Last Updated on December 18, 2023
Ready to reset your drinking habits for the new year?
Dry January offers the perfect opportunity for you to reflect on and improve your relationship with alcohol. During this challenge, the goal is to go fully dry for the month, allowing you to rewire your drinking habits and explore the possible benefits of quitting.
If going completely dry feels like a big leap, Dry(ish) January offers a middle ground. This flexible challenge lets you set your own goals for reducing alcohol intake without the pressure of going entirely dry.
Whether you opt for a Dry or Dry(ish) January, you may encounter strong urges or cravings to drink alcohol. You might have the willpower to surf the urge out until it subsides, but this can prove to be difficult and frustrating.
The good news is that there are plenty of non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages that mimic the taste and flavors of their alcoholic counterparts. These are great substitutes for alcohol that may help you deal with your cravings without pushing past your drinking limits.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the top non-alcoholic and low-alcohol brands and products in the market that are perfect for a Dry(ish) or Dry January.
How Non-Alcoholic Alternatives Help During Dry January
Non-alcoholic and low-alcohol alternatives can make all the difference during Dry(ish) January. Many of these beverages offer the satisfaction of full-alcohol drinks but with much less alcohol, sugar, and calories.
Thus, they may be a great solution for dealing with alcohol cravings or urges. They’re also great for hosting parties and events.
As more people become mindful of the impact of drinking on their wellness, these non-alcohol substitutes are growing more popular.
According to the 2022 International Wine and Spirits Research (IWSR) No- and Low-Alcohol Strategic Study, the market value of non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages surpassed $11 billion in 2022, an increase from $8 billion in 2018. In fact, this beverage category’s compound annual growth rate by volume is predicted to hit 7% between now and 2026.
As this trend grows, many new and already-established brands are releasing their line of non-alcoholic and low-alcohol options. For instance, one of the most recent examples is White Claw, a brand known for its hard seltzer, which has recently introduced a new line of non-alcoholic premium seltzer.
With the increasing number of products and choices in the market, it can be hard to sift through what’s good and what’s not. But you’re in luck. We’ve done all that work for you and put together the ultimate list of Dry January drinks that can help keep you on track with your goals this new year.
Read more about the health benefits of tackling a Dry(ish) January.
Sunnyside’s Top 5 Recommendations
#1. Bright AF
Alcohol Content: Trace, Calories: 20 / 12 oz can
This exclusive mindful brew contains less than 0.5% alcohol and is the perfect choice for Dry(ish) January. This beer is a West Coast IPA created via a collaboration between Sunnyside and BrewDog.
#2. Proxies Bestseller Starter Set
Alcohol Content: Non-Alcoholic, Calories: 30-50 / 5 oz
This four-pack set contains Proxies’ best-reviewed and bestsellers, each with its distinct taste and flavors ranging from dark fruit, rich coffee, and black pepper to minty, herbal, and citrus notes.
#3. Parch Spiced Piñarita
Alcohol Content: Non-Alcoholic, Calories: 70 / 8.5 oz can
This smoky and spicy combination is made from blue agave nectar, pineapple, cayenne, prickly pear cactus fruit, spicy mole bitters, and other natural flavors. It’s also infused with adaptogens like l-theanine, ashwagandha, and American ginseng.
#4. Grüvi Dry Secco
Alcohol Content: Non-Alcoholic, Calories: 50 / 9.3 oz bottle
Crafted from handpicked, blended grapes, this non-alcoholic Prosecco is a carbonated, semi-dry wine with floral and tart notes.
#5. Betty Buzz Premium Sparkling Soda
Alcohol Content: Non-Alcoholic, Calories: 30-70 / 9 oz bottle
This crisp collection of sparkling beverages is crafted from real and fresh ingredients. In this pack, you’ll get three different kinds of mixers, namely Tonic Water, Ginger Beer, and Sparkling Lemon Lime.
