5 Non-Alcoholic Alternatives for Dry January

Wondering how to avoid a hangover? Put down the cocktail, stop reaching for the wine and skip the Sangria. It’s a surefire way to not wake up with a pounding headache and feeling sluggish. We know it might sound crazy after the year we had, but why not usher in 2021 focused and feeling your best by making it a dry January. 

We turned to Hilary Sheinbaum, Trend journalist, on-air host, lifestyle expert author of just released book,  The Dry Challenge: How to Lose the Booze for Dry January, Sober October, and Any Other Alcohol-Free Month, to learn about the benefits of giving up alcohol for a month (or more). Hilary told us that “some major benefits include saving money, losing weight and evaluating how you use your time (likely in a more productive manner when you aren't tipsy).”

Hilary notes that by not spending money on drinks (hello $20 South Beach cocktails), you can use that money toward paying off debt, or putting it towards something you’ve been working towards like saving for a house, or a dream vacation. 

Also, “Alcohol is also full of empty calories. A glass of wine can contain about 125 calories (and it's unlikely you'll be drinking one), so this can certainly derail fitness and diet goals when you are drinking. When you aren't drinking, however, you aren't taking in unnecessary calories, which can ultimately help you lose weight. (Also, hangover foods aren't exactly "good" for you),” says Sheinbaum.

If giving up the sauce seems like a challenge, here are some of Hillary's tips to help make it easier:

1. Put away the booze. You can hide them, store them with a friend or toss them away -- but, "Out of sight, out of mind" will usually help you avoid alcohol, at least at home.
2. Recruit a friend to partake in The Dry Challenge with you! Your Sober Month Support Squad can offer help, encouragement and keep you accountable along the way. (And you can do the same for them!)
3. Try something new! The nonalcoholic beverage industry is booming. Now, more than ever, there are a variety of nonalcoholic beers, wines and spirits to help you sip without a buzz. 

Speaking of non-alcoholic alternatives, we found five for you to consider. 

Sunwink Herbal Wellness Tonics - These fizzy, refreshing beverages with real ingredients like, whole herbal plants, fresh lemons and mint, provide a delicious and healthy alternative that not only will keep you hydrated, but also help to reduce stress, boost mood, and fight fatigue. https://drinksunwink.com @drinksunwink 

Ritual ZeroProof Tequila Alternative - You won’t have to miss your margarita thanks to this tequila alternative. With the flavor, aroma, and bite of tequila, you can mix up your favorite tequila-based libation sans alcohol or calories. https://www.ritualzeroproof.com,  @ritualzeroproof

Damrak 0.0 Virgin Gin - Handcrafted in the heart of Amsterdam, Damrak Virgin 0.0 is distilled from 10 botanicals, including Valencia & Curacao orange peels, ginger, lavender, cinnamon, and lemon peel. With these gin-inspired flavors you won’t miss your Gin & Tonic.https://www.damrakgin.com @damrakgin

Sipp - Skip the hard seltzer and reach for Sipp, USDA-certified clean soft seltzers, infused with Camu Camu, the world’s most Vitamin C-rich fruit loaded anti-inflammatory compounds. Choose from fruit and herb flavors like Vanilla Spice & Everything Nice, Berry Mint Condition and Sweet Ruby Riot. https://enjoysipp.com  @enjoysipp

101 Cider House - If you’re looking for a natural buzz, open a can of 101 Cider House, juices pressed in small batches and then fermented and aged for 3 months until they evolve into a naturally alcohol and certified probiotic, cold pressed beverage. So while not technically alcohol-free, 101Cider House creates cans of refreshing flavors like Cactus Rose (apples, cactus pear, basil, hibiscus, lemon peel) and Gunpowder Guava(apples, green tea, guava) that are still healthier alternatives. https://101cider.com @101cider