By: Leeanne Griffin

If you’re stepping back from alcohol for “Dry January” — or for any reason — you’re not alone, and Connecticut restaurants and bars are responding to a demand for non-alcoholic options that go beyond water and soda.

“Dry January” has become a popular initiative to abstain from alcohol for the first month of the year, promoting the physical and mental health (and financial) benefits of giving up drinking for 31 days. But Connecticut bar professionals say they’ve seen a year-round interest for unique, complex and intriguing booze-free creations.

The Wheel // Stamford

The restaurant at The Village teamed up with Stratford’s Athletic Brewing to create cocktails with its non-alcoholic beers. There’s a Golden Bird, with Athletic Upside Dawn golden ale, cranberry juice, lemon and agave, and an Apres Wild, with Run Wild IPA, spiced apple cider and ginger beer. Two cocktails feature Free Wave Hazy IPA and grapefruit flavors, and the Campfire Brew, with All Out Stout, features cold brew coffee and almond milk. The Village also offers Athletic beer on tap.

4 Star Point, 475-270-1300.