Best Non-Alcoholic Wine Alternatives for Dry January
There are two distinct types of wines that contain lower alcohol levels.
Dealcoholized wine goes through the same winemaking process as regular wine, including fermentation. It then has a portion or all of its alcohol removed, which can be done through various methods like vacuum extraction.
In contrast, alcohol-free wine does not undergo the fermentation process like regular wine does and, thus, does not contain any alcohol.
Let’s explore some of the best non-alcoholic and low-alcohol wines available on the market.
#6. Proxies Red Bestsellers
Calories: 35-40 / 5 oz
A combination of the four bestselling wine proxies of the brand — these are perfect for pairing with all kinds of meals, from juicy burgers to fancy white-tablecloth dinners.
#7. Giesen Alcohol-Free Premium Red
Calories: 67 / 12 oz
This smooth, full-bodied New Zealand merlot has had its alcohol gently removed, giving you 100% of the flavor with zero risk of pushing you past your drinking limits. Expect flavors of crushed red berries and plum balanced by toasted oak.
#8. Grüvi Bubbly Rosé
Calories: 60 / bottle
A crisp, fruity rosé with notes of fresh strawberry and tart green apple. You can also expect 0.0% alcohol in this product, as it doesn’t undergo fermentation.
#9. Giesen Premium Dealcoholized Sauvignon Blanc
Calories: 19 / 5 oz
This light and fresh dealcoholized wine has soft aromas of lime, redcurrant, and lemon shortbread. Expect citrus flavors with blackcurrant and passionfruit notes, alongside a crisp finish.
#10. VINADA Tinteling Tempranillo Rosé
Calories: 93 / 3.4 oz
Bearing fine bubbles, a balanced acidity, and subtle tannins, this fruity, dry, sparkling wine is a great non-alcoholic option crafted from a unique blend of Tempranillo grapes.
#11. Thomson & Scott Noughty Alcohol-Free Sparkling Chardonnay
Calories: 19 / 5 oz
This sparkling Chardonnay has been dealcoholized in a way that retains its rich flavors. It’s also certified vegan, halal, and organic.
#12. Hand on Heart Cabernet Sauvignon
Calories: 45 / 8.1 oz
With notes of toasted vanilla, dark cherry, blackcurrant, and acai berry, this fruity and vibrant non-alcoholic wine is perfect for pairing with pasta or savory meats.
#13. Wednesday’s Piquant
Calories: 33 / 3.4 oz
A dealcoholized wine with citrus notes and a hint of minerality. This is a crisp, refreshing, and well-balanced wine for Dry January.
#14. Surely Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Brut
Calories: 30 / 8 oz
This dealcoholized sparkling white combines lemon, peach, and passion fruit flavors with dry acidity. If you want something to complement celebratory spreads and charcuterié boards, this non-alcoholic wine might fit the bill.
#15. Teetotaler Sparking Rosé
Calories: 25 / 3.4 oz
An award-winning dealcoholized sparkling Brut rosé. Expect well-balanced sweet fruit flavors of strawberries and watermelons with hints of cherry and apricot.
#16. French Bloom French Bubbly
Calories: 26 / 3.4 oz
The French Bloom Le Blanc is bursting with floral and tropical notes. You’ll also notice slightly spicy citrus fruits with a crisp and sparkling freshness.
#17. Studio Null Sparkling Verdejo
Calories: 25 / 5 oz
This sparkling, non-alcoholic white wine hails from Rueda, Spain, and is made from the region’s signature Verdejo white wine grapes.
#18. Prima Pavé Blanc de Blancs
Calories: 18 / 3.4 oz
Produced in Northern Italy, the Prima Pavé Blanc de Blancs is sprinkled with notes of white peach, green apple, kiwi, honeydew, and elderflower.
#19. Surely Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Rosé
Calories: 20 / 8 oz
Looking for a crisp, sparkling rosé that won’t derail your Dry January goals? This is an award-winning option with light notes of strawberry, pear & tropical fruits.
