Celebrate Dry January with Delicious Mocktails

Explore our favorite non-alcoholic libations.

December 19, 2024

By: Samantha Lande

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Cheers to Dry January

Dry January has gained popularity over the years, whether it be for health reasons or just a detox from overindulging during the holiday season. It’s a chance to reset as we move into a new and brighter year. Deciding to give up alcohol can be difficult, but more companies are jumping on the spirit-free bandwagon by creating mixers, canned mocktails and more that make it easy to keep the flavor and forgo the booze. Many are adding in good-for-you ingredients, so you can get an extra boost from your libations. Here are some of our favorites.

The Dry Challenge Book

If your interest is peaked in trying a sober month but don’t know where to begin, this is a great primer to get you started. Writer Hilary Sheinbaum participated in a dry month and now she offers tips on ways to actually make it fun. From activities to mocktails, this book will help you ease into a month that may just change your perspective on drinking.

BUY IT: Amazon, $10

Something Easy to Drink

There’s a reason why hard seltzer gained popularity — it’s light and easy to drink with little hassle involved. Suntory knows a thing or two about alcoholic beverages with their Japanese whiskies, so their foray into this realm was a no-brainer. This drink lies somewhere between a hard seltzer and a light beer and it’s easy to mix into cocktails or add a twist of lemon or a few berries. Did we mention it has zero calories and zero sugar?

BUY IT: Amazon, $11 (6-Pack)

A Good Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Book

Many people who love cocktails also love the art of crafting them. This book, "Zero," which would also serve as a beautiful coffee table addition, has intricate recipes dreamt up by chef Grant Achatz and the culinary team behind the Alinea Group.

BUY IT: The Aviary, $90

A Good Spirit Alternative

Gone are the days where you get served cranberry juice and tonic water and it’s called a mocktail. These days, there are so many amazing spirits to use you may not even realize they are sans alcohol. Try Fluere’s smoked agave for a mock margarita, Lyre’s coffee original for an espresso martini and Seedlip’s Grove 42 for a citrusy cocktail.

A Fun Mocktail Class

Speaking of Lyre's, the non-alcoholic spirits brand actually offers free mixology lessons with any purchase. You'll receive an email 10 days after your purchase with a Calendly link, where you can schedule your experience.

Something Fun to Mix With

Speaking of cocktail syrups, you’ll want to have a fun one like Revae’s on hand, or make your own. If Old Fashioned cocktails are your thing, Proof makes cocktail syrups that combine the best of the classic cocktail with no need for bitters and oils. Or pop open a can of Avec in fun flavors like yuzu and lime or grapefruit and pomelo and add in a non-alcoholic spirit, or drink as is for an impressive glass.

BUY IT: Proof Syrup, $40 and Avec, $36

A Good Tonic or Sparkling Water

Any bar needs to have a good stock of tonic and other carbonated mixers. Fever Tree offers a whole line of tonic waters from cucumber to elderflower plus ginger ale and other fun bubbles. Q has a hibiscus ginger beer and better for you Kola too.

BUY IT: Fever Tree, $5 (4-Pack) and Q Mixers, $5 (4-Pack)

Dry Secco

There will certainly be reasons to toast in January (or whatever sober month you choose), so it’ll be nice to have some bubbly on hand. This non-alcoholic prosecco is made with a blend of wine grapes but is sulfate, gluten and alcohol-free. Plus, it’s only 50 calories so you’ll have less guilt on that front as well. You’ll still get the beautiful floral and tart notes too.

BUY IT: Gruvi, $36 (8-Pack)

Non-Alcoholic Beer

Non-alcoholic beer used to be a serious afterthought for any craft producer, but not for Athletic Brewing. They put the same care and attention into the variety beer drinkers appreciate–IPAs, stouts, golden ales — but without the alcohol. They even have a dry January kit to get you started on tasting your way through brews.

BUY IT: Athletic Brewing Co., $15 (6-Pack)

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Should You Try 'Dry January'? Here Are the Health Benefits, Canned Drinks to Take to Your Next Picnic, Is Hot Chocolate the New Brain Food? One Study Says It Can Make You Smarter

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