I’m doing “Dry January” as part of my New Year intentions this year. The idea is to avoid alcohol for the month right after the excesses that the holidays can bring. I gave this a try last year and it was not as hard as I thought it would be. No more wine or my favorite IPA BUT I can still enjoy a good mocktail and also not feel left out when I’m in a social setting. Last year I started a few days late (on the 4th), but my plan this year is to start on the 1st!
Benefits of Dry January
In the first week
In the first week you may already start to notice some changes like more energy and better concentration. Even if you toss and turn a bit at first, when you do drop off youโll get better-quality sleep and probably wake feeling more refreshed the next day.
This sounds more like changes for someone thats drinks excessively, not occasionally- but let’s see…
In the second week
During the second week, some people might experience what lots of others describe as โthe fog liftingโ i.e. clearer thinking and more energy. Another thing you may find around the two-week mark is that youโre much more in tune with how much water your body needs – yay to better hydration!
As a water intake freak, this is good news for others that may not be as aware.
In the third week
Some may notice pounds dropping off as booze is cut out – especially if exercising is done in the newfound free time. As the average pint and a large glass of wine can rack up 200 plus calories, itโs easy to see why one might find their waistband loosening after a couple of weeks.
A welcomed benefit to Dry January.
After one month
After one month of being alcohol free, the risk of developing certain cancers, including two of the most common worldwide โ breast and colorectal โ is diminishing. According to a 2018 report in the Lancet, by reducing your drinking, you also reduce your risk of strokes, heart disease and hypertensive disease and could increase your life expectancy.
Pretty incredible benefits!ย
Giving your liver a little rest means that it can focus on its other jobs…. like keeping your immune system in tip top shape.
Tips for managing Dry January:
- Find a substitute non-alcoholic drink or mocktails
- Avoid the temptation
- Do it with friends
- Use the Try Dry app
- Don’t give up or give in
Mocktails for the Win
Last year before the holidays, I was introduced to RIPE Bar Juice mixers to make some fun holiday cocktails. They are delicious and are made from clean, simple ingredients including fully traceable fruits. ย I love that this refrigerated line of cocktail mixers are free of preservatives, additives, artificial sweeteners, GMOs and that they are gently cold-pressed in small batches for the freshest cocktail mixers on the market.
This year I found Fresh Victor, which is also cold-pressed juice mixers but they have an entire non-alcoholic line!
Both of these companies make some pretty amazing cocktail mixers but the best part is that they are great for mocktails too!
Check out these recipes and these recipes!!
I can take my favorite spirit or soda water and add Fresh Victor or RIPE Bar Juice and some fresh fruit. ย In seconds I have the freshest, best-tasting mocktail for my alcohol hiatus.
Here are 3 Fresh Victor mocktails to enjoy during Dry January:
Cucumber & Tonic
- 3oz Fresh Victor Cucumber & Lime
- 1.5oz Non-Alcoholic Gin (Ritual, Free Spirits, Lyre’s)
- 1-2oz tonic water
Method: In a tall glass, build all ingredients and top with ice. The stir gently to combine. Add a garnish with a lime wedge and a cucumber wheel.
Menta Margarita
- 3oz Fresh Victor Three Citrus & Mint
- 1.5oz non-alc tequila (Ritual or Lyreโs)
- Mint Tea
- Granulated sugar (superfine, if possible)
- Salt (fine sea salt if possible)
Method: Mix equal amounts of mint tea (dried mint leaves), salt and sugar on a plate and moisten the exterior rim of the serving glass with a cut piece of lime. Then roll the moistened rim in the mint, salt, sugar mixture and set aside to dry. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker full of ice, shake well (to chill and dilute), and strain over fresh ice in the garnished glass. OR In a glass full of ice, add all liquid ingredients, plus 2 ounces of water (for dilution), stir gently, garnish and serve.
Cactus Pear Cosmo
- 3oz Fresh Victor Cactus Pear & Pomegranate
- .25oz of apple cider vinegar
- .5oz fresh orange juice
- 1oz of water
- Lime wedge
Method: Add all liquid ingredients to a cocktail shaker full of ice, shake well and strain.
Here are 3 RIPE mocktail recipes to enjoy during Dry January:
Lime Fizz FKA Agave Margarita
- 1 part RIPE Bar Juice Agave Margarita
- 1 part Sparkling Water
- Lime Wheel
Method:ย Add RIPE Bar Juice Agave Margarita to old fashioned glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling water. Garnish with lime wheel.
Pretty in Pink Lady FKA Cosmopolitan
- 1 part RIPE Bar Juice Classic Cosmopolitan
- 1 part Ginger Ale
- Lime Wedge
Method: Add RIPE Bar Juice Classic Cosmopolitan and ginger ale to a highball glass filled with ice. Gently stir and garnish with lime wedge.
Virgin Bloody Mary FKA Bloody Mary
- 1 part RIPE Bar Juice San Marzano Bloody Mary
- Celery Stalk
- Lime Wedge
- Optional: Old Bay Seasoning
Method: Rub the rim of your glass with a lemon slice and roll it in coarse Old Bay Seasoning (optional). Add RIPE Bar Juice San Marzano Bloody Mary to a shaker. Stir to mix and pour into a highball glass with fresh ice. Garnish with fresh lime wedge and celery stalk.
Ready to try RIPE??
You can get it RIPE several locations in Central Florida, like Total Wine, ABC and Whole Foods!
Ready to try Fresh Victor??
You can order it online for delivery to your door! Try Fresh Victor here!
Have you ever tried “Dry January”? Give me all of your personal tips in the comments!
I even plan to to try lower alcohol alternativesย beyond Dry January!
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These drinks are really good and do taste flavorful in a clean and healthy way. Thanks for introducing them! Cheers to a healthier 2023.