What to Drink in Dry January (Mocktails, NA Wines & Alcohol-Free Drinks)
Dry January — or even just going dry for January — is a beautiful invitation to pause, reset, and explore how you feel without alcohol. But once you commit, one question comes up almost immediately: What should I drink during Dry January?
Let’s explore the best Dry January drinks to sip, savor, and enjoy — without missing out. If you want a simple plan for cravings, routines, and week-by-week support, read How to Prepare for Dry January and Dry January Mocktails: 10 Alcohol-Free Drinks That Feel Like a Treat
As a Holistic Nutrition Consultant, I approach Dry January through a wellness-first lens — focusing on support, not deprivation.
Table of contents
- What Should You Drink During Dry January?
- The Best Drinks for Dry January
- Try These Glow-Worthy Mocktails:
- Non-Alcoholic Wines & Spirits (A Smart Dry January Swap)
- COMPARISON TABLE
- Recommended Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine – the Bubbles!
- Recommended De-Alcoholized Rose Wine
- Recommended De-Alcoholized White Wines
- Reddit-Inspired Non-Alcoholic Spirits
- Artisan Syrups from Sonoma Syrup Company (A Sonoma Story)
- Recommended Sonoma Syrup Flavors:
- Simple Everyday Sips for Dry January
- Dry January Drinking Tips That Actually Help
- Dry January Drink FAQS
- Try These Glow-Worthy Dry January Mocktails
What Should You Drink During Dry January?
The best Dry January drinks are the ones that feel intentional, satisfying, and enjoyable. When you replace alcohol with something flavorful and thoughtfully prepared, cravings tend to soften, and the experience feels supportive instead of depriving. For the benefits, mindset, and what to expect throughout the month, see Dry January: Your Glow Guide to a Brighter, Alcohol-Free Start to the Year.
Great alcohol-free drinks like a delicious mojito mocktail can:
- Help curb cravings
- Support social moments without feeling left out
- Add joy and ritual to your evenings
- Make Dry January feel nourishing instead of restrictive
The goal isn’t perfection — it’s finding drinks that feel good in your body and are aligned with your wellness goals.
Looking for more fresh, minty drinks? Explore all of my Mojito Mocktail Recipes here →Mojito Mocktails (Fresh, Minty & Alcohol-Free)
“what readers say”
“Dry January felt intimidating until I discovered these mocktail ideas. Having something beautiful and flavorful to sip made the month feel exciting instead of restrictive.”
— Lori T. – Sarasota, Fl.
The Best Drinks for Dry January
Mocktails That Feel Like a Treat
Mocktails are the heart of Dry January drinking — especially when they’re beautifully crafted and full of flavor.
Browse the collection Dry January Mocktails: 10 Alcohol-Free Drinks That Feel Like a Treat and Tropical Mocktail Collection for more glow-worthy sips!
- Fresh citrus or seasonal fruit
- Herbs like mint, rosemary, or basil
- Sparkling elements for that “cocktail feel.”
- Balanced sweetness (not overly sugary)
✨ Glow Tip: Serving your mocktail in a real glass with a garnish makes a massive difference in satisfaction.
Try These Glow-Worthy Mocktails:
If you are wondering what to drink in Dry January, try these reader-approved mocktails!
- Sparkling Cranberry Mocktail
- Virgin Mojito with Lime & Mint
- Blackberry Mint Mocktail
- Mango Mocktail with Tropical Citrus
- Non-Alcoholic Sangria
- Raspberry Mojito with Lavender Syrup
Non-Alcoholic Wines & Spirits (A Smart Dry January Swap)
Non-alcoholic wines and spirits are especially helpful if:
- You miss the ritual of a glass of wine in the evening
- You’re attending social gatherings during Dry January
- You want a one-to-one replacement for cocktails
- You are celebrating a special event and want that celebratory feeling!
You can explore more swaps and guides in my Alcohol-Free Resources collection.
COMPARISON TABLE
Non-Alcoholic Wines vs Non-Alcoholic Spirits
| Feature | Non-Alcoholic Wine | Non-Alcoholic Spirits |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Wine lovers & rituals | Cocktail-style mocktails |
| Alcohol content | 0.0%–0.5% ABV | 0.0% ABV |
| Flavor | More wine-like | Botanical, bitter, spiced |
| Best served | Chilled, in a wine glass | Mixed with soda, citrus, herbs |
| Dry January vibe | Familiar & comforting | Creative & fun |
✨ Glow Tip: Many people enjoy a mix of both during Dry January — wine swaps for evenings, mocktails for weekends and gatherings.
Recommended Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine – the Bubbles!
These are the go-to bubbles that I bring to all the parties and dinners!
- Chateau del ISH Sparkling Non-Alcoholic Rose – Beautifully balanced with soft strawberry and red berry notes, this alcohol-free rosé delivers the perfect blend of freshness and elegance. It has a delicate sparkle and a light, dry finish that feels sophisticated without being overly sweet.
