The New Dry January
As the new year begins each January, millions of people around the world press pause on drinking alcohol as part of Dry January. This movement was created in 2013 by the UK-based charity “Alcohol Change UK”, set as a one-month health reset after the indulgences of the holiday season. Dry January has since evolved into something much bigger. What started as a short-term challenge has evolved into a broader conversation around wellness, beyond the month of January.
Today, many people practice mindful drinking year-round to cultivate intention, moderation, and balance. This includes drinking less or only during special occasions, and some have even been inspired to stop drinking altogether. The benefits of this include improved sleep, increased energy, and enhanced focus. However, the craft and taste of cocktails don’t have to be a lost art. Non-alcoholic beverages, also known as “mocktails”, are a great alternative that is quickly gaining popularity. Increasingly, restaurants are adding this alternative to their drink menus. There is a social side to drinking that is difficult to sacrifice, and now the sober experience no longer has to feel like “missing out.”
Zero-Proof, Full Experience
Luckily, this healthy lifestyle is quickly becoming a norm, as more restaurants are offering a delicious mocktail menu, including some of our favorite travel spots. The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel in Costa Rica offers a fresh take on zero-proof drinking. They shared with us some must-try mocktail recipes to deliver all the flavor and sense of place, without the alcohol.
Garnish: 1 Orange Slice
Garnish: 1 Orange Slice & Mint
Loews Miami Beach and Loews Coral Gables offers Free Spirited by Loews. Inspired by the growing movement toward mindful consumption, the program features an enticing selection of zero-proof and low-ABV beverages, extending beyond the bar to include thoughtfully crafted mocktails available in their catering menus for any celebration.
Ragazzo Spritz – Orange peel infused Lyre’s Italian spritz, Mionetto prosecco – alcohol removed, soda water and fresh orange
La Falsa Palomita – Lyre’s agave blanco, agave, lime juice, Fever Tree grapefruit soda, dehydrated grapefruit
Likewise, our favorite alcoholic brands have joined the movement to provide an equally pleasurable cocktail experience – introducing Empress Gin 1908 0.0 Indigo. The high-quality gin brand is now available alcohol free with recipes to elevate your mocktail experience:
Description: A free-spirited take on our favorite cocktail! Easy to mix and oh-so delicious, it’s the perfect way for anyone to enjoy our botanical recipe.
Ingredients: 2 oz Empress 0.0 Indigo Gin 3 oz Premium Tonic Water Garnish: Grapefruit Slice
Method: Fill a copa glass with ice, add Empress 1908 0.0 Indigo and premium tonic water. Garnish with a grapefruit slice.
Description: Everyone deserves an elegant toast! Sparkling and crisp, our alcohol-free twist on the French 75 is perfect for celebrating any special moment.
Ingredients: 1.5 oz Empress 1908 0.0 Indigo 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice 0.5 oz Simple Syrup Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine, to top Garnish: Lemon Twist
Method: Shake on ice, fine strain into a chilled flute, top with non-alcoholic sparkling wine. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Description: Boasting luxurious texture and a balanced tangy palate, a sip from this non-alcoholic sour is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
2 oz Empress 0.0 Indigo Gin 0.5 oz Simple Syrup 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice Egg White Garnish: Dried Flowers
Method: Add all ingredients to a shaker and dry shake. Shake again with ice. Fine strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with dried flowers.
Whether you’re participating in Dry January or simply exploring a more mindful approach to drinking, these mocktails are a reminder that flavor or joy don’t have to come from alcohol. Your health reset can still be refreshing—no proof required.
