If you’ve managed to avoid Dry January for the last few years since it was launched, and have no idea how to approach the next 31 days without a pint of beer in sight, we’ve got you covered. From giving you the low-down on the health benefits to telling you how to kick off the month in style with our list of bars for the best mocktails in London.
The entire month is dedicated to abstaining from alcohol and encouraging people to reduce their consumption of booze for the rest of the year. The campaign kicked off in 2013, with only a couple thousand people signing up, to reaching millions last year. The health benefits are a bonus for many, and the sense of challenge may inspire, but mostly it serves to help people re-evaluate their lifestyle and habits by resetting their relationship with alcohol.
Maybe you’re bored of your drinking routine or perhaps you have become less tolerant over the years and are really feeling the effects on your body in the morning. Perhaps you want a detox after a boozy Christmas and New Year's. Whatever your reasoning, January is a great time to re-evaluate your drinking habits and assess whether reaching for that next glass at wine o’ clock is for pleasure or out of habit.
You can have your Homer Simpson moment, ticking off each Duff-less day on the calendar, and then happily ride off into the sunset, or at least the rest of the year having fulfilled your New Year’s resolution.
Read on to get our tips and tricks for surviving, or even thriving your way through Dry January.
What are the benefits of dry January?
In case you need a reminder why going dry for a bit will do your mind and body some good, you may end the month with a new-found sense of achievement, or find the time to pursue a new hobby, or even just budge some of that leftover Christmas weight.
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Boost your health
The benefits of giving up your weekly tipple are numerous, with results ranging from saving money to better skin. Giving up alcohol can also help you to stop snoring, or at least get a better night’s sleep. According to research by the University of Sussex, two thirds of people taking part in Dry January reported increased levels of energy. Losing weight is also a huge motivation for many; it’s crazy to think how many calories a pint of beer has, equivalent to a packet of crisps. Exercising self-control by abstaining from booze can also be applied to other aspects of your life, like going to the gym or eating better. Giving up a couple of nights of boozing each week does add up and your entire body will thank you for it.
Have fun
Just because you’re not drinking doesn’t mean you can’t go out. We can’t deny that a lot of socialising is alcohol-centric, but there are some fantastic alcohol-free breweries and Dry Jan menus full of delicious mocktails that will ensure you’re not left out. You’ll come to realize that you don’t need to depend on liquid confidence to bring out your personality. There are so many activities you can do like clubbercise and morning ragers. But if the sparkling waters and soda options are getting you down, you should definitely celebrate your progress by checking out one of the bars below. You’ll quickly learn that you don’t need alcohol to have fun, relax, or socialise.
How many days in dry January?
It only takes three weeks to break a habit or form a new one. Practicing mindfulness for a month helps you make better decisions for the rest of the year. Even if you don’t become teetotal forever, you’ll do yourself a solid by learning how to say no to that extra drink.
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There are 31 days of the challenge, but fret not, because you’ll still be able to go out. After the month is up you don’t have to cut out drinking forever, but many previous participants tend to drink a bit less up to six months later, according to the University of Sussex. If you do decide to drink again, you’ll savour the taste, but also be able to appreciate it a bit more and perhaps avoid slipping into drinking more than you want to.
According to YouGov, more than 80% of people felt more in control and thought more deeply about their alcohol consumption after finishing the challenge. Most people just do the challenge for 31 days, but that doesn’t stop you from taking the benefits into the rest of the year. Plus you’ll have an amazing sense of achievement to be proud of. That’s 31 days of being a badass at resisting temptation. You can do it.
How to start Dry January
Now that you’ve decided that it’s worth taking on the Dry Jan challenge, we’ve prepared some advice for your journey to slimmer waistlines and more energy. We aren’t just abandoning you at the start line; we’re here for you from beginning to end, with lots of great alcohol-free cocktails in between to keep you going.
