Following the holidays, which can often center around the consumption of alcohol, many social drinkers are turning towards Dry January. No, not in terms of weather, as many climates see snow and rain during this season. Instead, it’s abstaining from drinking alcohol for the entire first month of the year. 31 days of no cocktails may sound rough. However, abstinence isn’t the end all be all as there’s a whole world of drinks liquor-free drinks that will keep you in the winter spirit.

Dry January, now embraced by many restaurants, is the optimal season for mocktails. Combining trendiness, taste and a touch of storytelling, mocktails are a way for you to cut back on the sugar and buzz without compromising the fun. Wondering which ones to consider? We’ve got you covered on the best mocktails for dry January.

Orange Cranberry Spritzer

The Orange Cranberry Spritzer from Sweet and Savory by Shinee, will remind you of the holidays in color. However, the citrus freshness will make you dream of spring and summer days ahead. Festive and fun, this mocktail adds a touch of both to your get together; no matter how impromptu or planned.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups (1 L) 100% cranberry juice, chilled
• 2 cups (475 mL) pulp-free orange juice, chilled
• 4 cups (1 L) Schweppes Ginger Ale, chilled
• Frozen cranberries in place of ice
• Orange slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix cranberry and orange juice to chill in the refrigerator.
2. When ready to serve, add the mixture to a chilled glass of ginger ale.
3. Garnish with frozen cranberries and/or orange slices.

Moonlight Sonata

In what looks to be a Lavender Margarita, the Moonlight Sonata is as dreamy as it sounds. This recipe comes from Real Simple.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. water or a non-alcoholic spirit
• ½ oz. ube syrup (see below)
• ½ oz. thyme syrup (see below)
• 1 oz. lemon juice
• ¼ oz. pineapple juice

Instructions:

1. Make the ube syrup with a ¼ oz. ube extract and 32 ounces of simple syrup.
2. After stirring and setting it to the side, heat a 1-liter pot of water with 13 sprigs of thyme for 20 minutes.
3. Once simmered, strain the concoction and add 1 liter of sugar then set aside.
4. Combine your non-alcoholic spirit, ube syrup, thyme syrup, lemon juice and pineapple juice to a shaker or mixing tin containing ice.
5. Pour into a chilled glass and enjoy.

Rosemary and Cucumber Infused Ginger Beer

Continuing along the herb-themed route, this mocktail looks to rosemary for that hint of savory that compliments sweet oh so perfectly. The Rosemary and Cucumber Infused Ginger Beer is vegan, gluten-free and low-carb taking dry January that much further. While conscious diet-wise, the flavor does not disappoint.

Ingredients:

• 1 L (4 cups) of ginger beer, sugar free
• ½ cucumber, sliced
• 2 sprigs of rosemary, slightly crushed
• Ice and extra rosemary sprigs (to serve)

Instructions:

1. Add each of the ingredients, at their specified measurements, into a jug and stir.
2. Serve over ice or in a chilled glass.
3. Add extra rosemary sprigs for garnish.