Dry January is a public health campaign that challenges people to abstain from alcohol for the entire month of January. Founded in 2013 by the UK charity Alcohol Change UK, the movement has grown into a global phenomenon with over 9 million participants worldwide taking part each year.
The concept is simple: take a 31-day break from drinking to reset your relationship with alcohol, experience the physical and mental health benefits of sobriety, and start the new year with clarity and intention. Whether you're a casual drinker looking to cut back or someone who wants to prove they can go without, Dry January offers a structured, supportive framework to make it happen.
What makes Dry January different from simply "not drinking" is the community aspect. Millions of people around the world take the challenge simultaneously, creating a supportive environment where abstaining from alcohol is the norm rather than the exception. Many participants find that having a specific start and end date makes the commitment feel more achievable than an open-ended goal.
The non-alcoholic beverage market has exploded in recent years. Unlike even five years ago, you now have access to hundreds of high-quality NA beers, wines, spirits, and mocktails that taste genuinely great. There's never been a better time to go alcohol-free-you won't have to sacrifice flavor or social experiences.
With over 625+ NA beers, 35+ NA wines, 49+ NA spirits, and 74+ ready-to-drink mocktails available, you can find the perfect alcohol-free drink for any occasion.
Your 31-Day Transformation
Here's the journey thousands experience every January. Your body and mind will thank you.
Your body starts detoxing. Sleep improves. Mornings feel different-clearer, lighter. The hardest part is behind you.
That afternoon slump? Gone. You're waking up ready to go. Workouts feel easier. You're actually productive after dinner.
The brain fog lifts. Focus sharpens. Anxiety dips. You're handling stress better and thinking more clearly than you have in months.
You did it. $150+ saved. Pounds lost. A new relationship with alcohol. Many people feel so good they keep going into February.
Top Picks for Dry January 2026
Whether you prefer hoppy IPAs, smooth lagers, or rich stouts, there's an NA beer that matches your taste. Here are our top recommendations across every style.
New to non-alcoholic beer? Start with these crowd favorites that taste closest to their alcoholic counterparts.
The world's most recognizable NA beer. Crisp, refreshing lager taste.
Smooth, creamy stout with iconic roasted barley flavor.
Light, refreshing Mexican-style lager. Perfect with lime.
Classic American lager taste, perfect for game days.
Looking for more complex flavors? These craft NA beers deliver IPAs, stouts, and wheat beers with impressive depth.
Tropical, hazy IPA with notes of mango and citrus.
Classic West Coast IPA with citrus and pine hop character.
Rich, creamy stout with chocolate and coffee notes.
Only 10 calories. Balanced malt and hop flavor.
From German wheat beers to Belgian-style ales, explore the full range of NA beer styles available.
Belgian-style wheat beer with orange peel and coriander.
German-brewed since 1979. Authentic, malty lager.
Hoppy, rebellious IPA from Scotland's craft pioneers.
Light, crushable golden ale. Perfect for any occasion.
Beyond NA Beer
Not a beer person? Explore premium non-alcoholic wines, spirit alternatives, and ready-to-drink mocktails.
From California reds to sparkling varieties, NA wines have come a long way. Perfect for dinner parties and date nights.
Mix craft cocktails without the alcohol. These spirit alternatives capture complex flavors for sophisticated mocktails.
Skip the mixing-grab a ready-to-drink mocktail. Craft flavors, beautiful packaging, zero effort required.
Miss your favorite cocktails? These NA versions taste just like the real thing.
Strategies for Success
Set yourself up to crush all 31 days with these practical strategies.
Hit the store in late December and fill your fridge with NA options. Having drinks ready removes the temptation to grab something alcoholic out of convenience.
Try a few different NA beers or mocktails in the first week. Once you find one you love, it becomes your reliable choice for any social situation.
When you're out with friends, use the NA Beer Finder app to quickly find bars and restaurants with good NA selections. No more guessing or awkward menu scans.
Let people know you're doing Dry January. You'll be surprised how supportive they are, and you might even inspire others to join you.
Got a bar night or party coming up? Check ahead to see if they have NA options, or bring your own. Most hosts are happy to accommodate.
"I'm doing Dry January" is all you need to say. If pressed, try: "I'm testing my willpower" or "Seeing how I feel without it." Most people will respect your choice.
