Dry January: 3 Refreshing Mocktail Recipes and the Benefits of Abstaining from Alcohol

If you're participating in Dry January, you already know that giving up alcohol can be a challenge; it's important to remember that there are many benefits to abstaining from alcohol, even if it's just for a month.

Some of the benefits of participating in Dry January include the following:

  1. Health

    Alcohol is a known contributor to several health problems, including liver disease, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer. By abstaining from alcohol, even for just one month, you can reduce your risk of developing these conditions and improve your overall health.

  2. Reset

    Resetting your relationship with alcohol: Many people find that they drink more than they would like to or drink to cope with stress or negative emotions. Taking a break from alcohol can help you reassess your relationship with it and consider whether you want to continue drinking at the same level.

  3. Save money

    Alcohol is often expensive, and giving it up for a month can free up a significant amount of money that can be used for other purposes.

You can get many benefits from Dry January, but you want to remember that it's still possible to have fun and enjoy yourself while going alcohol-free. There are great mocktails you can try and create for great flavor and offer up a bit of sophistication for non-alcoholic drinks. Here are three refreshing mocktail recipes to try when cutting out alcohol:

At a bar, order a Virgin Mojito. Most bars can whip this up. You can also do it from home.

You'll need the following:

  • club soda

  • lime juice

  • sugar

  • fresh mint

  • ice

  • optional: lime for garnish

Recipe:

Combine 1/2 cup of club soda, 1/4 cup of lime juice, 1/4 cup of sugar, and a handful of mint leaves in a blender. Blend until the sugar is dissolved and the mint is finely chopped. Pour the mixture over ice and garnish with a slice of lime.

Virgin Sangria, is great for a gathering at home since it requires a little prep.

You'll need the following:

  • orange juice

  • cranberry juice

  • apple juice

  • lemon juice

  • sliced fruit (apples, oranges, and berries)

Recipe: Combine 1 cup of orange juice, 1 cup of cranberry juice, 1 cup of apple juice, 1/2 cup of lemon juice, and a handful of sliced fruit (oranges, berries, and apples) in a pitcher. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving over ice.

Fresh Strawberry Lemonade is great for reminding you that summer is on the way (no matter how far away it is).

You'll need the following:

  • strawberries

  • lemon juice

  • sugar

  • ice

Recipe: Combine 1 cup of strawberries, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of lemon juice, and 1 cup of water in a blender. Blend until smooth and strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds. Pour the mixture over ice and garnish with a slice of lemon.

We hope these mocktail recipes help make your Dry January a success! Remember to focus on the benefits of abstaining from alcohol and to find other ways to have fun and enjoy yourself.

Leaura LucianoComment