Updated December 2020
Alcohol consumption was trending down for years in the US before the pandemic and more people than ever are looking for healthy alternatives to booze. The pandemic has influenced consumption patterns, causing some people to drink more at home and others to break their "night-out" heavy consumption habits. Whether you are trying #DryJanuary, cutting back for personal reasons, or being mindful of what you put into your body, it is easier than ever to find great non-alcoholic drinks. Here are a few of our top pics:
For the home mixologist
If you like experimenting with different flavors, consider investing in a soda stream and a set of cocktail bitters. We love the Hella Cocktails Eucalyptus flavor. Add the bitters to plain seltzer with a squeeze of citrus or mix it up with more nuanced drinks like recoup Cucumber + Lemon + Ginger. Garnishes like mint sprigs, sea salt, or candied ginger can add dimension and a little flourish to your creations.
In search of a non-alcoholic spirit to spice up your creations? We love the Seedlip Garden 108. It's bright, herbaceous and uplifting. It pairs well with seltzer and soda or other mixers you might pair with a gin.
For the workaholic
Look for drinks with uplifting flavors that can perk you up while also taking a bit of the edge off. Caffeine can leave you jittery and isn't a great option if you tend to get stressed with work. Try a non-caffeinated tea with adaptogens to help manage stress levels. Harney & Sons had some great options, including their Golden Milk Glimmer. It has ginger (which we love) and other adaptogens as well as coconut and black pepper.
If you want to increase your focus, try an herbal peppermint tea. Peppermint has been shown to help memory and attention span. It's another great caffeine-free option that can help if you are working into the night.
For the athlete
If you work out regularly, try a non-alcoholic beverage or mocktail that helps tend to those sore muscles. recoup is a plant-powered hydration and health drink. Every bottle has 2 teaspoons of organic ginger, the amount clinically proven to promote post-workout muscle recovery. The product combines perky organic ginger with juice and hydrating maple water for a taste that is sophisticated enough to replace your favorite cocktail but refreshing enough to drink after a home spin class. With flavors like Watermelon + Blood Orange + Ginger and Pineapple + Coconut + Ginger you can get a taste of vacation without leaving the house. Ginger also promotes immunity, so it's the perfect drink to keep you feeling your best, even after a cold winter run or run to the store. Check out their delicious mocktail recipes for a little Dry January inspiration.
For the night owl
You may be used to having a glass of wine to “wind down” at the end of a long day. Consider a drink that can help your natural melatonin production like tart cherry juice or a supplement to relive stress like Moon Juice Dream Dust. These supplements use adaptogens, including Ashwagandha and Chamomile, which have been shown to relive tension and promote deep rest.
For the home-brewer
I have personally experienced mixed success with "make your own kombucha kits," so I recommend this only to people who have predictable schedules and apartment heating that isn’t controlled by your pre-war building. (As I’m writing this it is 82 degrees in my apartment and the windows are open.) Brewing your own kombucha is a fun experiement and will definitely give you an appreciation of the craft. Try this DIY kit from Brooklyn-based Farm Steady.
Have any awesome alcohol-free recipes to share or #Dryuary tips? Send along to info@recoupbeverage.com