So you want to try Dry January. Welcome, and join the club: You’re now part of a growing trend of people reimagining how they drink, forging new ways to socialize, and stirring up tastebud-thrilling, non-alcoholic cocktails that are totally redefining the experience.
Case in point, Seedlip: a collection of non-alcoholic spirits in four delicious botanical flavors. To show you how to shake it up this January, we secured a cocktail expert and a registered dietitian to help you chart your month of mindful drinking—all with a side of carefully crafted, Seedlip non-alcoholic cocktail recipes on tap.
“For me, it’s less about restriction and more about giving myself the space to experiment and enjoy flavorful, intentional drinks that don’t rely on alcohol,” says cocktail recipe developer Evie Negri-Albert.
Below, get insights and recipes from Negri-Albert and Cara Harbstreet, MS, RD, LD to help guide you through the month, week by week.
Week 1 (Jan. 1-7): Set your intentions
The first week of Dry January is all about setting the stage. This is your time to reflect on why you’re embracing more moderation and connect to your intentions. “Get clear on your motivations,” Harbstreet says. “Set realistic goals that feel attainable and sustainable.”
Week One is also a great time to shift your usual routine. Switch up your evening glass of wine with a new ritual, like crafting a crisp Seedlip non-alcoholic cocktail with Seedlip Garden 108 and refreshing cucumber and celery. Take this week to experiment with small changes, reflect on how they make you feel, and embrace the opportunity to try something new.
Week 2 (Jan. 8-14): Get creative with non-alcoholic drinks
By Week Two, you’re likely finding your rhythm. This is the time to get creative with non-alcoholic cocktails and turn your drink-making routine into a fun and flavorful experience.
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“At the heart of it all, it’s about finding a balance between the components of any great drink that has a level of complexity to it, and I like to think of it in the way that our tongue processes flavor: sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and umami,” Negri-Albert says. “I think about texture, [and] I think about the all-encompassing sensory experience that has a huge part in the drinking experience.”
Seedlip’s non-alcoholic spirits offer endless possibilities, whether you’re craving something earthy (Garden 108), warming (Spice 94), or refreshingly light (Notas de Agave). Take this week to test a few recipes and let your creativity flag fly with garnishes like fresh herbs and citrus peels.
Week 3 (Jan. 15-21): Connect with others
The halfway point of Dry January presents a lull—and thus the opportunity to dial up your friend hangouts. “Introducing your favorite [non-alcoholic] recipes to friends and family can be a simple way to connect and socialize,” says Harbstreet.
Negri-Albert agrees—and notes that non-alcoholic spirits can offer you and your guests a completely complex, satisfying mixology experience. “The care and creativity that go into making non-alcoholic [spirits] are just as intricate as those used for alcoholic versions,” she says. “It’s about celebrating the craft and creating something that feels special, no matter what’s in your glass.”
Week 4 (Jan. 22-31): Celebrate and keep it fun
As you approach the finish line of Dry January, reflect on your mindful-drinking journey and all of the moments (and perfectly crafted non-alcoholic cocktails) you’ve enjoyed. “At the end of it all, it’s about making drinks without an ego,” Negri-Albert says. “It’s all about keeping it real, having fun, and maybe showing off just a little bit.”
Whether it’s your new favorite Seedlip non-alcoholic cocktail or a moment to toast your journey with friends, allow yourself to savor newfound little pleasures—not just this January, but all year long.