It’s the start of the new year, which means that many people are coming off a long month of overeating and over-imbibing. If you’re one of those that increased their drinking during the holidays, you aren’t alone. Dry January (or Try January) has become popular with people trying to get healthier and get their drinking out of the danger zone. That’s not always easy, but finding great alternatives to a boozy cocktail can keep your sobriety on track. Starting with an NA drink before you hit the bar can also keep you from drinking too much.
For example, if you’re settling in for a day of football, instead of being on your way to tipsy town before the afternoon game even begins, you are mentally present because you have been enjoying NA beers or a flavored CBD drink. This isn’t to say that you won’t participate and have a drink or two at some point, but this time you can really savor your first actual drink of the day. This is half-drinking: neither drinking non-stop nor abstaining completely. Many women who are already fully practicing this realize that they don’t have to drink to have fun, but drinking in moderation can be a better option. We have all heard of the concept of drinking in moderation before, but as we settle in after the holidays, it warrants a reintroduction.
Off the Wagon
Many studies have shown that people drank significantly more during the pandemic, and that statistic goes higher if you had children that participated in distance learning. Liquor and grocery stores showed staggering increases in alcohol sales. Women are now getting to a point where drinking less is more appealing, especially when considering the health benefits. According to psychotherapist Lucy Smith, pausing before drinking to ask what your intention is or what you want from drinking before you indulge is a helpful tool. In setting a pace or rhythm to the occasion, you are more grounded in your awareness of how much you are drinking. Getting excited about non-alcoholic drinks is also helpful.
Finding drinks that you really enjoy and having them well-stocked in your fridge will make it easier and more convenient to reach for a non-alcoholic option. As this practice becomes a habit, it will increase your appreciation for the alcoholic drinks you do drink. Making an evening of trying a local, independent wine shop that will recommend bottles based on your tastes that can be sipped instead of guzzled adds a more “grown-up” approach to drinking and creates an enjoyable evening out. As many women have already found, cultivating a more discerning palette, being able to have fun finding mocktail mixes you like, and savoring your drinks instead of pounding them down with half-drinking will cut down your alcoholic intake, help that journey back to pre-pandemic healthiness and, most importantly, increase your overall well being.
Options Galore
With the realization that many people are trying to cut back on alcohol, many manufacturers have taken a proactive approach and have started making some amazing mocktails. There is a wide variety of flavors and product imitations, with enough choices that there should be something for everyone. Our choice of store-bought mocktails includes:
DIY Mocktails
Of course, it’s still fun to try out new recipes and experiment a bit. While twisting off a top is quick and easy, some people definitely prefer to play bartender and work on their mixology skills. Just because you aren’t adding the hard stuff to a drink, it doesn’t mean it can’t be fun to try out. Here are some delicious mocktail recipes that we found and have added to our weekend rotation.
Virgin Sunset on the Beach
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup cranberry juice
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- Splash grenadine syrup
- Ice
Fill your glass with ice. Pour orange, pineapple, and cranberry juices over the ice and stir them together. Float the splash of grenadine on top and serve.
Virgin Mojito
- Combine 2 cups water and the sugar in a microwave-safe bowl; heat in the microwave on high for 5 minutes. Stir the mint into the water; let stand for 5 minutes. Strain and discard the mint leaves from the syrup; set aside.
- Stir the lime sherbet, lime juice, and 1 cup water together in a large pitcher until well combined. Pour the mint-infused syrup into the mixture. Add club soda and stir. Serve over ice. Garnish with lime slices.
I also found a wonderful page on the Pottery Barn website with four amazing mocktail recipes. Between trying out the drinks and browsing the gorgeous glassware, I’ve had a lot of fun treating myself to some new products and mixing up some fresh mocktails. You can find the recipes for fuzzy berry punch, pineapple zip, blueberry-infused lemon strawberry ice, and a zesty mock-arita here.
If you’re due for a new serving pitcher, this is my personal favorite. I’ve had a lot of fun filling it with tasty concoctions and trying out new flavors.
Read Next:
How to Survive the Holidays While Staying Sober
The Top 6 Benefits Of Drinking Lemon Water
Alternatives to Social Drinking
