Why Not Try A Dry January This Year?

There are many reasons why you may consider trialling an alcohol-free lifestyle.

Perhaps you drink a little more than you should and want to try cutting back in the New Year. Or maybe drinking has aﬀected the health of you or somebody you’re close to, and the impacts are more personal for you.

Or maybe you never felt at home with drinking and just drunk because your friends and family did, and now you want to try things diﬀerently.

Whatever your reasons, going sober can reduce your risk of developing alcohol-related health problems, will improve your weight and cardiovascular health, can increase your energy levels and immune function, and may boost your mental health and mental sharpness.

This is why January is a great time to stop, take some time away from the booze, and reassess our relationships with alcohol.

The Health Research

Alcohol is known to be associated with many conditions, including (but not limited to) heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, stroke, cancers, reduced immune function, and mental health and cognitive diﬃculties. Alcohol can also contribute to the development of certain dementias, such as Korsakoﬀ’s Syndrome.

Alcohol is also associated with some disturbing statistics; in young people (aged between 16-14 years old) alcohol is associated with 21% of deaths in males and 9% of female deaths. Every year, it is also a factor in 30% of suicides, and 39% of violent attacks.

Research from Public Health England found that the large increase in alcohol sales during the pandemic was mostly driven by existing heavy users of alcohol. This surge in alcohol sales therefore shows that the drinking of existing users got worse over the lockdown period, but that those who were only light drinkers pre-lockdown were less aﬀected.

Social Drinking Alternatives

There once was a time when alcohol-free options were limited to a fruit juice or two. But thankfully, no more!

As more people are starting to become aware of the benefits of reducing alcohol intake, more alcohol-free options have entered the market.

Now you can choose from low alcohol options, like low alcohol beer and kombucha to herbal tonics that boast the same ‘relaxing’ qualities as a liquor – but minus the alcohol. Or perhaps you might enjoy the botanical taste of a non-alcoholic gin instead?

While all of these options are tasty alternatives to alcohol for a special occasion, they are certainly a ‘once-in-a-while’ type aﬀair, with most bottles starting in the region of £20-£30.

A Personal Touch

While you could certainly buy a bottle of expensive 0.0% alcohol gin once in a while, it’s certainly not an everyday drink. So, here we’re compiled a few of our favourite non-alcoholic tipples to warm the long winter evenings!

Cranberry Toddy (Makes 4x 250ml glasses)

A warming, festive cranberry drink that is perfect for a cosy night in by the fire.

Ingredients:
1L cranberry juice (unsweetened)
1 sliced orange (+ slices to decorate)
3 cinnamon sticks
2 inches of ginger, chopped
1 tsp cloves
5 star anise (+ 1 to decorate) 250ml maple syrup
2-4 cups of apple juice

Method:
1. Put all the ingredients in a saucepan and gently heat until infused.
2. Strain out the spices using a sieve.
3. Serve with orange slices and a star anise for visual appeal.
(Note: If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, you can reduce the maple syrup to 200ml and add some shredded chilli for an unexpected kick!)

Baby Bellini (Makes 1 Glass)

A sweet and classic alternative to the Champagne Peach Bellini, named after Italian Renaissance artist Giovanni Bellini. This drink is simple, delicate, and adds a magical touch to any winter gathering.

Ingredients:
60 ml peach juice
180ml light non-alcoholic ginger ale
Lime slice
Peach slice
Raspberry mint leaves
Crushed ice

Method:
1. Mix the liquids in a glass with crushed ice, and garnish with the slices of lime, peach, and the raspberry and mint leaves.
2. Serve and enjoy!

Spiced Chai Mocktail (Makes 4)

This is a rich, spicy, and alcohol-free version of a popular classic!

Ingredients:
100g sugar 120ml lime juice
4 cans carbonated water
4 star anise pods
4 slices of lemon
2 chai teabags
4 tbsp chai syrup

Method:
1. Add the teabags to a cup of boiling water with water, stir until combined, and allow to sit until cool.
2. Add chai syrup and lime juice and divide among 4 glasses filled with ice.
3. Add a can of carbonated water to each and garnish with lemon and anise pods.
4. Serve and enjoy!

Whatever your motivations to go dry this January, just remember, take one day at a time and enjoy the experience!

Sources

https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm
https://www.rtor.org/2018/05/17/being-sober-makes-your-life-better/ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/a25656740/dry-january-benefits/
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/ file/1002627/Alcohol_and_COVID_report.pdf
https://alcoholeducationtrust.org/teacher-area/facts-figures/?gclid=CjwKCAiA8bqOBhANEiwA- sIlNwZNu8u4hF3GbyrXd-ZdeJ4gOt-W1An9Hw_2W4DxKqwJY1rGa7po5xoCq7AQAvD_BwE

About the Author: Paul Denley

Paul is a proud veteran of the catering industry of nearly 35 years. He's worked in small and very large kitchens including 14 years at the prestigious ICI Directors & Conference facility in Berkshire. He had his own fine dining company - Cooking At Yours, specialising in 'At Home' fine dining. "I brought Michelin star cuisine and service into peoples homes. I set up my own kitchen on a tight budget, so have direct experience of the typical anxieties of spending wisely and getting a a fledgling business up and running". Paul is very happy to share his wisdom and experience with you to reduce the stresses of starting your catering venture. Give him and his colleagues a call. 01733 286000.

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Why Not Try A Dry January This Year?