Denver Dry January Mocktails and Murals Tour

Experience the Best of Denver’s RiNo District Without Drinking: The Dry January Mocktails and Murals Tour

If you’re curious about Denver’s famous RiNo Arts District but aren’t into the beer, wine, or spirits scene — or simply want a different way to enjoy the neighborhood — the Dry January Mocktails and Murals Tour might just be your new favorite way to explore. Based on what we’ve seen, this tour offers a thoughtful blend of stunning street art and creative non-alcoholic drinks that appeal to both art enthusiasts and those who prefer their beverages alcohol-free.

What makes this experience really stand out? First, the quality and variety of non-alcoholic beverages across different venues show how much the local scene has evolved, with impressive options like NA beers, mocktails, and sophisticated drinks. Second, the insightful guided tour of RiNo’s murals and graffiti offers a genuine look into Denver’s lively street art culture. That said, it’s worth noting that the tour is quite focused on Denver’s art scene and beverage tastings — if you’re expecting a full-on food tour or a more extensive brewery crawl, this might feel a bit limited.

A thing to consider is the tour’s duration—about two and a half hours—which is perfect for a relaxed afternoon but might leave some wanting more if they’re big fans of the local bar and brewery scenes. Also, keep in mind that the maximum group size is 14, which can be nice for a more personal experience but could mean booking ahead if you’re traveling during peak times. This tour works best for those who love exploring neighborhoods on foot, enjoy art, or are curious about high-quality non-alcoholic options.

This experience seems ideal for art lovers, design enthusiasts, health-conscious travelers, or anyone looking for a fun, social way to experience Denver without alcohol. It’s especially suited for those who want a laid-back, curated glimpse into RiNo’s creative side — and who enjoy discovering new drinks in a friendly setting.

Key Points

• Focus on non-alcoholic beverages: This tour highlights how far NA drinks have come, with tastings of beers, mocktails, and sophisticated drinks across four different venues.
• Street art immersion: You’ll get a guided walk through RiNo’s murals and graffiti, offering context and stories behind Denver’s vibrant art scene.
• Small group size: Limited to 14 travelers, which keeps the experience intimate and conversational.
• Flexible ending: The tour concludes near the start point, giving you options to stay and explore more or head back easily.
• Value for the price: For $55, you’re getting multiple tastings plus insight into both Denver’s art and beverage culture.
• Great for non-drinkers or those doing Dry January: It’s a curated experience that proves you don’t need alcohol to enjoy a neighborhood’s vibe and flavor.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

The tour kicks off in RiNo Art District, where you’re immediately immersed in a neighborhood known for its vivid murals and street art. Our guide, who clearly knows their stuff, shares stories behind each mural, revealing Denver’s creative pulse. You’ll likely find yourself pausing often to admire the colorful artwork that seems to tell a story at every turn. The 30-minute stop here is enough to get a feel for the neighborhood’s artistic energy without feeling rushed.

Next, you’ll visit Ratio Beerworks, a well-loved local brewery. Even for those abstaining from alcohol, this is a highlight — the variety of non-alcoholic beers has improved significantly in recent years. We loved how the guide explained the different styles, from IPAs to stouts, and how the quality has risen sharply. If you’re a beer lover, you’ll appreciate the careful selection, and if not, it’s still fascinating to see how much craft beer culture is evolving to include excellent NA options.

The third stop takes you to The Block Distilling. Here, the focus shifts to mocktails that are more than just juice with a fancy name — these are thoughtfully crafted drinks with ingredients like cardamom, pomegranate, and hibiscus. It’s clear that this distillery takes pride in creating mocktails that satisfy both the palate and the desire for something special.

Following that, at The Blind Tiger Lounge, you’ll encounter a series of unique mocktails called the Corpse Reviver, which is quite a fun twist on classic cocktails. Expect drinks like the Botanical, Guava Rose, and Prickly Pear versions, each layered with flavors and aromatic ingredients like elderflower, green tea, and tropical fruit. The experience here is about savoring well-balanced, flavorful beverages in a relaxed setting.