Keep a simple log of how you feel each day and how much you're saving. Seeing $150+ add up by month's end is incredibly motivating.
Slipped up? It happens. One drink doesn't erase your progress. Reset and keep going-the goal is building a healthier relationship with alcohol, not perfection.
Got Questions?
Everything you need to know about Dry January and finding NA drinks.
Dry January is a public health campaign where people abstain from alcohol for the month of January. Started in the UK in 2013 by Alcohol Change UK, millions of people worldwide now participate each year to reset their relationship with alcohol, improve their health, and save money.
NA beer is available at most grocery stores, liquor stores, and many bars and restaurants. Use the NA Beer Finder to locate venues near you that carry non-alcoholic options, including what specific brands they have in stock.
For beginners, we recommend starting with familiar-tasting options like Heineken 0.0 (classic lager taste), Guinness 0.0 (smooth stout), or Athletic Brewing Free Wave (light and refreshing). These are widely available and closely match their alcoholic counterparts.
Download the NA Beer Finder app to search for bars and restaurants near you that serve non-alcoholic drinks. The app shows you exactly which NA beers, wines, spirits, and mocktails each venue offers, so you can plan ahead.
Most NA beers contain less than 0.5% ABV, which is legally classified as non-alcoholic. Some brands like Athletic Brewing and Heineken 0.0 are truly 0.0% ABV. For reference, ripe bananas and orange juice can contain similar trace amounts of naturally occurring alcohol.
Many participants report weight loss during Dry January. Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, and cocktails can pack 200-500 calories each. Cutting alcohol often leads to better food choices too. Most people save 2,000-5,000 calories over the month.
The average participant saves $150-200 during Dry January. This includes bar tabs, restaurant drinks, and home alcohol purchases. Even accounting for buying NA alternatives, most people come out significantly ahead.
One drink doesn't mean failure. The goal is building a healthier relationship with alcohol, not perfection. If you slip up, don't give up-just reset and keep going. Studies show that even participants who don't complete 31 days still drink less long-term.
Absolutely! The NA market has exploded. You can find NA wines (35+ options), NA spirits (49+ options) for mixing cocktails, and ready-to-drink mocktails (74+ options). Whether you're a wine person, cocktail lover, or beer fan, there's something for everyone.
Simply saying "I'm doing Dry January" is usually enough-most people respect the challenge. If pressed, try: "I'm testing my willpower" or "Seeing how I feel without it." Having an NA drink in hand often stops questions entirely.
Most people notice improved sleep within the first week. Energy levels typically increase by week two, and by week three, many report better mental clarity and reduced anxiety. The full benefits compound throughout the month, with many people feeling dramatically better by day 31.
Absolutely! Dry January isn't just for heavy drinkers. Even social drinkers benefit from a reset. You might discover you don't need alcohol to enjoy social situations, and you'll learn which NA options you like for future occasions when you choose not to drink.
Yes, but typically far fewer than alcoholic drinks. Most NA beers have 50-90 calories per can compared to 150-200 for regular beer. Some brands like Partake have as few as 10 calories. NA wines are similar-usually 20-50 calories per glass versus 120-150 for regular wine.
In the US, "non-alcoholic" means less than 0.5% ABV, while "alcohol-free" typically means 0.0% ABV. Both are safe and won't cause intoxication. For context, orange juice and ripe bananas naturally contain similar trace amounts of alcohol.
This varies by individual. Some people in recovery find NA beer helpful for social situations, while others prefer to avoid anything beer-related. If you're in recovery, consult with your sponsor or healthcare provider before trying NA beverages. The taste and ritual can be triggering for some people.
While NA beer contains very little to no alcohol, pregnant women should consult their doctor before consuming any NA beverages. Some healthcare providers say occasional NA drinks are fine, while others recommend avoiding them entirely. When in doubt, ask your OB-GYN.
You can order NA beer from many online retailers including Amazon, Drizly, and specialty sites like Athletic Brewing's website. Many grocery delivery services (Instacart, Amazon Fresh) also carry NA options. For the widest selection of craft NA beers, check dedicated NA retailers.
Find the best Dry January promo codes and Dry January coupons to save on NA drinks. Many brands run special Dry January discounts to help you succeed!
Extra discounts from brands supporting Dry January participants
Save 10-25% when you buy variety packs to try different options
Find deals on beer, wine, spirits, and mocktails all in one place
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