If Dry January is on your radar but you are not ready to cancel sundowners or give up a good night out, Sandton Central is the perfect middle ground. The precinct is packed with zero proof options that go way beyond fruit juice, from rooftop mocktails with bite to icy blends that make the heat feel manageable. Pair all of that with great food, lively spaces and a summer atmosphere that is impossible to resist and you have a month you can enjoy without the morning-after haze.
Let’s take a slow roll through the precinct’s best Dry January spots, the dishes that go with them, and a few ways to make a sober summer feel as indulgent as ever.
Zero Proof, Full Flavour: Sandton’s Most Creative Mocktails
Alcohol free does not mean flavour free. Across Sandton Central, mixologists are crafting mocktails with the same detail, creativity and personality you would expect from any great cocktail. Here are the ones worth seeking out.
When you want something more grown up, Alto 234 delivers. Their bartenders treat mocktails the same way they treat cocktails, which means fresh herbs, cold pressed fruit, bespoke syrups and elegant presentation. Sip something citrusy or botanical as you look out over Jozi from the tallest rooftop in Africa. It is a moment of pure calm and the perfect excuse to pair your drink with a small plate from the menu. Light bites like spiced nuts, olives or a carpaccio work beautifully with anything crisp and alcohol free.
San Deck is built for warm evenings. Their mocktails lean into freshness and texture, often combining citrus, mint, ginger, berries or local botanicals. Order one just before sunset, take a seat near the terrace railings and pair it with something from their braai inspired menu. A grilled chicken skewer, a poke bowl, or a simple plate of chips hits differently when the drink in your hand is cold and complex without the kick.
Zioux gives you glamour even if you are stone sober. Their bartenders experiment with reductions, infusions, bitters, florals and unusual garnishes to create alcohol free drinks that are bold and layered. Enjoy it with one of their small plates, like the tacos or the burrata, and you will understand immediately why Dry January in Sandton has become so popular.
Smoothies, Shakes and Everything Creamy
Not every sober drink has to pretend to be a cocktail. Sometimes it is about pure comfort.
RocoMamas continues to dominate the indulgent shake scene. Their G-Shake is thick, messy in the best way and ideal with a plate of wings or a smash burger if you are leaning into something hearty.
For the wellness focused crowd, Kauai is still the precinct’s smoothie anchor. A peanut butter bomb after gym, a green superfood blend before an office day, or a berry smoothie in the middle of a hot Sunday is exactly what January calls for. Second Story and New York Minute also offer their own fresh blends for those who prefer locally made, no fuss drinks you can take on the move.
Brews, Infusions and Afternoon Pauses
Part of Dry January is replacing an old habit with a new ritual. Coffee and tea shops across Sandton Central make that incredibly easy.
Starbucks offers the comfort drinks you know, from caramel frappes to iced lattes, while the Nespresso Boutique gives you a chance to sample new blends and walk out with something to elevate your at home coffee routine.
These are the kinds of places where you can catch your breath, meet a friend for a chat or simply enjoy a moment alone after a busy morning.
Pair it with Food: The Sober Summer Dining Trail
This is where Sandton Central really shines. A great non-alcoholic drink always tastes better with great food, and the precinct is full of combinations that work beautifully.
This is where Sandton Central really shines. A great non alcoholic drink always tastes better with great food, and the precinct is full of combinations that make Dry January feel generous rather than strict.
- Zioux leans into bold, layered flavours and a rich, luxurious menu. Think punchy, sauce driven dishes, seafood and beautifully plated small plates. A bright, citrus forward or ginger driven mocktail cuts through that richness and keeps everything feeling light enough for a long evening.
- San Deck is made for warm evenings and unfussy sharing. Fresh, grilled and flame kissed options work perfectly with their fresher mocktails. Imagine a minty or berry-based cooler alongside a simple salad, something off the grill or a bowl that feels both filling and summery.
- Artistry JHB brings a creative rooftop energy, so lighter plates and snacks are the natural fit. Crisp virgin coolers, iced teas or citrus blends work well with things like sliders, flatbreads or tapas style bites, especially if you are there for a show or live set.
- Tashas Nelson Mandela Square delivers that Mediterranean inspired comfort. Mezze, salads, grilled fish and their well-known pasta dishes all pair beautifully with a fruity spritz, a zesty soda or a herb infused virgin cocktail.
- The Maslow’s Lacuna Bar offers relaxed terrace dining that suits both quick bites and longer meals. A virgin mojito, faux G&T or simple citrus cooler sits nicely next to sushi, grilled chicken, lighter mains or a snack board to share.
Dry January is not about deprivation. It is about taste, pairings, moments and discovering that flavour lives far beyond the alcohol.
A Clear, Bright Start to the Year
By the time you have made your way through Sandton’s zero proof scene, you realise Dry January is not a downgrade at all. The drinks are interesting, the food is excellent and the atmosphere never dips. It is the kind of month that reminds you that going out is about the company, the flavour and the feeling, not the alcohol. Clear mind, great taste, endless summer. Sip smart, stay curious and let Sandton Central make your Dry January shine!
