Dry January
mocktails with a shopping list
After a week of dry January is your motivation starting to wane? Normal to be sure, but we’re pushing through. It feels worth noting that this week will probably be the toughest - new habits are hard to form and you’ve likely moved past that New Year, New Me energy that comes on so strong on the first of the year. Change or new behaviors (even temporary ones) feel uncomfortable - so if you feel uncomfortable, you’re doing it right.
This makes it the perfect time to chat about mocktails - something delicious to look forward to that helps your hand feel less empty or your nighttime routine feel more complete.
There are two ways (for me) to come at the mocktails. You can go the Cali Sober route and enjoy a buzzy little thc beverage (takes the edge off but without the calories, hangover, or liver damage) or a truly zero proof option.
I really believe recreational low dose thc use is the new drinking for our generation. I hear about it more and more from friends and moms at school pickup and I enjoy them myself. I recommend dipping your toe in at home on a weekend night with no plans after your kids go to bed. I love Cann (especially their on the go packets), Wims (same deal, different flavors), or the Buddi flavored seltzers that I get at the liquor store. Start small (2-5 mg) and let me know what you think!
For the truly dry there are so many good options. I recommend stocking up on cranberry, pineapple, and pomegranate juice (you can get the lite or sugar free options, your call), unflavored sparkling water, sparkling water in your favorite flavors (mine is Bubly blackberry), your favorite sodas (Poppi is my go to, especially the seasonal cranberry and the raspberry rose), and any fun garnishes you might want like rosemary sprigs, lemons, limes, dried orange slices, etc.
A classic mocktail (that is also my most ordered drink in restaurants) is sparkling water with a splash of cranberry juice and lots of lime on the side. It’s honestly super delicious and looks fun in a wine glass. Start there if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
The Poppi raspberry rose in a beautiful wine glass looks exactly like a frosty glass of rosé. A lime seltzer with a bit of pomegranate juice is so good where poms are in season right now. A pineapple coconut Bubly water with some pineapple juice and a big pineapple wedge on the side are an awesome go to (especially during summer months).
I also love the San Pellegrino flavored waters. They come in slender, pretty cans that look chic if you want to set them out for a girls night. The black cherry is my personal favorite and for hanging with friends I’d drink it in a crystal whiskey glass with a big whiskey ice cube that had a single cherry frozen inside.
Those are a few ideas to start and to get you through the weekend. I’ll continue to share mocktails in stories and save them to the “beverages” highlight on Instagram. In the meantime, here’s what I’d have on my shopping list if I were doing dry January and starting from scratch:
