By Tekisha Harvey
Let’s be honest: giving up alcohol is tough, especially when you love a good cocktail. I’ve spent years savoring expertly crafted drinks, and living in Savannah—a city where food and drink are the heartbeat of social life—makes it even harder. For me, the allure of heading to a bar, chatting with regulars, or meeting new people is almost irresistible. It was easy to justify enjoying a cocktail or two (or more) after a long day, especially when socializing became a key part of my routine.
However, something shifted recently. As I entered my mid-40s, I started feeling the physical toll of frequent drinking: dehydration, fatigue, weight gain, and stomach discomfort from my beloved Bourbon. Combined with the ongoing stress of life, I came to the realization that it was time to take a break.
So, this year, I decided to take on Dry January—a month-long break from alcohol. Now, one week in, I’m feeling surprisingly great. I’ve noticed a boost in energy and a reduction in my usual stomach pains. But, of course, as a cocktail lover, the challenge was finding satisfying alternatives. Here are some tips I’ve learned along the way to help survive (and even enjoy) Dry January without feeling like you’re missing out.
All mocktails are not created equal
First things first: figure out what kind of drinker you are. I’m not someone who enjoys sweet, sugary drinks (think soda or juice), so I quickly learned that many mocktails are just glorified fruit juice—and that’s a deal-breaker for me. When I ordered my first mocktail at a nice restaurant, it came in a tall glass with pineapple juice, a sprig of rosemary, and a frothy top. It was cute, but nothing more than fancy juice. If you like sweet drinks, it may work for you, but it didn’t satisfy my cravings for a more spirit-forward drink.
Spirit-replacement mocktails are a game changer
Once I understood what I wanted (something less sugary, more akin to a classic cocktail), I started asking bartenders about non-alcoholic spirit options. That’s when I discovered Amethyst, a non-alcoholic gin substitute. I tried it in a cucumber spritz, and surprisingly, it hit the spot. The taste had a little of that “bite” that I missed, and it was refreshing. The real magic came when I had it after work, during a time I would typically have a cocktail to unwind. It gave me that calm, relaxed feeling—without the alcohol. I might even keep this one around post-Dry January.
I also tried a virgin Bee’s Knees cocktail made with Seedlip, another great option. There’s something about sipping a drink from a pretty cocktail glass that makes the experience feel authentic. If you’re used to enjoying a cocktail ritual, this adds a lot to the experience.
CBD/THC beverages provide a different kind of calm
If you’re anything like me, the ritual of having a drink to decompress after a long day is part of the appeal. So when I needed something calming but alcohol-free, I turned to cannabis-infused beverages. These are becoming more widely available, and many people (myself included) find that they provide a calming effect similar to alcohol but without the negative side effects.
My current favorite is Wynk’s infused sparkling beverages. They’re no-calorie, sugar-free, and come in delicious flavors. The Black Cherry Fizz with 2.5 mg of THC is my go-to when I want to unwind. It’s not quite the same as a cocktail, but it’s definitely an effective alternative. Plus, it’s a fun way to explore a new side of relaxation.
How’s it going so far?
Surprisingly well, I’d say! Ten days in, I’m feeling lighter and more energetic, and I’ve had no stomach pains (which I attribute to cutting back on alcohol). The stress-relieving benefits I once got from drinking are being replaced with mocktails and cannabis-infused drinks, and I don’t feel like I’m sacrificing too much. The goal at the end of this month isn’t just to say “no” to alcohol but to develop a more moderate relationship with drinking. If this month is any indication, I think I’ll come out of it with a more balanced approach to my wellness and drinking habits.
My takeaways for Dry January (or anytime you want to cut back)
- Know your drink style. Understand what kind of drinker you are and find mocktails or replacements that match your taste (e.g., spirit-forward vs. fruity).
- Experiment with non-alcoholic spirits. They can mimic the taste and experience of your favorite cocktails, so don’t settle for bland mocktails.
- Explore CBD/THC alternatives. If you need relaxation, consider infused beverages as a substitute for alcohol—they can offer a similar calming effect without the downside.
So, cheers! (But with a non-alcoholic drink in hand, of course.) If you’re considering Dry January or just want to cut back on alcohol, I encourage you to explore what works for you—in all aspects of your wellness journey. You might just find that you enjoy the journey more than you expected.
