[imagesource: Yulia Reznikov/ Getty]

At the start of the year – when you’re hungover and exhausted from too much boozing – Dry January (or Drynuary to some) seems like a good idea.

It’s the obvious thing to do as you lie in bed ruing some life choices.

But once that initial enthusiasm fades and everyday life gets in the way, it’s all too easy to convince yourself that one drink won’t hurt…

We’re halfway through the month, so you might have already fallen off that wagon.

Since they put the adjusted alert level 3 regulations in place, however, for many Dry January has been less of a choice and more of a situation brought about by not having any booze in your house.

But that doesn’t change the benefits of going sober for a couple of weeks.

In 2019, Richard de Visser, a researcher at the University of Sussex, surveyed 857 participants of Dry January before and after their month of abstinence, finding 71% slept better, 67% had more energy, 58% lost weight, and 54% had better skin.

Those are some compelling stats and they explain why, as Eater puts it, “our culture is becoming more aligned with people who want to drink less”.

Low-ABV cocktails are featured on drink menus, nonalcoholic aperitifs are the latest in cool drinks, and you can say “mocktail” without being laughed out of a bar.

…Some argue that decreased alcohol consumption among millennials and Gen Z is an act of generational rebellion. Young people are “looking for ways to find balance amid today’s global uncertainty, and trying to manage high rates of anxiety and other mental health issues,” says Julia Bainbridge, author of a forthcoming book on nonalcoholic cocktails called Good Drinks.

So how do you commit to the challenge?

The easiest way to avoid the temptation of cheating on your plans to give up the tipple is finding a booze-free alternative, that will taste like you’re still keeping the good times flowing.

That’s where Fitch & Leedes come in.

They’ve added a new collection of alcohol-free craft mocktails to their range of delicately carbonated, superbly balanced mixers, expertly designed by a team of master mixologists.

Fitch & Leedes Moments vintage mocktails are based on your favourite cocktails, so they’re perfect for both the sober-curious and those trying to stick with 31 days of sobriety.

Here’s a taste of what’s on offer.

Moments Blushing Mimosa

Based on the sparkling wine and orange juice classic, you now have the option of enjoying brunch without spending the rest of the day in a haze.

Moments Island Fish Bowl 

The perfect summer drink, this gem of a mocktail combines a tropical burst of coconut with a citrus edge that tastes like blue curaçao liqueur.

Moments Pink G&T

A new take on the old classic contains bitter citrus notes of juniper berries melded with fresh cucumber and fragrant rosewater.

Moments Shirley Temple

If you’ve missed the boat on Dry January, there’s no reason you can’t commit to a Dry February.

I’ve pencilled it in and will be stocking up on some Fitch & Leedes Moments online, because who has the time or the energy to head to the shops these days when you could be sipping something delicious at home.

[source:eater]