Dry January Delights: Embracing Sobriety with UNION's Non-Alcoholic Wonders and a Splash of Soda Fountain History

As we kick off the new year, many of us are diving into Dry January—a refreshing challenge to skip the booze and focus on wellness after the holiday hustle. Whether you're committing fully or just dipping your toes in, UNION Bar & Soda Fountain in Old Town Fort Collins is your go-to spot for delicious, alcohol-free alternatives that don't skimp on flavor or fun. Our house-made sodas, craft mocktails, creamy shakes, and more are here to make your month (or any time) feel indulgent and invigorating. Let's raise a glass—or rather, a fizzing soda—to mindful sipping!

A Nod to Soda Fountain Roots: Where It All Began

Soda fountains have a rich history that ties perfectly into the spirit of Dry January. Originating in the early 19th century, they started as fixtures in pharmacies, where innovative druggists mixed carbonated water with flavored syrups to create "tonics" believed to cure ailments like headaches and indigestion. Think of it: cocaine and caffeine were once common ingredients in these early elixirs! The first patented soda fountain came in 1819 from physician Samuel Fahnestock, a simple barrel with a pump and spigot. By the 1830s, inventors like John Matthews made production more efficient, spreading these bubbly delights to individual shops across America.

These fountains evolved into beloved social hubs, especially in drugstores, peaking in popularity during the 1940s and 1950s. They were places for community gatherings, ice cream sodas, and light meals—much like UNION today, where we blend that nostalgic charm with modern twists. Even during Prohibition, soda fountains thrived as legal spots for refreshing drinks. At UNION, we're proud to carry on this tradition, offering non-alcoholic beverages that honor the inventive spirit of those early pharmacists while keeping things fun and family-friendly.

Chocolate Egg Cream

Milkshakes

Non-alcoholic Craft Cocktail

Spotlight on Our Non-Alcoholic Lineup: Flavor-Packed and Guilt-Free

Dry January doesn't mean dull drinks—at UNION, our N/A selection is bursting with creativity and taste. Start with our handcrafted alcohol-free cocktails from the Over the Counter menu, designed for those seeking sophisticated sips without the spirits:

• Garden Party ($9.50): A refreshing blend of Seedlip Garden, lime, mint, cucumber, and sea salt—perfect for a light, herbaceous vibe that feels like a stroll through a summer garden.

• Spirited Away ($9.50): Three Spirit Social Elixir meets ginger beer, honey, and lemon for a zingy, uplifting drink that's equal parts cozy and invigorating.

• Sinless Spritz ($9.50): Seedlip Grove with aperitif, lemon, and tonic—a bubbly, citrusy mocktail that's as elegant as it is easy to enjoy.

Craving something classic? Dive into our Soda Fountain favorites, where nostalgia meets innovation. Our Sparkling Sodas ($5.95) are house-made and come in an array of flavors to suit every palate: root beer, vanilla, peach, cola, lemon, lime, orange, cherry, ginger, strawberry, hibiscus, watermelon, grape, grapefruit, pineapple, raspberry, mango, and even butterbeer! Feeling adventurous? Add acid phosphate for a sour twist, or upgrade to a float with a scoop of ice cream for just $3 more.

Don't miss our Egg Creams ($5.95)—a creamy, fizzy delight made with half & half, syrup, and soda in flavors like chocolate, vanilla, or maple. They're a throwback treat that's light yet satisfying.

For something thicker and more decadent, our Shakes & Malts ($10.95) are blended to perfection with premium ice cream. Choose from vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, coffee, salted caramel, cookies & cream, or peanut butter & chocolate. These are pure indulgence, no alcohol needed (though we have spirited versions for other times!).

Coffee lovers, we've got you covered too. Warm up with our Homemade Hot Cocoa ($4.95), Nitro Cold Brew ($5.25), or a classic Latte ($4.95). And for those exploring NA beer options, try the NA Run Wild IPA or NA Upside Dawn Golden Ale ($5.95 each) from Athletic Brewing—crisp, hoppy, and zero-proof.

These options aren't just alternatives; they're stars in their own right, crafted with fresh ingredients to keep your taste buds excited all month long.

Join Us for a Fizzy, Fun Dry January

At UNION Bar & Soda Fountain, Dry January is an opportunity to rediscover the joy of simple, flavorful drinks in a welcoming space. Whether you're here for brunch on our award-winning patio, a midday pick-me-up, or an evening hangout, our N/A menu ensures everyone leaves refreshed and satisfied. Swing by 250 Jefferson Street in Fort Collins—open daily from 11am (10am on weekends)—and let's make this your best sober start to the year yet. Cheers to health, history, and heaps of flavor!

What are you sipping first? Tag us @unionbarsodafountain on social media and share your Dry January favorites. See you soon!