AWNY Guide: Thriving Through Dry January (and beyond) in NYC

I recently stopped mid-Instagram scroll to click on an ad promoting New York’s first alcohol-free, members-only social club, The Maze. I was intrigued because, if you’re familiar with New York City’s after-work culture, being a non-drinker can be socially debilitating. Something I know firsthand. The Maze promises a place for people who are seeking meaningful connection, delivered through thoughtfully curated events in a sober-friendly, stylish environment, complemented by a full-service restaurant led by celebrity chef Tom Colicchio’s Crafted Hospitality. Imagine that. A dedicated year-round venue in NYC for people who want to socialize and don’t want to drink alcohol!

I made the decision a few years ago to eliminate alcohol from my diet for health reasons. Although I didn’t think it at the time, I now believe alcohol is the arch-nemesis of hormones in women. Can’t sleep? Hormones and alcohol. Can’t regulate stress and anxiety? Hormones and alcohol. Feeling nauseous after even just a few sips? Hormones and alcohol. I have no idea to what extent my alcohol vs hormones theory has been medically substantiated; however, I have spoken with many women who experienced similar symptoms, especially in their late 30s and early to mid-40s, and came to the same conclusion. It’s when they realized they were in perimenopause.

If your alcohol consumption in 2025 set a new personal best and you need to break the cycle, or you’re exploring a sober or sober-curious path to better health, Dry January in New York City can be the perfect time to create a new routine by exploring non-alcoholic drink brands and alcohol-free social activities.

FIRST, LET’S SET YOU UP FOR SUCCESS

Photo by Toni Cuenca @ Pexels

What exactly are non-alcoholic drinks?

The category known as non-alcoholic (NA) drinks includes beverages with minimal or no alcohol, typically less than 0.5% Alcohol by Volume (ABV). The sugar content in NA drinks can be significantly lower than that of alcoholic beverages, and the explosion of good quality NA options over the past five years means you can now easily find non-alcoholic wines, spirits, beer, and pre-mixed cocktails online, and at bars, restaurants, and retail grocery stores.

Can you get drunk on non-alcoholic drinks?

Not likely! In comparison, wine is typically 11-14% ABV, spirits are 40%, and beer is 5%. My favorite kombucha is 0.05% ABV, which, as a non-drinker, does give me a tiny buzz but hardly enough to accumulate over several glasses.

What are adaptogens, botanicals, nootropics, and functional ingredients in NA beverages?

Having tried a few pre-mixed NA cocktails, I believe what separates brands that offer exciting, complex beverage experiences from those that offer little more than a sugary, artificially flavored soda disguised as a cocktail is the thoughtfully curated blend of natural, plant-based ingredients. While alcoholic cocktails deliver a quick, punchy, euphoric feeling (with consequences), plant-based ingredients in NA cocktails offer a different kind of buzz—a subtle sense of elevation, or calmness, without the crash of sugary drinks.

  • Adaptogens are herbs, roots, and other plant substances (like non-trippy mushrooms) that can help you manage stress and restore balance.
  • Botanicals are natural ingredients from plants like seeds, flowers (hibiscus, elderflower), leaves (basil, mint), roots (ginger, angelica), bark, and fruits (citrus peel). If you’ve consumed a chamomile or mint tea, you’ve experienced the benefits of botanicals.
  • Nootropics are “brain booster” beverages containing ingredients like L-theanine (a naturally occurring amino acid found in tea leaves), caffeine, adaptogens, and botanicals, designed to boost cognitive functions like focus, memory, and mental clarity.
  • Functional ingredients are adaptogens, botanicals, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and prebiotics, added for health and wellness.

What if you don’t want to give up drinking alcohol altogether?

Totally fine. Damp January is also a thing—moderating your alcohol intake instead of giving it up completely. The sober curious movement has allowed people of all ages and stages in life the comfort of being intentional about when, where, and what they drink. Cutting down on alcohol consumption can also be beneficial and has become more acceptable in NYC in recent years. It’s perfectly OK to ask a waiter at a restaurant what non-alcoholic wines, beers, and cocktails they offer, and there are many regular bars in NYC now that offer extensive non-alcoholic cocktail menus. The key is to find one with a good mixologist.

