What started as a trend in 2013, Dry Jan has become growingly popular as part of the way people think about their health. Surveys show that roughly one in five adults now take part each year, and interest keeps growing.
The good news is you don’t need to give up flavor or fun to participate. Non-alcoholic options, from beers and wines to ready-to-drink cocktails, are more popular than ever and they make it easy to keep rituals intact without the alcohol. Even small substitutions or at-home recipes can make January a delicious vacation for your liver.
Here are a few simple ideas to try this month:
Swap This → For That*
- After-work Beer? → Try Sober Carpenter Non‑Alcoholic Beer IPA
A Canadian‑crafted non‑alcoholic IPA with bold hop character and refreshing citrus notes — all the flavour of a classic West Coast‑style beer, without the alcohol.
- Cocktail time? → Try Wildfolk Botanical Cocktails or Clever Mocktails
Mocktails have evolved! Get your hands on the deep and complex flavours of the Wildfolk brand OR the more-gentle-on-the-palate classic cocktails from Clever!
- After dinner drink? → Spiced Herbal Wine Substitute
Brew a strong hibiscus or berry herbal tea with cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel. Let it cool, then serve chilled in a wine glass. Excellent for digestion!
- Happy hour rounds → Skip the crowded bar and try a group walk, a board game night, a group fitness class, or a coffee meetup instead. Changing the social setting keeps the focus on the company, not the drinks.
Even just a couple swaps a week can make Dry January easier and more satisfying. The key is having tasty alternatives ready so the “easy choice” is also the healthy one.
*Note: Visit your local Nutters to see what is available in your market! Product selection varies by store.