- Mionetto 00 Alcohol-removed Sparkling White – Bright, bubbly, and wonderfully crisp, this NA sparkling wine offers refreshing notes of citrus, green apple, and white peach. It tastes remarkably close to traditional prosecco, making it a festive, everyday favorite. I tried this for the first time at S3 on Ft Lauderdale Beach. So bubbly and dry. I recently saw it on the menu at RH Marin Restaurant. It’s yummy!
- Oddbird Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Non Alcoholic Dry White Wine – Clean, dry, and beautifully nuanced, Oddbird Sparkling White is an elevated alcohol-free option with hints of pear, citrus, and mineral notes. It’s crisp, refreshing, and ideal for those who prefer a more classic sparkling wine profile.
- Giesen 0% Dealcoholized New Zealand Sparkling Brut– Bright, crisp, and beautifully refreshing, Giesen 0% Sparkling Brut is a fruit-forward, alcohol-free bubbly crafted from premium New Zealand grapes. This lively, effervescent sparkling wine offers notes of citrus, green apple, and soft stone fruit — delivering the elegance of traditional Brut without the alcohol.
Recommended De-Alcoholized Rose Wine
🌸 Top De-Alcoholized Rosé Wines
- Wölffer Estate Spring in a Bottle Non‑Alcoholic Rosé – ⭐ Crisp, refreshing 0.0% rosé with peach and citrus notes and lively acidity.
- Giesen 0% Rose – New Zealand-style rosé with stone fruit and crisp cranberry flavors — an everyday drinker choice.
- Misty Cliffs Rosé Dealcoholized Wine – Well-rated still rosé with balanced fruit and refreshing acidity.
- French Bloom Le Rosé, 0.0% Alcohol-Free Sparkling Wine, 750ml – Certified Organic – sparkling and beautiful!
Non-Alcoholic Wine vs. De-Alcoholized Wine (What’s the Difference?)
De-alcoholized wine
→ Real wine first, alcohol removed
→ May contain up to 0.5% ABV
→ More traditional wine flavor
Non-alcoholic wine
→ Umbrella term
→ Can be alcohol-removed wine or alcohol-free grape beverage
→ ABV varies (0.0%–0.5%)
Recommended De-Alcoholized White Wines
De-Alcoholized White Wine Picks (Examples & Where to Look)
Some standout whites that show up regularly on best non-alcoholic wine lists include:
- Giesen 0% Sauvignon Blanc – crisp and dry with acidity and low sugar, a well-liked white alternative.
- Noughty Chardonnay – Reddit-approved Dealcoholized Non Alcoholic White Wine, Dry.
Non-Alcoholic Spirits (Best Used for Mixing, Not Neat)
Non-alcoholic spirits are best enjoyed mixed, not sipped neat. When paired with citrus, herbs, quality tonics, and sparkling water, they can create incredibly satisfying mocktails.
Popular styles include:
Bourbon-style bases for Old Fashioned-inspired mocktails
Tequila-style alternatives for Margaritas and Palomas
Rum-style spirits for tropical or spiced drinks
Botanical spirits for gin-style mocktails with tonic
✨ Glow Tip: Focus on balance — acidity, bitterness, herbs, and bubbles elevate NA spirits beautifully.
Reddit-Inspired Non-Alcoholic Spirits
Here’s a Reddit-inspired list of top non-alcoholic spirits that people in r/Mocktails, r/cocktails, and other sober-curious communities recommend for mocktail mixing — plus a few crowd favorites that pop up repeatedly in discussions and reviews. These spirits are ones folks actually talk about using (with both pros and cons noted from real Reddit threads).
🥃 Whiskey & Bourbon-Style Bases (Great for Old Fashioned-Style or Sour Mocktails)
- Spiritless Kentucky 74 Non‑Alcoholic Bourbon – One of the most often recommended NA bourbons on Reddit for mocktail bases like NA Old Fashioneds. Folks say it’s smoother and closer to a bourbon feel than many others. Reddit
- Free Spirits The Spirit of Bourbon – Another highly rated bourbon-style spirit that many Redditors suggest when they want rich, warm mocktails. Reddit
🍸 Tequila & Rum Alternatives (For Margaritas, Palomas, Mojitos)
- Free Spirits The Spirit of Tequila – A tequila-style option frequently praised in Reddit discussions as one of the closest tequila-style NA spirits for mocktail Margaritas and Palomas. Reddit
- Ritual Rum Alternative – Often recommended for rum-style mocktails like Dark & Stormies or tropical blends (Ritual’s rum is one of the more convincing NA rums per Reddit threads). Reddit
🌿 Botanical & Contemporary Spirit Bases (Great With Tonic, Soda, Citrus)
- De Soi Spritz Italiano – A standout aperitif-style NA spirit that’s very popular for spritzes and aperitivo-inspired mocktails due to its citrus and bitter balance. Reddit
- Seedlip Spice 94 – Classic botanical NA spirit for gin-like mocktails; Reddit drinkers bring this one up often as a simple, versatile base. Reddit
Glow Note:
Taste is personal — and science agrees. Our taste buds adapt over time, meaning the flavors we crave (and notice) shift when alcohol is removed. While non-alcoholic spirits aren’t meant to perfectly mimic alcoholic cocktails, many come surprisingly close in mixed drinks. Give your palate a little time, and you may find you don’t miss the alcohol at all.✨
Artisan Syrups from Sonoma Syrup Company (A Sonoma Story)
As someone who lives in Sonoma, California, I have a deep appreciation for brands that honor the land, the seasons, and the people behind what we consume. Sonoma Syrup Company is one of those brands.