#20. VINADA Crispy Chardonnay
Calories: 76 / 3.4 oz
A French Chardonnay that steals the spotlight for its crisp, fresh, and juicy tones of apple and melon with a hint of citrus.
#21. Oddbird Sparkling Rosé
Calories: 76 / 3.4 oz
This dry sparkling rosé comes from the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France and is made with a blend of Chardonnay and Syrah that shines for its tones of summer berries, green apples, and citrus.
#22. Leitz Zero Point Five Non-Alcoholic Pinot Noir
Calories: 24 / 5 oz
With notes of redcurrant and cherry, this alcohol-free wine comes extremely close to serving the same depth, structure, and richness as its alcoholic counterpart.
#23. Lautus Savvy Red
Calories: 12 / 3.4 oz
Created from a blend of Shiraz, Pinotage, Tempranillo, and Cabernet Sauvignon, this dealcoholized wine carries notes of red and blackberry fruit flavors with a delicate hint of oak.
#24. ÔPIA Sparkling Chardonnay
Calories: 30 / 5 oz
A sparkling, organic, and alcohol-free wine that combines fresh tones of apple and pear with citrus and buttery notes.
#25. Hand on Heart Chardonnay
Calories: 40 / 8.1 oz
This non-alcoholic wine unravels notes of mango, peach, nectarine, and ripe golden apple that fill the palate, followed by hints of toasted almond and spices.
#26. TÖST Sparkling Rosé
Calories: 40 / 8.1 oz
Made with white tea, ginger, and elderberry, this all-natural, sparkling rosé is dry on the palate and serves hints of fresh and crisp citrus and a fruity nose.
#27. FRE Merlot
Calories: 70 / 8.1 oz
An alcohol-removed Merlot with black plum aromas, soft cherry notes, and spice flavors. This pairs well with pizza, juicy hamburgers, and hearty stews.
Low-Alcohol Wine Alternatives for a Dry(ish) January
If you’re planning to cut back on your alcohol intake without going fully dry, feel free to add these low-alcohol wine options to your to-buy list.
#28. Cupcake LightHearted Pinot Grigio
Alcohol Content: 8% ABV, Calories: 80 / 5 oz
A low-alcohol wine that opens with flavors of lemon and honey crisp apples, which pave the way for a delicate touch of white nectarine and apricot.
#29. Lindeman’s Early Harvest Sparkling Moscato
Alcohol Content: 7.5% ABV, Calories: 70 / 5 oz
Lindeman’s range of early harvest wines are at least 25% lower in alcohol and calories than their counterparts in the market. This low-alcohol Moscato comes with tropical sweet fruit flavors.
#30. The Gentle, Pink Wine
Alcohol Content: 6.0% ABV, Calories: Not Stated
This wine’s taste profile introduces a vibrant mix of fruity and floral notes with a well-balanced sweetness and delicate tart undertones.
#31. The Doctors’ Riesling
Alcohol Content: 9.0% ABV, Calories: 120 / 5 oz
Produced naturally through sustainable methods, this lower-alcohol wine is a well-balanced combination of fresh acidity and fruity sweetness with tones of apple, lemon sherbet, and apricot.
Best Non-Alcoholic Beer Alternatives for Dry January
Similar to non-alcoholic or low-alcohol wines, these beer variations might undergo dealcoholization, limited fermentation, or skip fermentation entirely.
Let’s take a look at some of the best options for a Dry(ish) January.
#32. BrewDog’s Dry January Survival Kit
Calories: Not Stated
Perfect for any beer lover, this Dry January Survival Kit contains 3 different non-alcoholic beers, including a West Coast IPA, an East Coast Style IPA, and a tropical IPA.
#33. Athletic Brewing Athletic Lite
Calories: 25 / 12 oz can
A light, crisp, and refreshing brew that goes down easy and makes a great choice for various sporting activities, events, and parties.
