Dining out: Dry January specials, 30 years of Whirlyball and more

Welcome to 2024! Time to put the snow brushes back in the car and head out to enjoy some Dry January concoctions, celebrate 30 years of people asking what Whirlyball is, and maybe stock up on some local craft beers for a damper February.

Dry January

If you’re among the estimated 15% to 20% of Americans taking a break from alcohol to start the new year, many suburban bars and restaurants have crafted unique Dry January specials so you can still enjoy a creative, tasty beverage while you’re out. Here’s a sampling of what’s out there.

• Italian cafe Antico Posto in Oak Brook is featuring the Honey Basil Lemonade, with fresh lemon juice, honey syrup, basil and soda water.

• Bar Louie is inviting guests to celebrate Dry January with two new limited-time zero-proof mocktails available throughout the month for $9.50 (prices and availability may vary depending on location). The Pomegranate Paloma uses Ritual Zero Proof Tequila alternative with pomegranate juice and lime with a sparkling grapefruit twist and a salty rim finish. The Pineapple Upside Down Margarita uses the same tequila alternative mixed with pineapple juice, a dash of grenadine and vanilla, and a splash of lime and Sprite. Bar Louie has locations in Naperville, Oakbrook Terrace and Bolingbrook.

• City Works Eatery & Pour House in Schaumburg has a mocktail lineup that includes the Mellow Mule, made with cucumber, honey syrup, mango syrup, lime juice and ginger beer; the Peaceful Paloma, with lime juice, grapefruit juice, honey syrup, soda water and a salt rim; and the Strawberry Soothe, a blend of strawberries, lime juice, lemon juice, simple syrup and a splash of lemon-lime soda.

• Northbrook’s Di Pescara has conjured up a pair of nonalcoholic offerings, including the Italian Orchard with raspberry, peach, apple and cranberry juice and the Bellini Hurricane with peach, orange and pineapple juices.

• The Graceful Ordinary in St. Charles has created a whole slate of spirit-free sippers, with eight nonalcoholic cocktails currently on their menu. Highlights include the Pomegranate Basil Sangria, with pomegranate juice, apple cider, lime and cinnamon tincture; the Peach Paper Plane, which uses a housemade spirit-free whiskey, Giffard’s Aperitif, peach syrup, lemon and Angostura bitters; and the Brunchin’ Better, made with Lyre’s Aperitif Rosso, orange bitters and housemade champagne.

• Seasons 52, with locations in Oak Brook and Schaumburg, is offering a couple of drinks using alcohol-free spirits, including the Citrus Sparkling Refresher, featuring Seedlip Grove 42, blood orange puree, soda water and rosemary, and the Botanical Smash, made with Seedlip Garden 108, white cranberry juice, cucumber, lime and soda water.

• Wildfire is offering a variety of zero-proof cocktails, including the Blackberry Kentucky Mule with Lyre’s Highland Malt Spirit, Q Ginger Beer, lime juice and Monin blackberry syrup; the Lyre’s Rum Punch with Lyre’s Dark Cane Spirit, pineapple, orange and lime juices and grenadine; and the Amalfi Spritz with Lyre’s Amalfi Spritz, cranberry juice, orange and Angostura bitters. Wildfire has suburban locations in Oak Brook, Schaumburg, Lincolnshire and Glenview.

Plans for post Dry January

Not surprisingly, January is historically the weakest month of the year for craft beer sales, according to the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild. To boost sales while respecting those practicing Dry January, they’re rewarding people for stocking up for later with their second annual My Illinois Beer Fridge competition. Here’s how it works: During the month of January, stock a beer fridge with Illinois beer or one of the many nonalcoholic options being brewed locally, such as Revolution Zero Hop Water or Noon Whistle Pause Water CBD. Then, snap a photo and post it to social media, tagging an Illinois craft brewery and #MyILBeerFridge. Each week, the owners of the two most dynamic Illinois beer fridges will win a $50 gift card to a local brewery. The competition runs through Jan. 28.

30 years of WhirlyBall

As part of its 30th anniversary, Whirlyball is celebrating with a Totally ’90s party at each of their three Chicago-area locations, including Naperville and Vernon Hills. The parties, from 6-9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14, will include throwback Whirlyball game pricing circa 1993, a nostalgic buffet menu, adults-only takes on ’90s drink staples and retro tunes spinning alongside a series of ’90s movie screenings. The $15 ticket includes buffet access and the option to play WhirlyBall for $10. Reservations and details are available at Eventbrite.

Giving back

A pair of local organizations are recipients of grants through the Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards. DuPage Habitat for Humanity was awarded $200,000 for their work offering families a variety of housing solutions. Home of the Sparrow in Woodstock was awarded $50,000 for their work serving women, children, individuals and families experiencing homelessness.