Nat’s Dry January is still going?

*Soft safety reassurance, this post does not include stories of the negative outcomes of alcohol, alcohol abuse or any graphic content at all. It does contain joy & delight. *

Sometime before Christmas my beloved had floated the idea of us having a “Dry January”.

It’s a popular time of year to abstain from alcohol. He then found a New York Times article on Boxing Day outlining strategies for “dry” (no alcohol) and “damp” (less alcohol) January.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/26/well/eat/dry-january-guide.html

What I loved was the inclusive and flexible approach. The reporter wrote frankly about the challenges of all or nothing thinking.

Early flirting

We had already introduced several non-alcoholic fizzy drinks into our life.

There’s a local greenhouse that makes excellent ginger beer and sparkling non-alcoholic ciders. I had gotten some in a gift from work in November and instantly became a huge fan.

Last summer my sister Anj had ensured we had lots of non-alcoholic poolside beverages because we often needed to drive. We discovered Olé non-alcoholic cocktails and Corona’s 0% beer. They were delicious!

I had also realized over the last year I crave the input of fizzy, complex drinks when I’m cooking so had tried kombucha. I love it. But. Uh. It is a gastric accelerator for me. Gross! Too much urgent pooping!

I was delighted by a tonic water offering by The London Brewing Co-op called “Forest City Botanicals”. Fizzy, delicious, vegan, caffeine free and nonalcoholic.

Natalie holds a tall can with a pink and white label. The flavour is raspberry calm. It’s a hit in our house.

Giving it a go!

So as January approached we let our housemates know of our plan. I ordered a sampling of non-alcoholic beers and cocktails from Designated Drinks who deliver to my door!

Over the month I hosted a writing club (that is usually quite boozy) and shared I would have nonalcoholic beverages on hand. No one drank alcohol, we all had busy lives and needed to get up early. It was nice and cozy.

I went to book club and brought some mocktails. It worked great.

The one January event that turned into a challenge was a cycling club get together. It was in a hotel bar and the staff had no options for us. I laughed and said “well, you have mix, I’ll take a ginger ale!”

I’ve shared the winners of our tasting journey. There are many! There were also some duds.

February 1 we had plans with friends and I mentioned it was no longer January but I wasn’t in a rush to drink.

I’m feeling good. I am genuinely shocked at how I haven’t felt an urge to drink alcohol at all. Maybe I’m done with it? No one is more surprised than me.

It’s been a fun journey so far and I’m excited to see where it goes.