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You don’t need to cancel all social engagements for the month or hide yourself away – the whole point of the challenge is to, well, challenge yourself. Can you turn down a drink? You’ll be surprised how strong your willpower is. Take it one day at a time, think of it as small hurdles rather than a daunting month. It’s a reset, a refresh to start off the year in a positive way after a boozy Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Get your friends, colleagues, family, anyone to join and you can all support each other every step of the way. You can find a new hobby to invest your time in and keep your mind off drinking. Sign up for that charity run, or do some yoga. If you’re more of a partier, you can go to sober discos, early morning raves, and try alcohol-free pairing menus. Get excited for fresher mornings and more energy.
How to survive Dry January
Getting started is the easy part – what you will find most difficult about Dry January is making it to the end of the month. You might be tested throughout January by friends asking you to drink or cravings for booze, but follow our advice below and everything should be just fine.
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Don’t sweat it if you slip up at any point. It can be hard and drinking on one or two days of the challenge doesn’t mean you’ve wasted the month. Just remember that not drinking doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time. Taking part doesn’t mean you can’t still go to the pub; there are some amazing non-alcoholic cocktails and beers on offer these days.
Hold yourself accountable in whatever way you feel comfortable, whether that’s through an app, social media, or just talking about it with people also doing Dry January. Continue going out as normal as there’s no reason to stay in – our list of recommendations down below will have you sorted. Celebrate the weekly milestones by treating yourself to a mocktail. Try alcohol-free versions of your fave drinks, that are arguably tastier, and don’t have any side effects. Plus with millions of people in the UK participating each year, you’ll be bound to meet some fellow teetotallers to bond over a Virgin Mojito with.
London's best bars for mocktails
Bars have really stepped up their game when it comes to alcohol-free drinks, so you can still relax and unwind from a stressful day, or be able to celebrate a birthday without stressing about being tempted by the booze. Below are our top recommendations for great nights out on the town, without a hangover or boring lime soda in sight.
Hakkasan, Mayfair and Hanway Place
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Why: Hakkasan’s Orchard List features nearly 30 drinks without alcohol, that take inspiration from ancient Asian recipes and techniques. With nine categories, ranging from bittered juice infusions to tree waters, this is an entirely novel experience, which took years of research and development to perfect. It’s no wonder the restaurant received a gold award from us.
Where: 17 Bruton Street, W1J 6QB; 8 Hanway Place, W1T 1HD
Nightjar, City
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Why: Critically acclaimed speakeasy bar Nightjar is an easy win for Dry January with a load of great low-alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks in true prohibition style. Try the homemade Galangar beer or Pura Sangre featuring Seedlip, freshly squeezed grapefruit, and rosemary tonic. They also do bespoke drinks if you fancy challenging the bartenders.
Where: 129 City Road, EC1V 1JB
Lyaness, South Bank
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Why: Lyaness is a unique mixology experience with a chef’s approach to unusual ingredients. Quirky and innovative drinks such as Golden Levain and vegan Purple Pineapple are booze-less lessons in doing cocktail hour right.
Where: 20 Upper Ground, South Bank, SE1 9PD
The Coral Room, Bloomsbury
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Why: Immerse yourself in the glamourous, 1920’s art deco atmosphere of The Coral Room where you will find cocktails inspired by locations in England, such as Living in Coral containing Seedlip Spice 94, pineapple and earl grey tea, and coconut water.
Where: 16-22 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3NN
The Exhibit, Balham
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Why: With a dedicated menu of booze-free mocktails complementing this cosy cinema spot, The Exhibit is a must for Dry Jan challengers who want to kick back after a long day, but not lose their way. You can still have bubbly Prosecco sans alcohol, a fresh berry Mockito, or a zingy homemade lavender lemonade.
Where: 12 Balham Station Road, SW12 9SG
Anise, City
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Why: Anise’s cool cocktail lounge is a go-to hotspot for intriguing flavour combinations with an Indian take on the classics. Try the Tamarind Soda or the caramelised Tomato Lassi for savoury notes.
Where: 9 Devonshire Square, EC2M 4YL
William IV, Kensal Green
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Why: This classic pub has a selection of booze-free beers so you don’t have to miss out on the Sunday pub lunch at William IV.
Where: 786 Harrow Road, NW10 5JX
Fancy a bonus challenge? Why not check out our guide to Veganuary too.