Your liver will thank you for a Dry January vacation from processing alcohol and sipping on something else instead. But what about your brain and your taste buds? Keeping them entertained will help you stay on track until February and perhaps beyond. Check out our four spirited but spirit-free suggestions and prepare your pantry for a successful stretch of healthy sipping, and perhaps for some healthier happy hour habits.
What is Dry January?
The official genesis of Dry January comes from Alcohol Change UK, a British charity that focuses on harm reduction around excessive drinking, in 2013. The practice dates back to as long ago as 1942, though, when the nation of Finland had a “Sober January” to try to keep everyone’s heads level in the war against the Soviet Union.
In modern times, it’s more about self-discipline and clearing your head after the bustling decadence of the holidays. When Alcohol Change UK started Dry January, they clarified that “The whole point of a month off is that you’ll have a test at some point, an event or meal out and the trick is, can you turn that drink down?” If you do choose to take the challenge, know that you’re not turning down indulgence. Our editorial team tackled four ways to keep the fun going even as you focus on your health.
What to Drink Instead of Alcohol for a Deliciously Dry January
Mineral Water
For those who will miss the epicurean pleasures of wine during Dry January, mineral water can intrigue the palate with complex tasting notes and regional terroir. From the sunny effervescence of Italian springs, the earthiness of the Arkansas mountains, or the refreshing relaxation of the Monterrey, Mexico Cerro del Topo Chico springs, there’s a mineral water out there for everyone. Find the acidity, carbonation level, and minerality level you like.
As part of our own Dry January preparations, we blind-tasted seven mineral waters. Don’t turn away from grocery store generic brands. Trader Joe’s sources its bubbly from the Val de Meti springs of Italy and Whole Foods gets it from Galvanina, a major Italian water brand. Plus, staying hydrated can help clean out the liver and replenish your body with calcium and magnesium. Use it as a base for a non-alcoholic spritz or other mocktail recipe to chase those January blues away!
Herbal Tea
A hot cup of herbal tea is a winter staple that can replace that hot toddy you might be craving. A warm cuppa can be hearty, relaxing, and good for you, too! Herbs can help fight off inflammation, lower your risk of cancer, and boost your cardiovascular health. Local Pittsburgh sources like Cutting Root Apothecary (source of the beautiful teas pictured, via Pittsburgh’s Bantha Tea Bar), Triple Moon Alchemy, and others, can help you pick the right blends for your winter ailments. Shown above are three of Cutting Root Apothecary’s healthful teas: Goddess (for menstrual health and hormone balance), Rites of Spring (an energy and mood booster), Winter Spice (an earthy warm-up), and classic Chamomile.
Herbs like gotu kola, sage, and peppermint can give you a little energy boost. Chamomile, hops, lavender, and valerian can get you to sleep on stressful nights. Go for loose-leaf tea over a generic store-bought teabag: the flavor of loose-leaf chamomile is fragrant, herbaceous, and strong. It’s a game-changer. Your body will thank you for it.
Next Level Soda Pops
Yeah, sure: water and herbal teas are great. But at some point during a month of pure virtue, you are sure to crave a little vice. Would you be tempted by an easy-peasy four pack of scrumptious Fentimans Rose Lemonade? Go ahead: it’s not a lifetime commitment or a referendum on your life choices. Feel free to enjoy your first Boylan’s Black Cherry Soda, or the fresh flavor of Red Ribbon’s Mint Ginger Ale, or a spicy draught of Jackworth Ginger Beer’s NA option.
Once you’ve poured yourself a glass, feel free to let your imagination go wild. Add a wedge of lime. And a few dashes of fruit bitters. Maybe a scant teaspoon of delicious fig or blood orange balsamic vinegar. You can also try our Dirty Soda options if you want to spruce up the soda a little. See how we just turned a bottle of frivolous soda pop into a delectable mocktail?
Non-Alcoholic Spirits
A must when building your Dry January checklist, NA spirits can be your ticket to complex mocktails with flavors similar to your favorite cocktails. Try Ritual Zero Proof Rum Alternative for a virtuous Mule or Amethyst Botanical Spirit for a Virgin Mary. Spiritless Kentucky 74 makes a great a new-fangled Old Fashioned. Free Spirits Non-Alcoholic Tequila is the starting point for a no-garita. Ritual Zero Proof Gin Alternative combines well with your favorite tonic water. The best part about these spirits is that they are all hand-picked by the country’s oldest non-alcoholic specialty retailer and local Pittsburgh business, The Open Road. Head over there to stock your Dry January bar cart. Or, perhaps you’ll want to stake out a new path to a healthier lifestyle even after the calendar turns to February.
Story by Emma Riva, Kylie Thomas, and Keith Recker
Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce
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