Finally, the tour concludes at Noble Riot, a cozy spot known for its quality focus. You’ll sample Gruvi Dry Secco along with two other expertly crafted non-alcoholic drinks. It’s a fitting ending, emphasizing how quality and sophistication can go hand-in-hand with alcohol-free options.

What Travelers Are Saying (Based on Available Info)

Though there are no official reviews yet, the descriptions suggest this tour is well-received by those interested in art and mocktails. The emphasis on delicious mocktails and stunning murals hints that you will leave feeling inspired and refreshed. The small-group format likely encourages friendly conversations with guides, making it a personalized experience.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

The tour lasts around 2.5 hours, making it a perfect outing for an afternoon. It starts at Ratio Beerworks at 1:00 pm, and the meeting point is easy to find in Denver’s lively Larimer Street area. The tour is priced at $55 per person, which gets you tastings at four venues, insights into Denver’s street art, and a guided walk through RiNo — that’s pretty good value considering the quality of experiences packed into this time.

Group size is capped at 14, helping keep things intimate and manageable. The tour is accessible via public transportation, and service animals are allowed, making it a flexible option for many travelers.

If the weather turns poor, the tour is flexible — it can be canceled for a full refund or rescheduled, as long as you give 24 hours’ notice. It’s suitable for most travelers, but as it involves walking and outdoor exploring, good weather is a plus.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal if you’re art-curious and want to explore Denver’s street art scene without the hustle of a larger, more boisterous brewery tour. It’s perfect for non-drinkers, Dry January participants, or those simply curious about high-quality mocktails. It also works well if you’re traveling with a friend or partner who appreciates a bit of creativity in both drinks and surroundings.

People who love small-group experiences and enjoy learning stories about local art and culture will find this tour both entertaining and informative. It’s not about heavy drinking or party scenes but about discovering Denver’s creative side and enjoying carefully curated beverages.

The Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?

For $55, you’re getting a well-rounded, relaxed tour that combines visual art and beverage craftsmanship in a neighborhood renowned for its murals. The guided walk ensures you see the highlights and learn about the local scene while sampling eight or more non-alcoholic drinks. If you’re into street art, enjoy trying new beverages, or simply want a different kind of Denver experience, this tour offers a lot of value and fun.

It’s especially suited for people who prefer their outings to be laid-back and informative, with a focus on quality rather than quantity. While it might not satisfy those seeking a full bar crawl or extensive food tastings, it hits a sweet spot for those who want a taste of Denver’s creative and beverage scene in a friendly, manageable setting.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is primarily designed for adults interested in art and non-alcoholic beverages. While service animals are allowed, it’s best suited for travelers over 21 who are looking for a relaxed, adult experience.

How long does the tour take?
The entire experience lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes, including walking and tastings. It’s a comfortably paced walk through RiNo.

What’s included in the price?
You’ll enjoy tastings of more than 8 non-alcoholic drinks across four venues, along with insights into Denver’s street art scene and a guided stroll through RiNo.

Can I stay after the tour ends?
Yes, the final location is close to the start point, and you can either stay to explore more or get directions back on your own.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
It’s a walking tour covering about a mile. The pace is relaxed, but it involves outdoor walking and some uneven surfaces typical of city murals and street art areas.

Are the drinks alcohol-free by default?
Yes, the focus is on non-alcoholic beverages, including mocktails, NA beers, and craft drinks designed to satisfy without alcohol.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather to enjoy the outdoor murals and walking. It can be canceled for a full refund or rescheduled if weather conditions are poor.

If you’re in Denver and looking for a relaxed way to explore art and enjoy some top-notch non-alcoholic drinks, this tour offers a friendly, engaging experience that proves you don’t need alcohol to have a good time.