7 Tips For A Successful Dry January
Dry January is here, and if this is the first-time you’re really experiencing non-alcoholic drinks, we’ve got some thoughts.
According to research published by The New Consumer/Coefficient, around a third of American drinkers plan to participate in Dry January for 2025 in some form or fashion. And for drinkers in either the millennial or Gen Z generations, that number spikes to nearly half (49%). With so many people giving a hard look to the rapidly-growing world of non-alcoholic beverages, we’ve compiled some suggestions to make it a successful effort.
1) Find Your Own “Go-To” Beverage
Find a personal go-to non-alcoholic drink. There’s no need to get fancy; it could be a non-alcoholic beer that is easily found at your local beverage store (like Athletic, Blue Moon, Heineken Zero), or even a sparkling water with some bitters (we suggest All The Bitter). The most important thing is finding something easily accessible that you enjoy to keep on hand when the urge to have a drink inevitably arrives.
2) Craft A Signature Mocktail
Consider this one a corollary of #1, above. In addition to a go-to, easy-to-find NA beverage, come up with a non-alcoholic cocktail that hits the spot. This could be a refreshing spritzer with fresh herbs and fruit, a spicy ginger concoction, or a sophisticated alcohol-free "old fashioned." Having a signature drink makes socializing without alcohol feel more special. For inspiration, check out themindfulmocktail on Instagram.
3) Discover Specialty Non-Alcoholic Shops and Bars: Some bars and shops are now dedicated to non-alcoholic beverages. Popping up all across the country in cities large and small, these establishments offer a wide selection of unique and high-quality drinks, providing a sophisticated and enjoyable alcohol-free experience. They can also play an important role in educating newer consumers who are just entering the space. Want to see if your area has one? Check out this global map courtesy of Zero Proof Nation.
4) Don’t Expect Immediate Results
While some benefits may appear faster, like better sleep and no hangovers, other benefits of abstaining from alcohol may take longer to develop. Everyone’s bodies will react differently, but it’s not uncommon for it to take more than a month to truly feel longer-term benefits like a boost of energy, or greater clarity and focus. Be realistic about your expectations and how quickly you may see changes, and realize it may be February or even March before those improvements are fully-realized.
5) Ask The Waitstaff If You Don’t See NA
It’d be great if all restaurants and bars published their available NA options on the menu in full. While that’s something we’re likely to see more of in the future, the reality is sometimes you may need to ask what they have. It’s very possible there’s an NA beer they don’t list, or an NA cocktail they can offer as a substitute, even if it’s not a signature drink like the full-alcohol ones. The other benefit to asking? It lets them know of the demand, increasing the likelihood you’ll see them on the menu the next time you’re there.
6) Pairing With Food
No different than their full-alcohol counterparts, non-alcoholic beverages are often made to match with food. Whether you’re pairing an NA stout beer with some blue cheese or smoked gouda, or a sparkling white wine with some perfectly grilled fish, or a mocktail with a round of appetizers, use this opportunity to explore new combinations you may not have discovered otherwise.
7) Keep An Open Mind
If you’ve read one article about Dry January or twenty, the most common theme is how to survive the month without alcohol. And certainly if you were looking for alternative options prior to the current decade, well, the pickings were pretty slim. But truly embracing Dry (or even Damp) January is not just about the health benefits, but being on the lookout for the next great food and beverage experience, just like any self-respecting foodie. Remember how excited you were to discover a new favorite beer or alcoholic drink? Just maybe that feeling awaits you this month.