#34. Grüvi Golden Lager
Calories: 58 / 12 oz can
This non-alcoholic lager has garnered rave reviews. Its classic flavor profile delivers tones of honey with a touch of bitterness.
#35. Bravus Non-Alcoholic Oatmeal Stout
Calories: 110 calories / 12 oz can
Are you a fan of roasted coffee, chocolate, or caramel? If so, this harmonious and smooth brew might just top your list.
#36. Athletic Brewing Free Wave IPA
Calories: 70 / 12 oz can
Loaded with Amarillo, Citra, and Mosaic hops, this non-alcoholic IPA has a juicy, floral, and citrusy character.
#37. Partake Brewing Blonde
Calories: 15 / 12 oz can
A floral and earthy blonde with a soft touch of pomegranate. Perfect for a sunny day out or a relaxing picnic by the beach.
#38. Days Brewing Non-Alcoholic Lager
Calories: 73 / 12 oz bottle
This non-alcoholic lager has impressed many with its clean and crisp flavors and well-balanced floral and citrus notes.
#39. Lucky Saint Unfiltered Lager
Calories: 53 / 12 oz bottle
Brewed for six weeks with natural, high-quality ingredients, this award-winning, non-alcoholic lager delivers maximum flavors with no risk of derailing your Dry January progress.
#40. Athletic Brewing Upside Dawn
Calories: 45 / 12 oz
Delivering light, earthy, and spicy notes with a citrusy aroma, this classic Golden is brewed with Vienna Malt and English and American hops.
#41. Bravus Brewing West Coast IPA
Calories: 20 / 12 oz can
Packed with Simcoe and Citra hops, this craft brew contains pine, floral, and citrus notes balanced by a delicate and subtle malt backbone.
#42. Budweiser Zero
Calories: 50 / 12 oz can
An alcohol-free brew containing zero grams of sugar. The Budweiser Zero is crafted from the finest barley malts handpicked from selected growers across America.
#43. Sober Carpenter Irish Red Ale
Calories: 60 / 16 oz can
The malt-centered aromas of this medium-bodied ale take the spotlight. You’ll also notice soft tones of coffee and caramel.
#44. Sober Carpenter Craft Cider
Calories: 70 / 16 oz can
A dealcoholized apple cider made from carefully selected apples to create a slightly bubbly, crisp, and refreshing beverage.
#45. Untitled Art Juicy IPA
Calories: 55 / 12 oz can
Brewed with Citra and Mosaic hops, this non-alcoholic IPA delivers juicy tropical citrus notes.
Best Low-Alcohol Beer Alternatives for Dry(ish) January
These low-alcohol alternatives can help you combat your cravings while you cut back on your alcohol intake.
#46. Corona Light Pilsner-Style Lager
Alcohol Content: 4.0% ABV, Calories: 99 / 12 oz
This pilsner-style lager is popular for its fruity aroma and refreshing, crisp finish.
#47. Guinness Pub Draught Stout
Alcohol Content: 4.2% ABV, Calories: 35 / 3.4 oz
Stout beers can vary widely in their alcohol content, with some containing upwards of 40% alcohol. This Guinness Stout promises full-fledged flavors with much lower alcohol, calories, and carbs. It delivers bitter, sweet, roasted notes with hints of coffee and chocolate.
#48. Lagunitas DayTime IPA
Alcohol Content: 4.0% ABV, Calories: 98 / 12 oz can
This low-alcohol IPA is packed with Centennial and Citra hops, which lead to citrus, tropical, and herbal flavors and aromas.
#49. Bell’s Light Hearted IPA
Alcohol Content: 3.7% ABV, Calories: 110 / 12 oz can
An easy-drinking, low-calorie IPA that does not skimp on flavor. It delivers citrus, pine, and caramel flavors and aromas.
#50. Heineken Light
Alcohol Content: 3.3% ABV, Calories: 90 / 12 oz can
This light beer is brewed with all malt to provide unique citrus and floral notes.
