Taking a break from alcohol doesn’t mean giving up your social life. As Dry July returns, venues across Sydney are working hard to make sure you don’t miss out with creative non-alcoholic drinks that make staying social while staying sober easier than ever.
Whether you’re fundraising for cancer support, taking a mindful break from drinking, or just curious about the growing alcohol-free scene, we’ve rounded up the best spots where you can enjoy sophisticated alternatives to your usual tipple.
Cocktails for a Cause
This July, over 50 of Australia’s top venues are joining forces with Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic for their Cocktails for a Cause campaign. For every Lyre’s cocktail ordered at participating venues, $1 goes directly to the Dry July Foundation, supporting Australians affected by cancer. The same applies to any bottle or 4-pack purchased from retail outlets throughout July.
Here are a handful of our favourites participating bars to get you started.
Gowings Bar & Grill: Cocktails with a Conscience
Located in QT Sydney, Gowings offers four non-alcoholic cocktails at $15 each. Every drink ordered includes a $1 donation to the Dry July Foundation.
Their specially crafted menu features four standout drinks:
- Xpresso Martini: A carefully balanced blend of Lyre’s Coffee Originale, demerara and cold drip espresso
- No-groni: A clever take on the classic using Lyre’s Dry London Spirit, Italian Orange and Aperitif Rosso
- Amaretti Sour: Featuring Lyre’s Amaretti, fresh lemon and whites
- Rosemary Hoopla: A refreshing mix of Lyre’s White and Dark Cane, spiced ginger beer, lime and salted rosemary syrup
To complement their non-alcoholic drinks menu, Gowings is offering a special Dry July set menu priced at $65 for two courses or $75 for three courses.
Don’t miss their theatrical Cacio e Pepe presentation, where your pasta is stirred tableside in a wheel of Toscano Pecorino for $18 – proving that alcohol-free doesn’t mean entertainment-free.
Where: QT Sydney, 49 Market St, Sydney CBD
Check our list of best Mocktails in Sydney that you can get year round
Sofitel Darling Harbour: Sophisticated Sips with a View
The Champagne Bar and Esprit Noir Lobby Bar at Sofitel Darling Harbour are embracing the alcohol-free movement with five expertly crafted Lyre’s cocktails. Each drink has been designed to rival its alcoholic counterpart in complexity and taste:
- Blackberry Smash: Lyre’s White Cane Spirit, fresh blackberries and lime
- Hot Apple Crisp: Lyre’s American Malt with spiced apple juice and cinnamon
- Orange Bloom: Lyre’s Dry London Spirit and French Bloom Blanc
- Amaretto Sour: Lyre’s Amaretti, fresh lemon and egg white
- Old Fashioned: Lyre’s Traditional Reserve with rosemary-honey syrup
QR codes for Dry July Foundation donations are available throughout both bars.
Where: 12 Darling Drive, Darling Harbour
Maybe Sammy
Taking inspiration from the glamorous 1950s Vegas era, Maybe Sammy has earned its place among the World’s 50 Best Bars.
Their non-alcoholic options, each priced at $20, include:
- Zero-Side: Lyre’s Dry London Spirit with mint tea cordial
- Sicilian Bellini: Lyre’s Italian Orange and strawberry tea cordial with Maison Perrier Chic Rosellini
- Lyre’s Margarita: Lyre’s Agave Blanco Spirit, Orange Sec, lime sherbet and agave
Where: 115 Harrington St, The Rocks
Dean & Nancy
From the team behind Maybe Sammy, this CBD bar serves their non-alcoholic cocktails with city views from level 22 of A by Adina.
Each drink costs $20:
- Zero-Side: Lyre’s Dry London Spirit with mint tea cordial
- Sicilian Bellini: Lyre’s Italian Orange mixed with strawberry tea cordial and Maison Perrier Chic Rosellini
- Lyre’s Margarita: Lyre’s Agave Blanco Spirit, Orange Sec, lime sherbet and agave
Where: Level 22, A by Adina, 2 Hunter St, Sydney CBD
Foys Kirribilli
This harbour-side venue offers Lyre’s cocktails for $15, with $1 from each going to the Dry July Foundation:
- Zero Margarita: Lyre’s Agave Blanco, fresh lime juice and agave syrup
- Paloma Libre: Lyre’s Agave Blanco, grapefruit soda, lime juice and agave syrup
- Negroni Flora: Lyre’s Italian Orange, Aperitif Rosso, non-alcoholic vermouth and Davidson plum syrup
- Amaretto Fizz: Lyre’s Amaretti, lemon juice, aquafaba and sugar syrup with soda water
Where: 75 Upper Pitt St, Kirribill
Alcohol-Free Beer Options
The alcohol-free beer category has grown significantly in Australia, with many pubs and bars now offering non-alcoholic options. Popular brands include:
- Heaps Normal, known for their full-flavored Quiet XPA
- Sobar
- Heineken 0.0, which closely matches the taste of regular Heineken
- Guinness 0.0, offering the classic stout taste without alcohol
Most bottle shops now have dedicated alcohol-free sections, with retail prices starting around $5 per bottle. Pub and bar prices vary by venue.
Where to Buy Alcohol-Free Drinks
Sans Drinks in Freshwater stocks Sydney’s largest range of non-alcoholic beverages. Their selection includes everything from craft beers to premium wines and spirits. You can shop in-store or online with delivery across Australia.
Why Go Alcohol-Free?
Taking a break from alcohol offers several benefits beyond supporting cancer care. Better sleep, clearer skin, and improved mental clarity are common experiences reported by Dry July participants. Many people also appreciate the cost savings – both from cheaper drinks and avoiding late-night rideshare surges.
The Dry July Foundation has funded over 1,200 projects since 2008, raising $97 million to support Australians affected by cancer. These projects include everything from hospital equipment to wellness programs and accommodation for regional patients.
Recent market research shows more Australians are choosing alcohol-free options year-round, not just during Dry July. This shift has encouraged venues to improve their non-alcoholic offerings, with many now matching the complexity and presentation of traditional cocktails. If you have not tried alcohol free drinks in a while they have much improved in taste and variety.
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