Tips to Get Through Dry January (and Beyond)

5 mins

From setting reminders on your phone to discovering new dining spots, these nine tips from founder of Drink Dry, Erica Doyle will have you breezing through Dry January and who knows, maybe even creating a lifestyle that lasts all of 2025

Dry January isn’t just about skipping alcohol for a month, it’s an opportunity to reset, refocus, and discover a new way of enjoying life. And now that we’re more than halfway through, you might be feeling the benefits or wondering how to keep up the momentum.

As the founder of Drink Dry, the UAE’s first premium non-alcoholic drinks marketplace, I’ve spent years immersed in the world of mindful drinking. Trust me when I say it’s not about restriction but about opening doors to new experiences. Here are my top tips for getting through the rest of January, and even making mindful drinking a part of your life beyond it. 

Flip the Script: Focus on Gains, Not Losses

Rather than thinking about what you’re giving up, focus on what you’re gaining. Better sleep? Check. Clearer skin? Absolutely. Waking up without a foggy head and a guilty conscience? Priceless. Every day you skip alcohol is a step toward feeling better, stronger, and more in control. Celebrate those wins, whether it’s crushing your morning workout or realising you’re saving money by skipping expensive cocktails.

woman stretching and smiling waking up in bed. Idea that you sleep better and wake up feeling well during Dry January

Stock Up on the Good Stuff 

Non-alcoholic options have come a long way. Forget sugary mocktails or boring soda water. Today, brands like Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0 and Corona Cero deliver all the sophistication and flavour of their alcoholic counterparts without the booze. At Drink Dry, we’ve curated a range of world-class non-alcoholic beverages to ensure you never feel like you’re missing out. Whether it’s pairing a crisp alcohol-free white wine with seafood or enjoying a craft non-alcoholic beer during game night, the right drink can transform any occasion.

Get Clear on Your ‘Why

What made you start Dry January? Is it about better health? Setting an example for your kids? Breaking habits that no longer serve you? Whatever your reason, keep it front and center. Write it down. Set reminders on your phone. Tell a friend who can hold you accountable. Your ‘why’ is your anchor, and it’ll keep you grounded when temptation strikes.

Reinvent Socialising 

Who says socialising has to revolve around alcohol? The UAE’s hospitality scene is embracing the mindful drinking movement, with restaurants and bars offering curated alcohol-free cocktails and beverage menus. Host a mocktail party, explore new dining spots, or suggest activities that don’t involve drinking—like hiking, escape rooms, or trying a new workout class with friends. You’ll be surprised how fun it is to explore life outside the bar scene.

Be Kind to Yourself 

Slip-ups happen. Had a glass of wine at dinner? Don’t let it derail your progress. The goal is progress, not perfection. Every alcohol-free day is a win, so focus on the journey and not the occasional detours.

Get Creative with Your Drinks 

Make staying alcohol-free exciting by experimenting with your own creations. Try fresh juices, herbs, and spices to craft mocktails that rival any cocktail. Pair alcohol-free wines or beers with meals to elevate your dining experience. Making mindful drinking fun and engaging is half the battle. The more you enjoy it, the easier it becomes to stick with it.

Don’t Stop at January 

Dry January is just the start. What if you took what you’ve learned and carried it forward? Maybe it’s sticking to alcohol-free weekdays, saving drinks for special occasions, or trying zebra striping (alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks). Mindful drinking isn’t about never drinking again, it’s about making intentional choices that align with how you want to feel.

Think Big Picture 

Choosing non-alcoholic drinks isn’t just good for you—it’s good for the planet. Many alcohol-free brands are leading the way in sustainability. At Drink Dry, we partner with brands like Miguel Torres, a winery known for its commitment to fighting climate change. Every choice you make contributes to a larger movement toward ethical, sustainable consumption.

Connect with the Community 

The mindful drinking community is growing every day, and there’s no shortage of inspiration to keep you motivated. Follow alcohol-free brands, connect with like-minded people on social media, and share your journey. Hearing others’ stories and swapping recommendations can make the process feel less daunting and way more fun.

Dry January isn’t just a challenge, it’s an opportunity to reimagine what your life could look like without alcohol. Whether you choose to extend it or simply take the lessons forward, the benefits of mindful drinking are undeniable. With the incredible range of alcohol-free options available today, you don’t have to sacrifice taste, experience, or fun to stay on track.

So, here’s to the rest of January and to discovering a whole new way to live, socialise, and thrive beyond it!

To learn more, visit the drinkdrystore.com

Erica profile shot founder of Drink Dry
Erica Doyle is the founder of the region’s largest alcohol-free platform, Drink Dry
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