Made right here in Sonoma County, these artisan syrups are crafted in small batches using real fruits, herbs, and botanicals, with a focus on simplicity and integrity. The flavors feel true — never artificial or overly sweet — making them a natural fit for wellness-inspired mocktails and mindful sipping.
What I love most is how effortlessly they elevate a drink while still keeping it clean and balanced. A small splash adds depth and character without overpowering the natural ingredients in your glass.
They pair beautifully with:
- Sparkling or mineral water
- Fresh citrus juice
- Garden herbs like rosemary or mint
- Alcohol-free spirits and wine alternatives
✨ Glow Tip: Think of these syrups as a gentle accent, not the star — just enough to enhance your mocktail while staying aligned with a feel-good, alcohol-free lifestyle.
Recommended Sonoma Syrup Flavors:
- Sonoma Syrup Company Lavender Syrup –
- Sonoma Syrup Co. Meyer Lemon Infused Simple Syrup
- Sonoma Syrup Company Pomegranate Grenadine
- Sonoma Syrup Company White Ginger Syrup
- Sonoma Syrup Company Classic Simple Syrup
Simple Everyday Sips for Dry January
Not every Dry January drink needs to be fancy. These easy options are perfect for weeknights:
- Sparkling water with lemon, lime, or grapefruit
- Pomegranate juice with sparkling water, ice, and a lime wedge
- Herbal teas (peppermint, chamomile, ginger)
- Iced green tea with citrus
- Kombucha (if it works for your body)
- Coconut water with a splash of juice
- Botanical syrup and sparkling water
- Easy mocktail recipes
Having a few go-to options stocked makes Dry January drinking effortless. For more easy ideas you can rotate all month, explore my Dry January Drinks collection.
Dry January Drinking Tips That Actually Help
If cravings pop up, remember this: they will pass.
A few gentle strategies:
- Sip something sparkling when cravings hit
- Change your environment (a short walk works wonders)
- Pour your NA drink immediately when you get home
- Focus on the ritual — glassware, garnish, moment
- How to Prepare for Dry January: A Simple, Glow-Worthy Guide From a Health Coach
Dry January isn’t about willpower. It’s about support, preparation, and having something delicious ready to pour.
Dry January Drink FAQS
Mocktails, sparkling drinks, and non-alcoholic wine are some of the best replacements because they preserve the ritual and satisfaction of drinking — not just the flavor. When a drink feels intentional, cravings tend to soften.
Yes — most people include non-alcoholic wine during Dry January. Just check the label. Some are 0.0% alcohol, while de-alcoholized wines may contain up to 0.5% ABV. For wellness-focused Dry January goals, many people choose what feels best for their body and intentions.
De-alcoholized wine starts as real wine and has the alcohol removed, often creating a more wine-like flavor. Non-alcoholic wine is a broader term that can include alcohol-removed wine or grape-based alternatives. Always check the ABV on the label for clarity.
Yes. Cravings are often tied to habit and routine, not just alcohol itself. Replacing your usual drink with a flavorful mocktail, sparkling beverage, or NA wine helps preserve the ritual, which research shows can significantly reduce cravings over time.
Many people enjoy kombucha during Dry January, but it may contain trace amounts of alcohol (usually under 0.5% ABV). If you’re aiming for 0.0%, choose brands labeled alcohol-free or opt for sparkling water with citrus instead.
Great Dry January options include:
A mocktail or alcohol-free cocktail
Sparkling water with lime or bitters
Non-alcoholic wine or beer (if available)
Tonic with citrus and herbs
Most bars are happy to create something alcohol-free if you ask.
Absolutely. Dry January isn’t about perfection — it’s about awareness. Even reducing alcohol intake for a few weeks can improve sleep, digestion, mood, and energy. A flexible, curiosity-based approach is often more sustainable and empowering.
Try These Glow-Worthy Dry January Mocktails
If you’re looking for inspiration, start here:
- Easy Holiday Mocktails
- Fruity Mocktail Recipes
- Blueberry Mojito Mocktail (Fresh, Minty & Alcohol-Free)
- Sparkling Mocktails
- Family-Friendly Mocktails
These recipes are designed to make your Dry January feel joyful and delicious. If you’re navigating Dry January through parties or celebrations, you’ll also love my Holiday Mocktails.
GLOW NOTES
Whether you’re fully committing to Dry January or simply going dry for January to reset after the holidays, the drinks you choose can transform the experience. With a little preparation and a few glow-worthy sips, this month can feel nourishing, empowering, and surprisingly fun.
I’m cheering you on every step of the way.
Here’s to health!
Sherie ✨
Certified Holistic Nutrition Consultant
