Dry January has officially begun, marking its 11th anniversary since the campaign’s launch. For those unfamiliar, Dry January is a public health initiative by Alcohol Change UK, encouraging people to abstain from alcohol for one month. The goal is to raise awareness of alcoholism, promote healthier habits, and improve physical and mental well-being.
In the guide below, Nick Drewe, a trends expert at the online discount platform Wethrift, explains how 0% alcohol drinks can help participants successfully complete Dry January.
There is a Shift Towards Alcohol-free Drinks
Alcohol-free drinks cater not only to those who wish to stop drinking or cannot drink but also reflect a significant change in consumer behaviour.
This shift is particularly evident among Gen-Z, who are driving a ‘sober-curious’ movement. According to The Guardian, 28% of young adults abstain from alcohol, a figure expected to grow annually as attitudes towards alcohol continue to evolve.
Beverage brands have recognised this trend, with many launching alcohol-free alternatives such as spirits, beers, and wines.
How do Alcohol-free Drinks Help with Dry January?
Alcohol-free beverages offer a way to enjoy the positive aspects of drinking culture without resorting to juice or water.
1. Navigating Social Settings
One of the challenges of Dry January is managing social situations where drinking is common. Alcohol-free options allow participants to join in social gatherings without the awkwardness of explaining why they’re not drinking.
They also enable people to feel included by maintaining the ritual of pouring or preparing a drink, similar to traditional cocktails.
2. Satisfying Cravings
Many alcohol-free drinks replicate the taste of their alcoholic counterparts, satisfying cravings without the negative effects of drinking, such as acid reflux, dehydration, or hangovers.
3. Changing Attitudes
Many people believe they need alcohol to ease social anxiety or to relax. Participating in Dry January with alcohol-free drinks can encourage people to evaluate their relationship with alcohol.
This experience demonstrates that enjoyment and relaxation aren’t tied to alcohol consumption, making future social occasions more comfortable without having to rely on alcohol.
As a result, Dry January can lead to a sustainable reduction in alcohol consumption even beyond January.
Five alcohol-free drinks to try this Dry January
1. Three Spirit – The Mood Maker
This botanical spirit combines adaptogens, herbs, and nootropics to create an ‘elixir’ that enhances your mood. The Mood Maker variant blends lion’s mane, yerba mate, and damiana to elevate social vibes.
Three Spirit also offers other blends, such as Nightcap, featuring lemon balm, valerian root, and ashwagandha, to promote calm and relaxation. This blend is common in herbal teas but can now be enjoyed as an alcohol-free cocktail.
2. Gordon’s 0.0% Alcohol-Free Spirit
This juniper-flavoured spirit is a perfect alternative to gin, delivering an authentic taste for a classic gin and tonic. As with traditional gin, it is made using botanicals and spices.
It can be used as a replacement for any cocktail recipe that calls for Gin, allowing for an easy swap.
3. Seedlip Spice 94 Non-Alcoholic Spirit
Seedlip, a leading brand in alcohol-free spirits, offers Spice 94, flavoured with allspice and citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit. It’s a versatile gin alternative that pairs well with tonic water or in mocktails.
Other Seedlip options include Grove 42, which features a blend of bitter orange, mandarin, ginger, and lemon. These beverages offer a variety of flavours, ideal for social settings.
4. Corona Cero Alcohol-Free Beer
Corona Cero is perfect for those who love the refreshing taste of beer. This alcohol-free beer closely resembles the traditional Corona, with the same crisp, citrussy profile.
Unlike some “low-alcohol” beers, Corona Cero is entirely alcohol-free, making it a safe choice for those avoiding alcohol due to health, lifestyle, or religious reasons.
5. Wilfred’s Non-Alcoholic Apéritif Spritz
Apéritifs, traditionally served before meals, are dry and low in alcohol. Wilfred’s Apéritif Spritz offers a guilt-free alternative, allowing participants to maintain this tradition during Dry January.
Combining natural botanicals such as rosemary, bitter orange, and rhubarb, Wilfred’s delivers a balanced sweetness and bitterness, emulating the classic apéritif profile.
Sentia GABA spirits
One alcohol-free drink product that isn’t on Nick’s list of suggestions, which deserves a place, is the Sentia GABA spirits. These drinks have taken alcohol-free to a whole new level as they incorporate science.
Sentia’s spirits activate GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) in the brain, a natural tranquiliser that helps calm the brain and the central nervous system. In addition, this drink can also help to increase relaxation and bring forth feelings of conviviality and lightness. Essentially, what you get from drinking Sentia is many of the perceived benefits alcohol brings without the negatives. You can read more about it here.
With these alcohol-free options, Dry January participants can enjoy a fulfilling, flavourful experience while making a positive change to their drinking habits.
You must be logged in to post a comment.