:
The Bluebird Cocktail Room
The Bluebird Cocktail Room has a unique library-themed decor, with dark walls and golden seats. It’s a great atmosphere with a speakeasy vibe, perfect for enjoying a nice, intimate night out with friends while sampling snacks and drinks. They offer a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks with a very unique take on zero proof options. They have fun drink menu options like “Afoot And Light Hearted” or “Whimper No More,” which uses non-alcoholic spirits and floral kombuchas to give every guest a sophisticated drinking experience.
Clavel
Clavel is a family-run taqueria and mezcaleria. It has an energetic atmosphere and an authentic Mexican theme. It’s well-known for its Sinaloan-inspired tacos and coastal raw bar, and its bar program has earned James Beard nominations. Along with its extensive list of mezcals, Clavel also offers a fantastic selection of non-alcoholic drinks. You can try the “Flor De Jamaica,” which is a complex and tart house-made hibiscus-dandelion shrub, or a “Manila Michelada,” which uses alcohol-free beer, tamarindo, and chile for a spicy, but refreshing kick.
Topside
Topside is a rooftop restaurant located on the 14th floor of the Hotel Revival in Mount Vernon. Topside has a glass-wrapped design with what is arguably the best view in Baltimore. The atmosphere is sophisticated but relaxed, and has a ground menu of food and drink options. The bar program advertises “bold, booze-free creations” and features a rotating zero proof cocktail of the day. This makes it a great place to go to celebrate important events or milestones while not having to worry about a lack of non-alcoholic options.
Pearl Restaurant and Ponche Tiki Bar
Pearl Restaurant offers both a modern dining room and a fun tiki bar with a Miami-style flair. The restaurant has one of the more comprehensive non-alcoholic menus available in the state and features drinks like “Electric Lemonade” (with butterfly syrup) and “Liquid Sunshine.” They also offer a separate zero proof beers list, making it a perfect spot for a mixed group of drinkers and non-drinkers to enjoy a fun night out.
Preserve
Preserve is a farm-to-table restaurant built on the concept of preservation. Run by a husband-and-wife team of Culinary Institute of America graduates, the menu has a very unique twist to modern American dishes. The atmosphere is rustic-chic and cozy, with exposed brick and shelves lined with colorful jars of house-made pickles. Instead of simple mocktails, the restaurant features more seasonal options that utilize their house-made shrubs, fermented fruit juices, and house-made sodas.
Tenth Ward Distilling Company
Tenth Ward Distilling Company is a distillery in downtown Frederick known for specializing in unconventional spirits like absinthe, genever, and creative canned cocktails. Their Cocktail Lab tasting room is a fun, industrial space where you can sample their menu items, including a wide range of non-alcoholic cocktails. You’ll also find some really great-tasting non-alcoholic ciders there.
Silver Branch Brewing Company
Silver Spring, Silver Branch Brewing Company is a spacious lagerhaus and biergarten. The taproom is open, friendly, and often filled with groups and families. While their focus is on craft lagers and ales, they offer some great-tasting food and non-alcoholic drink menus as well. For example, you can pair a classic German pretzel or Belgian frites with a selection of premium craft sodas, including Boylan and Jarritos.
Hip Flask Rooftop Bar
For a more upscale experience, Hip Flask is a sleek rooftop bar on the penthouse level of the Marriott in Bethesda. The atmosphere is modern and chic, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls that open to an outdoor terrace. The bar menu features shareable plates like charcuterie and crab dip, and also includes zero-proof beverages made with premium non-alcoholic spirits and tonics.
Is It Safe to Drink Zero Proof Drinks When Recovering from Alcohol Addiction?
Deciding on whether or not to drink zero proof beverages when trying to stay sober isn’t always straightforward. For many in recovery, zero proof drinks can be a helpful entry into a healthier and safer lifestyle. However, for some, there could be risks of overindulging in these types of drinks.
While the ABV % of these drinks is low enough that they don’t cause intoxication, the drinks themselves could become a trigger for some. Many non-alcoholic beers, wines, and spirits are designed to look and taste very similar to their alcoholic counterparts. This type of sensory experience can create powerful cravings for some individuals who may feel like they’re missing out on the psychological effects of alcoholic versions of the drinks they enjoy.
Ultimately, your decision to partake in these types of drinks should be based on any expert opinions provided by a counselor or therapist, and you should always tread carefully when deciding to enjoy them in group settings.
