The New Year’s resolution of Dry January has grown in the Milwaukee community, especially among my friends. Their reason to participate in Dry January for the most part is their commitment to start off the new year as a new person.

But don’t let Dry January be an excuse for winter hibernation because there are plenty of local bars and restaurants that are waiting for you to check out their refreshing mocktails – and one of those Milwaukee destinations is Lost Whale, which was recommended to me by Cristian Vega from Screaming Tuna. (Fun fact: Screaming Tuna offers a mocktail, too!)

Lost Whale has quickly become a part of the Bay View neighborhood, in large part because of its commitment to being a green bar, highlighting the importance of sustainability, along with a commitment to being collaborative with the community – like Stone Creek Coffee – as it repurposes everything, namely with its drinks.

"Since day one, we have been committed to providing refreshing drinks by making our own while salvaging ingredients," said Daniel Beres, co-owner at Lost Whale. "We want everyone to feel included ... Friends and family recommended that we create drinks for Dry January, and needless to say, the feedback has been tremendous."

Along with its signature mocktail, Don't Call Me Shirley, these seasonal mocktails do not skip a beat with Lost Whale’s mantra of community and adventure. Each drink has been created with thought and craft, with each of these mocktails selling for just $5 through the winter.

If You Like Pina Coladas transports you from the frozen tundra to a tropical paradise. This drink is festive and fun, so if you're having the winter blues, I recommend ordering this mocktail because it will instantly send you boating underneath the Hoan Bridge, listening to music at Chill on the Hill or Summerfest, and feeling like patio life is closer than five months away.  

N/A Drop It Like It’s Hot exemplifies collaboration. Beres' story behind this creation captivates you because it takes you on a Milwaukee journey; I highly recommend that you ask him about it when you are there. (Just for a teaser, the addition of Stone Creek Coffee brownie scraps is part of why this winter drink is so desirable.) With its mix of coffee and hot chocolate, the drink is the perfect caffeine boost and will instantly warm you up – plus the housemade whipped cream will bring a smile to anyone’s face.

The Winter Tonic mimics a Spanish gin and tonic, and it is the perfect remedy if you are looking for a light and healthy drink. If your commitment to Dry January is for your health, this mocktail is the quintessential cure for you.

• If You Like Pina Coladas:  Pineapple, Crème de Coconut, Lime, Grapefruit, Clove, Filthy Black Cherry

• N/A Drop It Like It’s Hot:  Almond Milk, Stone Creek and Lost Whale Collaborative Brownie Scrap Syrup, Stone Creek Coffee, Vanilla,  homemade Spice Whipped Cream

• Winter Tonic: Red Chili Pepper, Lime, Cacao, Cubeb Berry, Top Note Classic Tonic, Cinnamon

Before the end of Dry January, check out Lost Whale in Bay View because you will be super impressed with the craft mocktails. And if, for some reason, you cannot get to Lost Whale before the end of January, you are in luck because it is offering these fresh, innovative and delicious drinks until spring.