To all the mocktails I’ve loved before: past standouts from Fanboy, Lolita’s, and Tazza Kitchen. | Photo by @andre.mags, via Fanboy
New Year, no beer — or NA beer. Whether or not you’re participating in Dry January, knowing a spot with a great mocktail is always a win.
If you’ve got an alcohol-free friend, you’re trying to go light on the booze after the holidays, or just hankering for a crafted drink, we found 10+ places to get you started:
Lolita’s | Choose from five different mocktail flavors and peruse a list of buzz-free margaritas and aguas frescas.
Editor’s pick: guava margarita with housemade jalapeno agave.
Pho Luca’s | Non-alcoholic options include lychee lemonade, a virgin Thai mojito, and a Harvest Mule.
Fighting Fish| Sip on non-alcoholic spritzes, sours, martinis, and matchas, plus five beer and cider options.
Editor’s pick: Cà Phê Martini with NA Amaretto, coffee liqueur, Vietnamese coffee, and egg white.
Three Notch’d RVA| This Charlottesville-born brewery’s NA Hazy IPA is offered year-round.
One year after RVA’s water crisis, Mayor Danny Avula has released a new water system review, which describes operations as “stronger, safer, and ready.” To continue capital improvements, Avula requested $80 million in state funding, but the request was not included in the latest proposed state budget. (The Richmonder)
Development
Data centers rise on Digital Drive. Out-of-town developers filed plans to construct two new data facilities, totaling ~380,000 sqft., in Chesterfield’s Meadowville Technology Park — the now-former site of Cartograf’s unfinished packaging plant. (CBS 6)
Try This
From Winter Wonderland to Alpine Ski Lodge, restaurant and entertainment venue Conex RVA is transforming its already-new space once again. This time, the shipping-container site will swap out its holiday ice rink with conversational fire pits, Alpine mules, and Après Ski Saturdays.
Trending
A group of Buddhist monks walking across the US will soon arrive in the River City. The monks started their journey in Fort Worth, TX, and plan to travel as far north as Washington, DC. The group is anticipated to arrive in Richmond around early to mid-February — track their progress. (WRIC)
Community
Maymont turns 100 years old this year. Look back in time at the park’s first days, and try to remember your own Maymont memories throughout the years. If you have one in mind, you can submit a digital diary entry to help celebrate Maymont’s centennial.
Fun Fact
Have you watched “Pluribus” on Apple TV? Richmond has a tie-in. Show creator Vince Gilligan, best known for “Breaking Bad,” is a Richmond native. Supporting evidence: Gilligan stopped by Roastology last week to check out the shop’s new “Pluribus”-inspired blend.
Trending
Physical media is making a cultural comeback. Whether driven by digital detox or tangible interest, there are plenty of outlets to help you go analog in Richmond. You can start with Good For Her Films’ upcoming DVD and VHS Swap on Thursday, Jan. 15, at Star Hill Brewery. (Washington Post)
The Buy
Don’t let chilly temps keep you cooped up all winter. Bundle up with one of our favorite scarves:
🛒 About how much are residents expected to spend on the plastic bag tax each year?
Count your change. Only 26% of our readers were on the money with this one.
Following a peer-city analysis, RVA Green estimates the average annual tax burden to be $2.12 per person, which amounts to ~$400,000 in revenue.
The Wrap
The Wrap
If you’re looking for more ways to detox from screens in the analog era of 2026, try Richmond’s Free Puzzle Library.
An offshoot of the book-stocked Little Free Libraries, you can trade in old puzzles and take new ones home — new to you, at least. Find Richmond’s puzzle nook on the 1900-block of Carter Street in the Maymont district.
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