9 Nonalcoholic Drinks To Sip During Dry January or Whenever You’re Wanting a Break From Alcohol

Everyone’s reason for partaking in Dry January (aka the practice of giving up alcohol for the entire month) is different. Maybe you’re choosing to take a break from booze to lower your calorie count and meet your weight loss goals; perhaps you simply overindulged during the holidays and want to make up for it by cutting back for a few weeks. Regardless of your motivations, this practice is a simple and rewarding way to start the new year with a clean slate. But temporarily restricting your alcohol intake doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy a delicious drink. Here are seven of the best non-alcoholic drinks to sip this month (and year-round)—after all, it’s never too late to take a mini-break from alcohol.

The scoop on alcohol-free drinks

The FDA notes that any beverage labelled “alcohol-removed” contains less than 0.5 percent alcohol by volume (ABV). This amount isn’t enough to intoxicate, so you won’t feel dizzy or nauseous after finishing a FDA-defined non-alcoholic drink. Depending on the brand, non-alcoholic drinks tend to contain fewer calories than their alcoholic counterparts. 

An expert’s top 3 non-alcoholic drink recommendations

If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to your Dry January sips, Hilary Sheinbaum, sober curious expert and author of Going Dry: A Workbook, has you covered. Below, she shares her three top nonalcoholic (NA) drink brands and why she enjoys them.

1. Giesen 0%: This brand has earned Sheinbaum’s stamp of approval as they offer a wide range of tasty alcohol-removed wines. “From rosé to chardonnay, to pinot grigio and sparkling, there are NA sips for every occasion, whether you’re sitting down for dinner, hosting a happy hour or celebrating with friends and family!” she says.
2. Mionetto Aperitivo: While this is a brand new zero-proof Italian spirit, she says it’s perfect when you’re in the mood for a NA spritz. “This is a great nonalcoholic product to bring to parties or have on hand if you aren’t drinking and want to show off your moves as a bartender,” she says.
3. Free Spirits: These NA canned cocktails are easy to enjoy as you simply pop them open and sip. “Their convenience and flavor is unmatched,” Sheinbaum says. “Some of their tasty cocktail offerings include Kentucky Mule, Negroni and Margarita, so there really is something for everyone!” Sheinbaum says.

There’s more to sip: 6 additional NA drinks we love

If you’re looking for more alcohol-free options to add to your drink rotation, add these six to your list.

1. Fre Alcohol-Removed Cabernet Sauvignon: A glass of red is perfect to sip after a long day of work. This alcohol-removed Cabernet Sauvignon from Fre wines features dark cherry aromas, flavors of berry and spice, and a juicy finish. Pair it with steaks and saucy pastas.
2. Goodvines Sauvignon Blanc: This Sauvignon Blanc from Goodvines is summer in a bottle. Notes of green pepper and mowed grass make for a fresh aroma, and with its mild fruit, slight acidity and sparkling finish, it’s perfect for a winter picnic.
3. TÖST Rosé: Looking to pour a glass of refreshing rosé? Try TÖST Rosé, a dry, sparkling option with natural ingredients including white tea, ginger and elderberry.
4. Athletic Brewing Co. Variety Pack: Think finding a non-alcoholic beer that tastes like the real thing is impossible? Think again. Athletic Brewing Co.’s variety pack includes 24 cans of their signature brew—from Upside Dawn Golden Ale to All Out Stout. The beers feature flavors such as citrus, pine and honey.
5. Fre Alcohol-Removed Sparkling Brut: Unlike traditional champagne, this Sparkling Brut from Fre doesn’t have to be reserved for special occasions. With crisp flavors of apple and strawberry, it pairs well with creamy seafood pasta, nutty cheeses, fried chicken and sushi. Cheers!
6. Recess Zero-Proof Lime “Margarita”: If you love canned cocktails, give Recess’ Zero-Proof Lime “Margarita” a go. This sparkling mocktail is made using fresh limes and agave to replicate the sweet and tart flavors of a standard margarita. Functional ingredients like lemon balm and American ginseng aid relaxation and boost energy, respectively.