#51. American Flyer Light
Alcohol Content: 4.2% ABV, Calories: 120 / 12 oz can
A light, crisp, and refreshing light lager. The company devotes a portion of sales to scholarships for families of fallen service members and first responders.
#52. Michelob Ultra Pure Gold
Alcohol Content: 3.8% ABV, Calories: 85 / 12 oz
Brewed with no artificial flavors or colors, this USDA Certified Organic beer is light in alcohol, carbs, and calories.
#53. Natural Light Beer
Alcohol Content: 4.2% ABV, Calories: 95 / 12 oz can
This is a refreshing, American-style light lager that’s easy to drink and low in calories.
#54. Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty IPA
Alcohol Content: 4.0% ABV, Calories: 95 / 12 oz can
This craft beer is fruity and dry with a hint of bitterness. You’ll also notice tropical and citrus aromas.
#55. Kona Brewing Co. Light Blonde Ale
Alcohol Content: 4.2% ABV, Calories: 99 / 12 oz can
A light beer with a crisp tropical flavor.
Best Spirit Alternatives for Dry January
Spirit alternatives can be made by infusing botanicals and other flavorings in a liquid base that does not contain alcohol. If the base contains alcohol, this can also be distilled off to remove or reduce the alcohol content and produce a non-alcoholic or lower-alcohol spirit.
Let’s explore some of the best spirit alternatives for a Dry(ish) January.
#56. Seedlip Garden Distilled Non-Alcoholic Spirit
Calories: Calorie-Free
This fresh herbal concoction is made from rosemary, thyme, and spearmint.
#57. Lyre’s Dry London Spirit Gin Replacement
Calories: 3 / 1 oz
This non-alcoholic gin replacement captures the flavors and essence of a classic gin, delivering firm juniper, citrus, and earthy notes.
#58. Ritual Zero Proof Gin Alternative
Calories: Calorie-Free
A crisp gin alternative with bright botanical notes highlighted by juniper and cucumber flavors. Since this gin alternative is crafted and not distilled, it contains no traces of alcohol at all.
#59. Kentucky 74 Non-Alcoholic Whiskey
Calories: 15 / 2 oz
A distilled, non-alcoholic spirit replacement for bourbon cocktails with tones of caramel, oak, and vanilla.
#60. Ritual Zero Proof Rum Alternative
Calories: 5 / 1.5 oz
This classic dark rum replacement bursts with notes of toasted spices, ripe banana, and burnt orange.
#61. Free Spirits Non-Alcoholic Bourbon
Calories: 5 / 1.5 oz
An oaky, caramel-laced, bourbon alternative with a toffee nose, which is followed by a toasted almond and brown sugar palate.
#62. Bare Zero Proof Reposado Style Tequila
Calories: 5 / 2 oz
With hints of agave, serrano, and fresh-cut grass, this is a delicious tequila substitute for mocktails.
#63. Sanbitter Rosso Aperitif Beverage
Calories: 63 / 3.4 oz
This non-alcoholic aperitif is bursting with fruit flavors and has a pleasant bitterness that’s delicately balanced by a little sweetness.
#64. Clean Co Clean R Rum Alternative
Calories: 12 / 1.7 oz
An award-winning, sugar-free distillate with flavors of warm spice, golden caramel, and cayenne pepper.
#65. Monday Zero Alcohol Mezcal
Calories: Calorie-Free
With zero carbs, sugar, and calories, this non-alcoholic mezcal delivers citrus and apple notes on the palate, followed by earthy roasted agave and a well-rounded heat.
#66. Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Absinthe Spirit
Calories: 9.3 / oz
A unique non-alcoholic spirit that captures prominent flavors of verbena, anise, and fine herbs with a delicate hint of sweetness.
#67. Strykk Not Vodka
Calories: 8 / 3.4 oz
This spirit substitute is distilled with botanicals and herbs, delivering a similar taste as traditional vodka and gentle tones of lemongrass and capsicum.
