Navigating Dry January

Alex Ingalls started Pilot kombucha, used in the yummy recipe below! Photo by Pilot Kombucha (@pilotkombucha)

Roll over, slug back some water, and pop four Advil. It’s Sunday morning and my head is pounding. I’m feeling dehydrated, woozy, and I didn’t even drink that much last night… did I?? If you’re anything like me, waking up with a hangover isn’t a great way to start the next few days because let’s face it, past 30 you’re lucky if it’s gone by morning #3. There are a lot of reasons to overindulge—work stress, hopelessness, breakups, hookups, networking. I mean I can keep going because the list is not short. It can be really tricky to abstain, let alone having to explain or justify your decision. My advice: just don’t engage. Societal pressure is a huge reason people have a hard time quitting. You don’t owe anyone an explanation.

The biggest reason to try out Dry January is that the busy holiday season of work parties, social parties, dinners spent dealing with family—can make you feel like you and your liver need a freaking break. I don’t usually advocate for restrictions or policing your intake, but when it comes to intoxicants, sometimes none is the way to go. If you’re interested in trying, or just in learning more, here’s the tea: Dry January is a month-long break from alcohol that can offer a positive reset for your body and your relationships. Since we know how hard it can be, we have some pro tips to share for those hitting that mid-month stop on the struggle bus. Keep going, you got this!

1. Out with the old, in with the new. 

If you’ve got alcohol around the house, replace it with delicious alcohol-free alternatives. My personal favorite booze alternative is kombucha, but to be honest, I crave sugar when I’m abstaining. Since we’re not in this for weight loss, I say indulge that sweet tooth! For kombucha, I like Pilot Kombucha’s Celery Juniper or Apple Cider Chai but if ‘booch isn’t your bag, check out Proteau’s non-alcoholic aperitif, Curious Elixir’s pre-mixed zero proof cocktails, or Kin Euphorics. Jarritos are also the shit. Just make sure you’ve got something more special than La Croix, please. No, Spindrift does not count.

2. Practice saying “No.”

I personally don’t struggle with this because “I’m tired as hell” and “I’m not drinking right now” is literally the perfect excuse because usually people just drop it and leave you alone. But if you’re a social butterfly, just because you’re abstaining doesn’t mean you have to pass up on outings all together, so come up with a few ways to easily refuse a drink. Some go-to’s are: “A drink sounds good but I’m cutting back!” and the simple “No, thank you!” when no further explanation is needed. But if you want to be a little spicier try, “Sorry, I’m on a strict diet where I only eat the rich.”

3. Seek out sober social events

If you’re an NYC local, there are a few great sober bars around the city you can try. Getaway in Greenpoint is a must-try, with a cool chic interior and an extensive menu that brings sober-curious New Yorkers back every weekend. Try the Coconaut, a mocktail with pineapple, coconut milk, blood orange soda, and nutmeg. Another sober-social event curator in NYC is Brooklyn-based Listen Bar which marries elevated mocktails, music, and community for a great sober night out. If you’re big on drinking you need to attend to believe this phenomenon--sober strangers having good, not-awkward conversation.

4. Remind yourself how much money you’re saving!

A really nice perk of Dry January is the money you save because you’re not buying booze. Mix up a mocktail and relax with a pet or a book, or invite some friends over for a throwback game night. Board games, cards, Jenga - they’re all still fun without booze. Jenga is maybe even MORE fun because the game goes on longer when you can actually see straight. Who knew?! I did this recently, and we got the Jenga tower so high that we ran out of blocks to pull. If you’re looking for a real “comfortable in your body/skin” challenge try charades but I warn you, you will be aware of every single cell in your body all at once. For pros only. Here’s a festive kombucha punch you can serve yourself and/or guests. 

Chilled Apple Cider Chai Kombucha Punch

2 bottles Pilot Kombucha Apple Cider Chai

8 ounces unsweetened cranberry juice

Granny smith apple, chopped

½ lemon, juiced

Cinnamon sticks for garnish

Combine the kombucha, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and apples in a large pitcher. Pour the cider into glasses filled with ice, garnish with cinnamon stick.

Once Dry January ends, I’m looking forward to a more conscientious relationship with alcoholand--maybe even adopting a sober-curious lifestyle. Sober curiosity entails a sober lifestyle, but welcomes individuals who aren’t willing, ready, or planning to give up alcohol completely. That sounds like a balanced compromise between sobriety and frequent drinking, and something I can realistically keep up. Dry January is half over, and I’m definitely enjoying the extra money, lack of hangovers, and clearer skin that cutting out alcohol has gifted me. 

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Alex Ingalls is a sugar addict, a cat person, and the founder of Pilot Kombucha. She started brewing kombucha to aid her digestion after decadent meals & nights out partying.