3 Non-Alcoholic Cocktails to Celebrate Dry January at Peninsula New York

I’m underneath crystal clear waters as the sun shines above me.

Above the surface, lounge chairs surround the pool and everybody is sprawled out; sipping cocktails, munching on snacks, and getting some reading in.

No, I’m not floating in some tropical pool. I’m spending a frigid New York City winter afternoon at the Peninsula Hotel. Located on Fifth Avenue, what originally brought me here was the rumor that it boasts one of the best indoor pools in the entire city. After seeing the rooftop, I’d have to agree; with all 42 feet of it

Surrounding its tranquil waters are floor to ceiling windows with a view of the streets down below, and behind us lies Central Park.

Originally opened as the Gotham Hotel in 1905, the stately complex later turned into Hotel Maxim’s de Paris. By 1989, the Peninsula brand, known for an array of five star properties around the world, from Beverly Hills to Tokyo, took over the property, and it has been a Big Apple stand-out ever since.

Walking through the opulent lobby up to my room, I’m charmed by high-tech touches including automatic blinds, which can be controlled through an in-room iPad; same with the lighting. Naturally, there’s a fully-stocked mini bar. Next to me is a charging pad for my phone, which starts juicing like magic. Downstairs, an incredible French-inspired daytime restaurant dubbed Clement boasts exemplary service and chic eats like lobster and caviar eggs for breakfast.

Back in my room, there’s a fully-stocked mini bar with all of the essentials, but, this is dry January after all.

Luckily, just a short jaunt from the aforementioned pool is Pen Top, a rooftop bar offering astounding views and even better cocktails, some of which are alcohol-free. The bar’s fandom reveals itself when I meet a gentleman while I’m at the pool. He had plans to see a nearby Broadway show, but seemed more excited to check out Pen Top afterwards. I’m sold.

In warmer months, PenTop’s West Terrace becomes a sunny oasis, but during the winter, it is outfitted with private, toasty igloos. The igloos are reservation only, while the bar inside, flanked by contemporary furniture and towering windows depicting views of glorious Manhattan outside, welcomes walk-ins.

In celebration of Dry January, here are three must-try cocktails to order the next time you’re at PenTop—or why not try making them at home?

Garden Romance

Lush like nearby Central Park but with a dash of the tender love and care it takes to maintain the blood landmark, PenTop’s Garden Romance boasts Seedlip Spice 94, the bar’s go-to non-alcoholic libation which features notes of allspice & cardamom. In addition, Earl Grey syrup and pomegranate juice is mixed in, and topped with lime for a layered sweet, bitter and sour delight.

Strawberry Fields Forever

It’s not far from here where former Beatle John Lennon once spent his days, and a memorial to the late icon, called Strawberry Fields, can be found in Central Park. PenTop pays tribute with this lip-smacking libation with strawberry (obviously), as well as ginger syrup and lime, all brought together by the citrusy Seedlip Grove 42.

New York Passion

By the time I depart, I have a newfound passion for my home city, so I may as well cheers with PenTop’s New York Passion. True to its name, this one is made with passionfruit and lychee and topped with lemon, while that old favorite, Seedlip Grove 42, which forms a sturdy base.