Are you giving Dry January a try this month? Whatever your reasons for taking a break from alcohol, you’re not alone.
“A lot of people promise to get healthier in the New Year, so cutting out booze fits right in,” says Daniel Passafiume, owner of Daniel James Recovery Coaching and co-host of Recovery Chatter podcast. “Plus, everyone’s doing it together, which makes it easier. It also helps save some bucks after spending a lot over Christmas. And, it gets you thinking about how much you drink and why.”
Passafiume, a New Jersey resident who himself has 6+ years in recovery, said the best way to make a change is to start with clear goals. He says to find support through friends, replace drinking with healthy habits like exercise or hobbies, stay away from places where you may be tempted, and even try sugar-free grape juice which has similar benefits to red wine.
There are also other methods, like being “sober curious,” where you think about your relationship with alcohol, or even Damp January, where you reduce your alcohol consumption for the month.
“Take it one day at a time and keep track of all the days you go without a drink,” Passafiume says. “If you slip up, don’t be too hard on yourself; just get back on track.”
If you want to quit drinking for good, consider seeking a professional who understands the situation, he says. Whether you started on January 1 or are starting on a Monday or you’re starting today, here’s some inspo to have fun sans alcohol.
Get the body moving. Exercise is a great way to get your endorphins flowing. Go for a hike, walk around your neighborhood, grab some friends for a pickleball game or try a winter activity like skiing, snowtubing, snowboarding or ice skating.
Flex your mental health. Yoga and meditation are fantastic ways to relax the mind and body. Forest bathing levels up mindfulness, as you tap into your senses in nature. Try a full moon meditation to get the most out of energy clearing. When all else fails, go for a massage, facial or try reflexology.
Get creative. Eclectic Chic Boutique in Montclair offers a variety of sewing, knitting and crocheting classes for people of all ages and experience levels.
Learn something new. Tap into the gems at your local library or look into continuing education classes in your town. Visit a museum or go exploring at Adventure Aquarium or Battleship NJ.
Take a walk. Check out a downtown or boardwalk. Taking in the fresh air will keep your mind and body busy, even in the winter.
Take a swing. Whether you go to an indoor golf simulator, an indoor mini golf spot, or a venue like Adventure Crossing USA or TopGolf, you can feel like you’re on the golf course in the thick of winter. We also love axe throwing.
Unlock your competitive nature. Supercharged and RPM Raceway have fun courses where you can put speed to the test while driving go-karts.
There are lots of restaurants that offer virgin cocktails. Shannon Rose Irish Pub in Clifton and Ramsey has a sparkling lemonade, mocktail mule and faux jito.
Brunchaholics in Cherry Hill has a separate mocktail menu for kids but we think it looks pretty amazing for any age.
Crystal Springs Resort has its own mixologist, Dan Danovsky, who makes non-alcoholic cocktails using tequila, whiskey and beer alternatives for the esteemed Restaurant Latour, as well as the Crystal Tavern and Springs Bistro restaurants located at Grand Cascades Lodge.
Forgotten Boardwalk Brewing Company of Cherry Hill offers Hopped Water, available as an India Pale Ale alternative. It has no alcohol, no calories, no sugar and no carbs, but plenty of hoppy flavor.
Wurstbar in Jersey City serves meat and vegetarian sausages and hot dogs, and you can order non-alcoholic beer from Industrial Arts Brewing in Beacon, NY; or Athletic Brewing Company in Milford, CT. (They sell alcohol here, too).
Seraphim Social Beverage was founded by Spring Lake entrepreneur Stephanie Bricken, who created non-alcoholic blends made with organic berries, herbs and botanicals brewed like tea. They come in Pure Blend Cacao and Pure Blend Cassia. She is holding a special tasting at Bell Works in Holmdel on January 11.
Total Wine & More in West Orange will hold A Toast to Dry January class on January 12 where you can sample zero-proof drink choices while learning about mocktail ingredients.
There are lots of pretty tea rooms throughout NJ where you can sip on some herbal tea paired with a scone.
Red Bank is holding its first-ever Cocoa Crawl on January 20.
Want to make a mocktail at home? Try these simple recipes:
Orange-Cranberry Spritzer: Orange juice, cranberry juice, ginger ale
Ginger Peach Mojito Mocktail: One peach, candied ginger, mint leaves, lime juice, ginger beer (non-alcoholic)
Pina Colada: Pineapple juice, cream of coconut, crushed ice, maraschino cherries
Shirley Temple: Simple syrup, cherry syrup, lemon-lime soda, limeade, ice, maraschino cherries
Sweater-Weather Sangria: Sparkling white grape juice, ginger beer, ice, fruit for garnish
Strawberry-Jalapeno Non-Arita: Water, strawberry preserves, sugar, jalapeno, kosher salt, lime juice, ice
Check out our Instagram page for alcohol-free options from Seraphim and Bar Bella.
Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram!
Read More:
How to Talk to Your Kids About the Dangers of Tobacco and Alcohol Use
50+ Things to Do Indoors in New Jersey
