If you’re reading this while sipping a Martini, allow me to refresh your memory: Dry January is an increasingly popular health and wellness trend that encourages individuals to detox after the holiday season by abstaining from drinking alcohol for the entire first month of the year. The movement began in the United Kingdom several years ago and has since gained popularity here in the US, as well as other countries.

My reason for dabbling with no-alcohol, low-alcohol, and full-on alcohol last month was the result of having done a lot of research toward the end of last year, when I began receiving emails from publicists pitching their best non-booze options for ‘Dry January’—and beyond. If you’re reading this while sipping a Martini, allow me to refresh your memory: Dry January is an increasingly popular health and wellness trend that encourages individuals to detox after the holiday season by abstaining from drinking alcohol for the entire first month of the year. The movement began in the United Kingdom several years ago and has since gained popularity here in the US, as well as other countries.

Dry January has been growing in popularity over the years, with many people taking part as a way to reset their habits after the festive season, and to improve their health and wellness. It is a growing trend in the US and has received support from healthcare professionals and organizations, who view it as a positive step towards reducing alcohol consumption and promoting healthier lifestyles.

As you might imagine, the topic can be polarizing. The main benefits of participating in Dry January include reducing alcohol consumption, improving sleep quality, and enhancing overall physical and mental health. Many of my friends who abstained last month report weight loss, improved skin appearance, and increased energy levels because of their sobriety. Despite its growing popularity, Dry January has also received criticism from some who believe that it reinforces negative stereotypes about alcohol and reinforces the idea that drinking it is inherently bad. Others argue that the one-month challenge may not be enough to change long-term habits, and that moderation, rather than abstinence, is a more effective approach to reducing alcohol consumption.

For my part, I’ve been dabbling with non-alcoholic mixers throughout the Pandemic while hosting nearly 500 virtual wine, spirits, and beer tastings, often with clients inviting guests who don’t drink alcohol. That’s how I discovered Mingle Mocktails, a flavorful assortment of ersatz Cosmos, Bellinis, Mules and Margaritas. When they debuted before the Pandemic they were in glass bottles, but like so many smart beverages today, they are now in cans for easy portability — and potability. I also mixed a lot of gin-free Gin & Tonics with DHŌS, a non-alcoholic spirit that smells and tastes very much like the real thing. There are a lot more of these excellent mixers out there; my favorites of which include Seedlip, Pentire, Wilfred’s Non-Alcoholic Aperitif, Lyres and Three Spirit.

When it comes to non-alcoholic wines, there are a lot of them out there, many with mixed results. IMHO, most of the red wines are pretty terrible; in fact, many of the ‘still,’ or non-sparkling wines are less than amazing. One sparkler that I’m really impressed with is No & Low Sparkling Chardonnay. Made in the style of a ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Champagne, it’s fruity and fresh on the palate, with lovely pear and apricot aromas, and it’s totally dry from start to finish. If you like Rosé sparklers, I highly recommend ISH Château del-ISH Sparkling Rosé, a de-alcoholized blend of Merlot and Pinot Noir grapes boasting lots of berry and plummy notes and refreshing acidity; it, too, is bone dry.

So, how’s my February looking? I’m not abstaining (that might be a career crusher for a guy like me!), but my wife and I think we’ll continue popping No & Low Sparkling Chardonnay on Monday nights for the foreseeable future, because it tastes great with dinner, and we feel great on Tuesday.

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