Going dry this January? Stay Spirited with this Survival Guide

Every year, millions of people participate in a dry month, following the overindulgence of the festive season, personal resolutions to encourage healthy habits or to prove to the world that they can give up the booze. Whatever the reason, participating in Dry January can promote longer-term lifestyle changes that are remarkably good for your health and well-being.

In the short term, however, it can be a challenge to get through the month if your usual routine includes unwinding with alcohol. That’s why the good folks at Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Spirits have put together the ultimate guide to surviving a dry month.

There are some remarkable benefits to giving up booze for a month including better sleep and mood, weight-loss, brighter skin and improved immune system.

What is a dry month?

‘Dry month’ is a time where you voluntarily stop drinking alcohol for an entire month - usually as part of a dry month challenge, for charity campaigns, or as a personal resolution to stay off the giggle juice for a while.

A dry month can be sensationally good for your health, with many short and long-term health benefits gained by participating.

Should you participate?

If you’re wondering if you should face the world without booze, there are many compelling health reasons to give it a go. Plus, it’s a great way to moderate consumption without feeling overwhelmed by the thought of skipping alcohol forever.

Participating in a dry month or a dry month challenge is a self-diagnosis sort of thing - perhaps you feel like you’re drinking a little too much lately or have started developing an unhealthy routine - but you should speak with your health professional if you’re highly dependent on alcohol.

Tips to survive Dry January

Make goals (and tell your friends about them):

Setting realistic expectations and goals is a no brainer, but it’s often easier said than done. Try writing them down in a journal or using post-it notes to remind yourself of your intentions. If you’re facing a challenging moment, a journal with all your goals can be a wonderful reminder of how you felt a few days or weeks ago, how your health has changed since ditching the alcohol, and what you really want when you have no urge to drink. Document everything; your skin, mood, energy, and sleep, and tick off each goal you achieve.

Make your goals known to friends and family for an invaluable support system that’ll help keep you on track.

Shake up your routine and find a substitute:

Substitute your favourite drink with a low or no-alcohol alternative. The Lyre’s range of premium non-alcoholic spirits are low in sugar, low in calories, vegan friendly and alcohol free, so you can sip all your favourite tipples in style at home or out and about every day of the week.

Drinking alcohol is often set off by environmental triggers, routines, and habits, so shaking up your routine - even if it’s just a small change like a substitute can help you get through the month a little easier. You might even find you prefer your replacement! The Lyre’s range of non-alcoholic spirits are impossibly crafted to perfection, and by making it a Lyre’s you can recreate over 90% of the worlds most cherished cocktails alcohol free.

Ensure your drink stays dry but your life doesn't with these delicious cocktails or find a local bar or restaurant serving up the world’s most awarded Lyre’s non-alcoholic cocktails with this nifty booze free city guide.

Lyre’s Penicillin

A modern classic with warm, soothing flavours of honey, citrus, ginger, and Lyre’s American Malt. Best served in an old-fashioned glass with fresh cubed ice and ginger to garnish.

Ingredients

• 60ml Lyre’s American Malt
• 15ml honey and ginger syrup
• 15ml lemon juice
• 30ml strong smoky tea

Method

Shake briefly with ice, strain over large ice cubes and serve in an old-fashioned glass.

Lyre’s Amalfi Spritz

A tall refreshing, slightly citrusy beverage.

Ingredients

• 60ml Lyre’s Italian Spritz
• 30ml premium bottle soda water

Method

Add all ingredients in a glass, stir, and fill with fresh cubed ice. Serve in a large or stemless wine glass.

Lyre’s Mojito

What’s no to love about a classic mojito? Serve in a highball glass with a lime wheel and mint sprig.

Ingredients

• 75ml Lyre’s White Cane Spirit
• 30ml lime juice
• 15ml white sugar syrupt
• 8-10 mint leaves
• 30ml soda water

Method

Add all ingredients into the glass, fill with fresh ice cubes, stir, add soda and garnish.

To discover Lyre’s full range of impossibly crafted premium non-alcoholic spirits and recipe inspiration, visit lyres.co.za, Facebook and Instagram. Lyre’s is now available at selected Tops at Spar outlets, via Takealot and premium cocktail bars and restaurants.

Did you know?

Over 8 million British people and over 30 percent citizens in the United States will participate in Dry January.

According to industry experts, this year, nearly 1 in 5 adults are participating in Dry January, up from 13 percent who said the same in 2021. The share rises to over a quarter (27 percent) for millennials, a generational difference that is more pronounced compared with last year, when 16 percent of millennials participated.