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SoCal Spots Serving Dry January Mocktails!

January 03, 2025

In the spirit of New Year’s resolutions, the key to forming a lasting habit is keeping it simple and enjoyable. For those embarking on Dry January—or even considering an alcohol-free lifestyle beyond the month—these standout Southern California restaurants are offering creative and delicious mocktails worth trying.

Hilton Irvine – Dry January Mocktail Menu (Irvine, CA)
Located in the heart of Orange County, Aura Restaurant at Hilton Irvine is joining the Dry January movement with an exclusive lineup of artisanal mocktails available throughout January. Guests can savor refreshing drinks like the Sparkling Blood Orange (blood orange juice, honey, and vanilla) and the Cranberry Ginger Fizz (ginger beer, cranberry juice, and orange juice). Hilton Irvine’s commitment to mindful dining ensures a well-rounded experience for all.

Warehouse 72 – Limited-Time Mocktails & All-Day Happy Hour (Irvine, CA)
Warehouse 72, Irvine’s modern American eatery at Hyatt Regency, is offering two special Dry January mocktails:

  • Peaceful Pearidice – A blend of Seedlip Notas De Agave, prickly pear, lime juice, and agave.
  • Rapheal – Featuring Ritual Tequila Alternative, blood orange juice, lime, agave, aloe syrup, and club soda.

Throughout January, Warehouse 72 will host an all-day, every-day Happy Hour, with the featured mocktails priced at $6. Open daily for lunch and dinner, reservations can be made at irvine.warehouse72.com or via Instagram @warehouse72irvine.

SHOR Bazaar – Mocktail Menu for Dry January (Hawaiian Gardens, CA)
Known for its innovative alcohol-free bar program, SHOR Bazaar is ringing in the New Year with a mocktail menu celebrating bold flavors and mindful mixology. Available through January 31, 2025, highlights include:

  • Kale Smash – Kale, pineapple nectar, non-alcoholic gin, lime, and simple syrup.
  • Blue Ice – Lychee nectar, lime, Seedlip 94, and blue curaçao.
  • Mai Tai – A tropical mix of non-alcoholic rum, lime, orange juice, and orgeat.
  • Melon Sour – Honeydew melon, basil, non-alcoholic tequila, lime, and egg white.

For reservations, visit shorbazaarla.com.

Mint Desi Craft Kitchen – Fresh, Organic Mocktails (Laguna Hills, CA)
Recently reopened, Mint Desi Craft Kitchen features a standout non-alcoholic beverage program inspired by Desi flavors. Signature mocktails include:

  • Falsa-tini – A vibrant mix of Grewia asiatica pulp and black salt.
  • Smoked Purana Zamana – Hibiscus-raspberry pulp, ginger jus, and a smoked dome.
  • Pina Colada – Wild pineapple molasses and crème de coconut.

Mint is celebrating its grand reopening on January 8 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, donations to NAMI OC, and complimentary non-alcoholic champagne for attendees. Reservations can be made on OpenTable or by visiting MintDesiKitchen.com.

Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen – Award-Winning Booze-Free Bar (Fullerton, CA)
Michelin-recognized Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen offers a 100% alcohol-free bar program, with Desi-inspired beverages crafted by Head Mixologist Ahmad Hosseini. Popular options include:

  • Smoked Negroni – Seedlip Spice 94, rose syrup, Palo Santo bitters, served under a smoke dome.
  • Tower of Peshawar – Seedlip Garden 108, cucumber, basil, and elderflower tonic.

Reservations are available on OpenTable for this top-tier mocktail experience.

Calaca Mamas Cantina – Mexican-Inspired Mocktails (Anaheim, CA)
Located across from Disneyland, Calaca Mamas Cantina serves up five unique mocktails made with organic, non-GMO ingredients. Standouts include:

  • Blushing Maria – Organic strawberry, lemon juice, mint leaves, orgeat, sprite, and soda water.
  • Tia’s Surprise Lemonade – Organic blueberries, basil leaves, lime juice, simple syrup, and soda water.

For more information and reservations, visit calacamamas.com.

Ready to raise a glass to Dry January? These SoCal eateries make it easy to enjoy delicious mocktails while staying true to your New Year’s goals!

Image from left to right: Kale Smash; Blue Ice; Mai Tai; Melon Sour at SHOR Bazaar (Hawaiian Gardens, CA)

 

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Anaheim, Get Ready for Randy’s Donuts!

January 03, 2025

Randy’s Donuts, the iconic Los Angeles-based destination known for its giant rooftop donut, is celebrating the grand opening of its newest location today, January 3, 2025, in the Anaheim Packing District! Franchise owners, the Padilla Family, welcome you to visit at 440 S Anaheim Blvd #105, Anaheim. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy their world-famous donuts in Anaheim!

To mark the occasion, Randy’s Donuts will be offering free glazed donuts all day on opening day, starting at 11 a.m. Guests can savor a warm, classic glazed donut—perfect for experiencing the legendary quality that has made Randy’s a household name.

The Anaheim location will feature a full lineup of Randy’s favorites, including their beloved classic donuts, specialty drinks such as boba, refreshers, and milkshakes, alongside premium coffee beverages.

Since its founding in 1952, Randy’s Donuts has gained global fame with its original 32-foot rooftop donut in Inglewood and a menu boasting over 60 varieties of donuts—from classic and deluxe to fancy and premium. Their signature Randy’s Rounds (giant versions of donut holes) are also a must-try. Every donut is handcrafted using proprietary ingredients to ensure fluffier texture, larger size, and longer freshness.

Coffee lovers will enjoy a range of beverages made with Randy’s Roast, their proprietary coffee blend, including espressos, cold brews, iced drinks, and frappes. The menu also offers specialty refreshers, boba drinks, real ice cream milkshakes, and all-day breakfast items like croissant and English muffin sandwiches, plus hearty bacon or sausage egg burritos.

Randy’s Donuts continues to expand, with locations in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Las Vegas, and internationally in the Philippines, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia.

 

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Book Signing & Conversation with Greer Wylder: Born in OC

January 03, 2025

Join me on Thursday, January 9 at 6 PM at the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library for a special book signing and conversation! I’ll be sharing stories about Born in OC: The Artists, Entrepreneurs, and Visionaries of Orange County, California, my latest book highlighting the incredible people shaping our community.

It’s been an amazing journey covering Orange County’s lifestyle and culture for over 30 years, and I’m excited to meet you, sign books, and talk about the inspiring stories that make Born in OC so special. Fun fact—the book cover was designed by my son, Matthew Lobdell!

Here’s what you need to know:
Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library
Thursday, January 9 at 6 PM
Born in OC is available for $40 and can be purchased through Archway Publishing, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and more. A limited amount of books will also be available to purchase at the booksigning.

No need to register—just stop by! I’d love to meet you, sign your copy, and chat about what makes Orange County such a vibrant place. For more information, call 949-646-8845 or email ocpl.costamesadd@occr.ocgov.com.

1855 Park Avenue Costa Mesa, CA 92627.

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Greer's OC
Blogger | Journalist

Since 1993, Greer has been writing about fashion, dining and trends in Orange County, as a popular columnist for the Los Angeles Time Community Newspapers (Daily Pilot, Coastline Pilot and HB Independent) and now as founder of Greer’s OC.

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