Many people take part in a Dry January challenge after all the holiday season partying is over. Taking a break from alcohol has many mental and physical benefits. Enjoy feeling refreshed and focused while you give your liver a chance to detox. Being sober for a month might seem intimidating, but you can still enjoy celebrations while cutting alcohol from your diet. Here are some “mocktails” that won’t make you give up on your Dry January goals.
Saratoga Buck
The Saratoga Buck is a tropical drink that will help chase away the winter blues. This drink will satisfy the cravings for a refreshing and fizzy drink. If you love a Moscow Mule, you will appreciate the inclusion of ginger ale and lime juice in this tasty mocktail.
Ingredients
• 2 oz ginger ale
• 3 oz seltzer or club soda
• 1 half a lime
• 1 spring of mint
• 1 tablespoon guava jelly
Instructions
1. Juice a lime and add it to a cocktail mixer with the ginger ale and guava jelly.
2. Shake thoroughly and strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
3. Add your seltzer water and stir gently.
4. Garnish with mint.
Warm Apple Cider
Warm apple cider is perfect for when you are craving a hot toddy. The apple flavor and mild spice will keep you warm on cold January nights. Make a big batch and keep warm on the stove for parties.
Ingredients
• 6 cups apple cider
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1 orange
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 6 whole cloves
• 1 lemon peel
Instructions
1. Pour the apple cider, maple syrup, and juice from the orange into a large pot.
2. Place cinnamon sticks, cloves, an orange and lemon peel into a cheesecloth and tie into a bundle.
3. Drop the spice bundle into your cider.
4. Heat your mixture on medium low heat until cider is warm (not boiling) for 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Remove the spice bundle and serve in mugs.
Winter Sangria
Make a flavorful punch containing the best parts of sangria, the fruit and fresh flavors. Serve at a dinner party or make a big batch to enjoy by yourself.
Ingredients
• 1 cup sweetened cranberry juice
• 3/4 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 apple
• 1 orange
• 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
• 1 cup apple juice
• 24 ounces sparkling white grape juice
Instructions
1. Place ½ cup of cranberry juice and the cranberries in a sauce pan over medium heat, and simmer until the cranberries pop and the liquid thickens.
2. Chop remaining fruit into bite sized pieces and place in a pitcher.
3. Stir pomegranate juice, apple juice, and cranberry mixture into pitcher.
4. Let your mixture rest for at least two hours.
5. Mix in sparkling grape juice and ice before serving.
Hipster
Mocktails have a reputation for being extremely sweet, but this recipe is perfect for people who love bitter cocktails like martinis or gin and tonics. The Hipster is acidic yet refreshing and it provides a boost of energy from the caffeine.
Ingredients
• 1 Earl Grey tea bag
• ¼ cup warm water
• ¼ of an orange
• 3/4 oz lemon juice
• Spoonful of chili jelly
• 1 tablespoon hibiscus water
• 1 small pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Steep the Earl Grey tea bag in water for one minute before discarding. Let the water cool until warm.
2. Add tea and all other ingredients to a cocktail strainer and shake thoroughly.
3. Strain into a glass and serve.
Ginger Peach Kombucha
Fermented kombucha tea contains gut healthy probiotics without the alcohol. This fizzy drink is sweet and spicy and definitely packs a punch.
Ingredients
• 1 cup frozen sliced peaches
• ½ cup water
• 1 Tbs honey
• ¼ inch sliced and peeled ginger root
• 12 oz ginger kombucha
• ½ cup club soda
Instructions
1. Combine peaches, ½ cup water, honey, and ginger root in a blender and puree until smooth.
2. Mix together the kombucha and club soda.
3. Pour one inch of peach mixture into glass and top off with the kombucha mixture.
4. Add a couple ice cubes and stir lightly.
Having a variety of complex and enjoyable mocktails will help cut back on alcohol cravings and improve your overall health. Almost any kitchen ingredient can be used to create a well-crafted mocktail that balances a variety of flavors. These recipes will satisfy a group of party guests while you sit back, relax and enjoy your evening.
