Our nonalcoholic swaps make “Dry January” easy and delicious

Are you ready to give “Dry January” a try? You’re not alone – it’s been a movement for about a decade. Benefits include better sleep, improved mental clarity, fewer calories, saving money and more¹. We make it easy to skip the alcohol, but not the flavor, with these swaps.

Gin: Gin features herbal, juniper and citrus flavors. Mix juniper berries, a cinnamon stick and fresh orange peel in water. Let it soak overnight and then strain it. The liquid captures the classic flavors of gin.

Red wine: Red wine tends to be fruity with a bitter, sour taste. Mix equal parts of tart cherry juice and cranberry juice as a variation. Serve in a wine glass for a similar experience. This swap has about 25% fewer calories than the average glass of red wine. Plus, it adds a dose of antioxidants.

White wine: White wines tend to have a crisp, citrus taste. For a similar taste, mix equal parts white grape juice and soda water in a wine glass. Finish with a splash of lemon juice for that fresh citrus flavor.

Bourbon: This spirit features notes of vanilla, caramel and oak. A nonalcoholic version of a classic cocktail, the old fashioned, requires just a few simple ingredients. See how in the recipe below.

Rum: Rum tends to be spicy with a bit of a kick. Add a splash of rum extract* to your mixer for a simple swap. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to your taste preference. Try this with a rum and cola, mojito or piña colada. For a hint of spice, add freshly grated ginger or ginger beer soda.

*Aromatic bitters/rum extracts do contain alcohol. They do not add significant alcohol to the full drink. Choose alcohol-free bitters/extracts to avoid it.

Nonalcoholic old fashioned

Makes: 2 servings | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 5 min

Ingredients

• ½ cup + 1 tsp water
• 1 black tea bag
• 2 tsp dark brown sugar
• 4 dashes aromatic bitters
• 6 ice cubes
• 2 orange slices
• 2 maraschino cherries

Preparation

• Boil water and pour over tea bag.
• Let steep for 10 minutes. Discard tea bag.
• Add a tsp of brown sugar to two drinking glasses.
• Add two dashes of aromatic bitters into each glass.
• Add ½ tsp of water to each glass and stir until sugar is mostly dissolved.
• Add three ice cubes to each glass and top with ¼ cup chilled tea.
• Garnish each with an orange slice and maraschino cherry.

Nutrition

(per serving)

Calories: 30 | total fat: 0g | saturated fat: 0g | sodium: 51mg | cholesterol: 0mg | total carbs: 7.4g | fiber: 0g | sugars: 6g | protein: 0g | potassium: 15mg

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Nonalcoholic gin & tonic

Makes: 2 servings | Prep: 7 min + at least 8 hours in refrigerator | Cook: 5 min

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 Tbsp dried juniper berries or 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 1 (4-inch) piece of fresh orange peel
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 6 ice cubes
• 1 cup tonic water*
• 2 lime wedges

*Use diet tonic water to lower calories and sugars.

Preparation

• Boil water and let cool for one minute.
• Add in juniper berries or rosemary, orange peel and cinnamon stick.
• Transfer to container with a lid and refrigerate overnight or at least eight hours.
• Strain liquid and set aside.
• Add three ice cubes to two drinking glasses.
• Pour ½ cup of infused water into each glass.
• Top with tonic water and lime wedge.

Nutrition

(per serving)

Calories: 50 | total fat: 0g | saturated fat: 0g | sodium: 115mg | cholesterol: 0mg | total carbs: 22g | fiber: 0g | sugars: 11g | protein: 0g | potassium: 21mg

Cheers to your nonalcoholic, and delicious, swaps.

Speak with a dietitian today

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Published January 4, 2023