Our nonalcoholic swaps make "Dry January" easy and delicious

Three women doing a cheers with wine glasses while sitting at a wooden table or bar, looking celebratory.

Are you ready to give “Dry January” a try? You’re not alone – it’s been a movement for about a decade. Benefits include better sleep, improved mental clarity, fewer calories, saving money and more.1 We make it easy to skip the alcohol, but not the flavor, with these swaps.

Gin

Gin features herbal, juniper and citrus flavors. Mix juniper berries, a cinnamon stick and fresh orange peel in water. Let it soak overnight and then strain it. The liquid captures the classic flavors of gin.

Red wine

Red wine tends to be fruity with a bitter, sour taste. Mix equal parts of tart cherry juice and cranberry juice as a variation. Serve in a wine glass for a similar experience. This swap has about 25% fewer calories than the average glass of red wine. Plus, it adds a dose of antioxidants.

White wine

White wines tend to have a crisp, citrus taste. For a similar taste, mix equal parts white grape juice and soda water in a wine glass. Finish with a splash of lemon juice for that fresh citrus flavor.

Bourbon

This spirit features notes of vanilla, caramel and oak. A nonalcoholic version of a classic cocktail, the old fashioned, requires just a few simple ingredients. See how in the recipe below.

Rum

Rum tends to be spicy with a bit of a kick. Add a splash of rum extract* to your mixer for a simple swap. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to your taste preference. Try this with a rum and cola, mojito or piña colada. For a hint of spice, add freshly grated ginger or ginger beer soda.

*Aromatic bitters/rum extracts do contain alcohol. They do not add significant alcohol to the full drink. Choose alcohol-free bitters/extracts to avoid it.

Nonalcoholic old fashioned cocktail with a large ice cube and cherry/orange garnish in a rocks glass, sitting on a marble countertop.
Nonalcoholic old fashioned
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Serving Size 1/2 recipe

Cook mode (prevents screen from going to sleep)

Ingredients

Preparation

  1. Boil water and pour over tea bag.
  2. Let steep for 10 minutes. Discard tea bag.
  3. Add 1 tsp of brown sugar to two drinking glasses.
  4. Add two dashes of aromatic bitters into each glass.
  5. Add ½ tsp of water to each glass and stir until sugar is mostly dissolved.
  6. Add three ice cubes to each glass and top with ¼ cup chilled tea.
  7. Garnish each with an orange slice and maraschino cherry.

Nutrition

(per serving)
  • 30 Calories
  • 0 g Total Fat
  • 0 g Saturated Fat
  • 51 mg Sodium
  • 0 mg Cholesterol
  • 7.4 g Total Carbs
  • 0 g Fiber
  • 6 g Sugars
  • 0 g Protein
  • 15 mg Potassium
Nonalcoholic gin and tonic in a large wine glass with ice cubes and lime/herbal garnishes, sitting on a wooden table
Nonalcoholic gin & tonic
Prep Time 8 hours 7 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Serving Size 1/2 recipe

Cook mode (prevents screen from going to sleep)

Ingredients

Preparation

  1. Boil water and let cool for one minute.
  2. Add in juniper berries or rosemary, orange peel and cinnamon stick.
  3. Transfer to container with a lid and refrigerate overnight or at least eight hours.
  4. Strain liquid and set aside.
  5. Add three ice cubes to two drinking glasses.
  6. Pour ½ cup of infused water into each glass.
  7. Top with tonic water and lime wedge.

Nutrition

(per serving)
  • 50 Calories
  • 0 g Total Fat
  • 0 g Saturated Fat
  • 115 mg Sodium
  • 0 mg Cholesterol
  • 22 g Total Carbs
  • 0 g Fiber
  • 11 g Sugars
  • 0 g Protein
  • 21 mg Potassium

Cheers to your nonalcoholic, and delicious, swaps!

It’s always a good time to get organized and work on your clutter. If your digital world needs cleaning, check out these tips that will allow you to rest easy.

1https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/use-your-brain/202101/dry-january-what-is-it-and-why-you-should-try-it

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This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.