Does anybody know what day of the week it is? I’m asking for a friend.
Now that we’ve worked our way through a mountain of emails, taken down holiday decorations, and swept away glitter and champagne remnants from any New Year’s celebrations, we can start focusing on goals for the year ahead. Maybe it’s eating healthier, exercising daily, breaking a bad habit, or even taking on the challenge of Dry January.
Last year, I braced myself for this month, convinced it would wreck my social life. I love catching up with friends, enjoying the buzz of a good bar, and I wasn’t ready to sacrifice that energy. But to my surprise, the world of non-alcoholic drinks opened a whole new level of fun. From creative mocktails to flavorful N/A beers, I discovered so many tasty options that I didn’t feel like I was missing out. Fast forward a year, and I’m still riding the ‘dry’ wave and loving every sip of it.
I’m not here to tout the health benefits of giving up alcohol or convince you it will be the best thing you ever do—though it was one of the best decisions I’ve made—there are plenty of articles for that. Instead, as someone who has spent the past year alcohol-free, I want to share some recommendations. I’ve tried them all over the past 12 months, taking notes in my apps on the ones I liked. So I’m saving you the stinkers—like the fact that Lagunitas IPNA non-alcoholic beer tastes like the onions on a McDonald’s cheeseburger. This has been confirmed by many friends, try it for yourself.
If you’re considering going dry this January, this list might come in handy. It features options ranging from mild to wild, with something for everyone. Most are beers and canned mocktails you can find at the store or order at a restaurant, so don’t forget to check out the growing number of local menus, and shops like Point 5 RVA in Carytown, that feature incredible nonalcoholic options. Also, check out this list of local mocktails we ran last year.
Cheers!
N/A Beer
Athletic Lite
Easy, everyday drinker. Super-low calorie. Clean, light and refreshing.
Athletic Tropical Sour
Great flavor-forward option. Bright, sour and tangy.
Best Day Hazy IPA
If you like an IPA, you’ll be a fan. Bitter, bold and rich.
Best Day Kölsch
Great everyday sipper. Clean, easy and refreshing.
Blue Moon Non-Alcoholic
Tastes just like the real deal: squeeze the orange.
Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects Hoppy Amber
Nice option for a little funk. Zesty, fresh and a bit bitter.
Clausthaler Grapefruit
Sweet and refreshing. Great pre-dinner; tart and refreshing.
Good Time Brewing IPA Non-Alcoholic
Mellow and easy to drink at a concert. Hoppy and hazy.
Hitachino Nest Non Ale Yuzu Ginger
Great with Asian food. Easy to down a few. Floral, sweet and fresh.
Great, easy to drink local option; refreshing, clean, tasty.
Partake Gose
Fun and full of flavor. Love it over ice. Tart, salty and sour.
Sierra Nevada Trail Pass IPA
Smooth, consistent and tasty sipper. Citrusy, hoppy, bitter.
Visitor (Original Lager)
Solid, easy to drink. Crisp, clean and refreshing.
Canned Mocktails
Ghia
Incredibly solid with bold, bright flavors.
Lyre’s Amalfi Spritz
Great over ice with a squeeze of lemon or orange.
Phony Negroni
Tastes just like the real deal!
Recess Zero Proof Lime “Margarita”
Great flavor. Includes L-theanine [an amino acid found mostly in black and green teas and some mushrooms] and calming lemon balm.
Macaulay Hammond is Style Weekly’s general manager.