#68. Gnista Barreled Oak
Calories: 61 / 100g
A dry and smoky non-alcoholic spirit that has notes of warm spices and chocolate rye, as well as a prominent tone of oak barrel.
#69. Monday Zero Alcohol Whiskey
Calories: Calorie-Free
A non-alcoholic whiskey replacement with notes of roasted coffee and rich caramel, before giving way to a spicy heat and hints of orange.
#70. Cut Above Zero Proof Agave Blanco
Calories: 5 / 1.5 oz
A Tequila-inspired agave that delivers the same flavor and depth as its alcoholic counterpart without any risk of headaches and hangovers.
Best Low-Alcohol Spirits for Dryish January
If you’re looking for low-alcohol spirit substitutes for a Dryish January, here’s a list of our top recommendations.
#71. Hayman’s Gin
Alcohol Content: 43.0% ABV, Calories: Not Stated
This gin isn’t the one with the least alcohol content. However, it does come with a specially crafted 5ml measuring thimble to help you mix up the perfect low-alcohol Gin and Tonic every time.
#72. Quarter London Dry
Alcohol Content: 12.0% ABV, Calories: 19 / 0.85 oz serve
This lower-alcohol gin captures the original flavors and depth of a full-strength one but at a fraction of its alcohol and calories.
#73. DECEM London Dry
Alcohol Content: 10.0% ABV, Calories: 33 / 1.7 oz serve
Made through the combination and distillation of a unique blend of botanicals, this lower-alcohol gin delivers full flavor without much alcohol.
#74. Punta Santos Low-Alcohol Tequila
Alcohol Content: 28.0% ABV, Calories: 77 / 1.5 oz serve
This tequila yields an agave azul tequila flavor and contains no added flavors, sweeteners, or colorants.
#75. Cut Classic Low-Alcohol Rum
Alcohol Content: 20.0% ABV, Calories: 28 / 0.85 oz serve
A smooth and warming light spirit with flavors of rich spices and notes of vanilla and caramel.
#76. DECEM Spiced Blend Rum Alternative
Alcohol Content: 10.0% ABV, Calories: 33 / 1.7 oz serve
Created via the combination of light and white Caribbean rums, this blend has warm spice, toffee and caramel notes, balanced by a honeyed sweetness.
#77. Cut Classic Low-Alcohol Vodka
Alcohol Content: 20.0% ABV, Calories: 28 / 0.85 oz serve
A clean, smooth, and creamy light spirit that encapsulates the classic elements of a full-strength vodka.
#78. KEEL Vodka
Alcohol Content: 23.8% ABV, Calories: 58 / serve
This lower-alcohol vodka is made with 100% non-GMO certified, locally sourced Idaho potatoes, making it gluten-free.
#79. BODY Vodka
Alcohol Content: 30% ABV, Calories: Not Stated
A low-proof vodka distilled from non-GMO Indiana corn and a touch of organic agave nectar.
#80. Haus Aperitif Citrus Flower
Alcohol Content: 18% ABV, Calories: 27.5 / oz
This aperitif is created with lemon, elderflower, and touches of cinnamon and pairs well with club soda and prosecco. It can also be enjoyed on its own.
Click here for 18 other classic, low-alcohol, and non-alcoholic cocktail recipes.
Crush Your Dry or Dry(ish) January Goals
Having a few non-alcoholic or low-alcohol substitutes available is a great way to manage your cravings and achieve your Dry(ish) January goals. Some other ways to increase your odds of success are to seek the support and accountability of a community and track your drinking throughout the month.
If you need access to drink-tracking tools and professional advice and support, Sunnyside can help fill in these gaps.
Sign up now for Sunnyside’s Dry(ish) January challenge, where you can set alcohol-consumption goals that make sense for you. Through the app, you can also keep tabs on your drinking and reach out for help from real-life coaches to equip yourself for a fruitful Dry January. You can do it!
