Dry January has become an annual tradition for many people around the world. It’s a whole month during which participants pledge not to drink alcohol. This period of voluntary sobriety has become a major trend in recent years, but what is its history and why is it so important?
Origins of “Dry January”
The history of Dry January can be traced back to the British Health Promotion Association, now Alcohol Change UK, which first launched the campaign in 2013. The initial aim was to raise awareness of the harmful effects of alcohol on health and encourage people to reconsider their relationship with alcohol. The idea was simple: to invite people to take a break from drinking for a whole month, in this case January.
The initiative quickly gained in popularity, attracting media attention and the support of thousands of participants. “Dry January” became much more than just a temporary sobriety challenge; it became a social movement aimed at encouraging deeper reflection on alcohol consumption and its consequences.
Why take part in the Dry January?
“Dry January” offers many benefits, both health-wise and personally. Here are just a few of the reasons why more and more people are choosing to take this step:
Physical health : Reducing alcohol consumption for a month allows the liver to regenerate, the skin to improve and energy to return. It can also help reduce blood pressure and promote weight loss.
Mental health : Sobriety can have a positive impact on mental health by improving mood, reducing anxiety and promoting better quality sleep.
Savings : Not spending money on alcohol for a month can save some of us a considerable amount of money.
Awareness: Dry January encourages reflection on alcohol consumption and can help identify problem drinking habits.
Solidarity : By taking part in “Dry January”, individuals join a community of people who share the same objectives, which strengthens their commitment.
Take up the challenge and start drinking non-alcoholic cocktails!
Since its inception, Dry January has spread far beyond the UK, reaching millions of people around the world. Health organisations, celebrities and influencers have supported the initiative by highlighting the benefits of temporary sobriety.
Let’s take up the challenge and start making smoothies and mocktails!
Once you’ve successfully completed your ‘Dry January’ challenge and realized the benefits of sobriety, it’s time to maintain your fitness and vitality throughout the year. A great way to do this is to explore the world of vitamin-packed smoothies and mocktails (cocktails non-alcoholics cocktails ). Packed with essential nutrients, these drinks will help you stay energised and boost your immune system. Opt for smoothies rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, such as green spinach smoothies, antioxidant-rich berry smoothies, or even turmeric smoothies for their anti-inflammatory properties..
Vitamin-packed smoothies
GREEN SMOOTHIE FRUITS & VEGETABLES
Ingredients:
1 cup 100% pure pineapple juice
1 handful of frozen mango pieces
1 handful frozen peach pieces
1 handful spinach or kale
Place all the ingredients in the bowl of a blender. Puree on low speed for a few minutes until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately and enjoy!
SMOOTHIE COURGETTES & CAROTTES
Ingredients:
Carrots – 2 Yoghurt – 2 Courgettes – 2 Turmeric – 1 teaspoon Basil – 4 sprigs Skimmed milk – 25 cl
Blend all the ingredients in a blender until smooth and creamy. Serve your courgette and carrot smoothie straight away, accompanied by a few basil leaves.
BEETROOT & ORANGE SMOOTHIE
Ingredients:
Beetroot – 250 gr
Orange juice – 60 cl
caster sugar – 2 tablespoons
Mint leaves
Blend the beetroot with the orange juice and caster sugar in a blender. Garnish with a few mint leaves. If you want to swap the orange juice for another fruit juice, choose apple juice and add a dash of ginger.
Keep the festive spirit alive with mocktail recipes
You can also experiment with mocktails (non-alcoholic cocktails) made with fresh fruit juice, sparkling water and vitamin-packed garnishes. These healthy alternatives will allow you to maintain your sense of well-being and energy while exploring new flavours. By making these vitamin-packed cocktails part of your routine, you’ll continue to reap the benefits of detoxification and get back in shape in every season.
VIRGIN MOJITO
Ingredients:
Apple juice – 20 cl
Cane sugar – 2 cl
Limes – 2
Mint – 20 leaves
Crushed ice
Wash the lemons well (especially if they are not organic) and cut them into small pieces. Chop the mint leaves too. Divide among the stemless glasses.
Stir and then fill the glasses 2/3 full with crushed ice.
Mix the apple juice and cane sugar with the ice cubes in a shaker. Divide between the glasses, garnish with mint leaves, dip in a straw and serve immediately.
SHIRLEY TEMPLES
Ingredients:
Ginger Ale – 8 cl
Lemon-lime soda – 8 cl
Grenadine syrup – 1 cl
Untreated lime 1/8
Ice cubes – 4
Place the ice cubes, ginger ale, lemon-lime soda and grenadine syrup in the highball glass.
Stir with a mixing spoon for 8 to 10 seconds.
Squeeze the lime wedge over the top and place in the glass. Garnish with a few blackberries and mint leaves. Serve immediately.
BLOOD ORANGES & THYME
Ingredients:
Blood orange juice – 60 cl
Tonic – 60 cl
Elderberry syrup – 6 tablespoons
Ice cubes
Sprig thyme
Pour 60 cl blood orange juice, 60 cl tonic and 6 tbsp elderflower syrup into 6 glasses, add ice cubes, garnish with thyme sprigs and serve chilled.
So here’s to a successful Dry January and a vibrant New Year!