“Dry January represents a fresh start, an experiment to try life without alcohol, and a lesson on true self-care and nourishment,” says Karolina Rzadkowolska, author of Euphoric: Ditch Alcohol and Gain a Happier, More Confident You. “As we value mindfulness and healthy living, it’s no wonder we’re finally re-evaluating whether alcohol fits into that conscious lifestyle.”
And beyond the health benefits, Rzadkowolska notes, is the “chance to get to know yourself better, and what really makes you happy. More and more people are realizing alcohol is not allowing them to be or feel like their best selves—weekend drinkers, social drinkers, glass-of-wine-a-day drinkers—and they’re speaking up about it. It’s no longer about how much you drink and whether or not you have a ‘problem.’ Let’s face it—no one feels their best after drinking. It’s just science.”
Rzadkowolska notes, “Studies show that just five weeks off lowers participants’ cancer markers, cholesterol, blood pressure, weight and cortisol levels. It will essentially heal and cleanse your body, giving you more energy and less stress.”
Whether you take the challenge this month, or simply shoot for more balance between cocktails and mocktails, here are two delicious alcohol-free recipes, from two great alcohol-free brands that you’ll want to try.
Ritual Proof Apple Cider Spiced Rum
With a classic apple cider base, warming spices, fresh citrus, and non-alcoholic rum, the flavors in this mocktail from Ritual Proof Zero culminate into the sips that are both warming and refreshing. Think winter, but in Florida.
2 cups apple cider
3 ounces Ritual Rum Alternative
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cinnamon sticks
1 large orange
1 teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for rim (optional)
sage leaf for garnish (optional)
Add apple cider, Ritual Rum Alternative, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and cinnamon sticks to a pitcher or extra-large cocktail mixer with ice and stir. Slice the orange in half and run the inside of the orange along the rim of two Old Fashioned glasses. Dip the wet rim into cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice (this step is optional). Squeeze the fresh orange juice into your mocktail and serve in a prepared glass with ice. Garnish with sage (optional) and enjoy it cold!
For Bitter For Worse Smoky Cocoa
Heat up your hot chocolate with some smoke and spice.
2 1/12oz For Bitter For Worse Smoky No. 56
5 oz oak milk
1T cocoa powder
1T coconut sugar
Warm the oak milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Combine coconut sugar and cocoa powder into a mug and stir/whisk in Smoky No.56 until it forms a smooth paste. Stream in the hot milk and stir until smooth. Optional topping of cashew whipped cream or another dairy substitute. –Sandra Ramani (See “Going Dry,” on organicspamagazine.com)