TOP 3 TIPS FOR MAKING YOUR DRY JANUARY EASY

1. Stay in and sip non-alcoholic drinks at home

You’re forgiven for wanting to stay inside during the cold months of January and February, which can also be a perfect time to set new intentions and commit to healthier habits for the year ahead. If you enjoy the ritual of having an alcoholic drink at home, reaching for a non-alcoholic beverage instead of your usual tipple is easy when you know where to find them.

  • Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic
    This Aussie brand of non-alcoholic spirits, liqueurs, premixed cocktails, and wines claims to offer the world’s most comprehensive range of alcohol-free alternatives to classic drinks, and “exceptional flavor, without compromise.” Their recipes page takes the anxiety out of getting the flavors right, and you’ll sweep the Mixologist of the Year Award at your next party. Order via Lyre’s website, select retailers, or Amazon. Follow Lyre’s on Instagram.

  • Curious Elixirs
    What began as an experiment from its founder’s Brooklyn kitchen, Curious Elixirs now produces small batches of sophisticated, non-alcoholic craft cocktails in the Hudson Valley. Known for their complex flavors, botanicals, and adaptogens like rhodiola and maca to help you unwind, Curious Elixirs cocktails “use organic juices, herbs, spices, roots, and botanicals to make your mouth dance.” Definitely a superior NA experience for a sophisticated palate. Order via Curious Elixirs’ website, or find a stockist here. Follow Curious Elixirs on Instagram.

  • Aplós
    Aplós NA spirits are infused with functional ingredients to help you relax and unwind. I discovered this brand during an adventurous Fresh Direct order and now regularly stock my favorites in the fridge. The Ume Spritz and Mandora Negroni are sparkling, non-alcoholic cocktails crafted for a “naturally calming and uplifting effect,” which I pour over ice and sip slowly, just like an alcoholic cocktail. Order via the Aplós website, Amazon, or at one of the many stores, restaurants, or bars listed here. Follow Aplós on Instagram.

  • French Bloom
    For when the occasion calls to pop a cork of sparkling wine, female-founded French Bloom is my go-to non-alcoholic alternative to traditional bubbly. As someone who has stood on the alcohol sidelines at parties for many years, I appreciate that this brand offers a way to ensure everyone is included in the celebration. Le Rosé is my favorite for its striking similarity to traditional sparkling rosé. Order via French Bloom’s website, Fresh Direct, or ask for it at one of these locations. Follow French Bloom on Instagram. (If you prefer a more affordable, everyday sparkling, try Nozeco’s Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Brut Rosé, also available from Fresh Direct and other retailers.)

  • Online retailers
    Online retailers like The Zero Proof and Boisson can help you discover the right styles and flavors for your palate.  


2. Get out and enjoy an alcohol-free activity or event

You know you’re not alone for Dry (or Damp) January. Take a friend or meet new ones at these intentional spaces.    

  • Dedicated no alcohol bars: If you love the intimate, social atmosphere of NYC bars yet don’t want the temptation or social pressure of alcohol, Mockingbird Zero Proof Cocktail Bar and Soft Bar in Brooklyn, and Hekate Café & Elixir Lounge and Rent Money Lounge in Manhattan are your year-round sobriety solutions.

  • Alcohol-free pop-up events: Third Place Bar offers a dynamic series of alcohol-free pop-up events across NYC, including social events, zero-proof cocktail classes, and pop-ups at bars and restaurants. Check their calendar and subscribe here for upcoming events.

  • Booze free bottle shops: Spirited Away in Manhattan and Minus Moonshine in Brooklyn are your go-to stores for extensive ranges of NA wines, spirits, and pre-mixed cocktails, and knowledge and advice from experts. Sign up for the latest news on their in-store tastings, new products, and promotions.
  • Board game cafes: This relatively new genre of NYC cafes has really taken off over the past couple of years. Each offers its own spin, including hundreds of games, casual drop-ins, scheduled tournaments, and party spaces. They’re generally kid-friendly; however, some may sell alcohol.
  • A new kind of bathhouse wellness experience at Othership: Everyone I know who has visited or taken a class at Othership describes it in one word: AMAZING. This modern take on bathhouse wellness offers sauna and ice bath experiences accompanied by breathwork, with a core focus on mental clarity, emotional regulation, and fostering connection and community. From self-guided sauna and ice bath journeys to SoulCycle-style fitness classes and evening social events, Othership is the perfect place to get reacquainted with your inner you.


3. Keep the sober or sober curious journey going

Tapping into a community of like-minded sober women is as easy as joining a mailing list or following on Instagram, then showing up to one of the many purpose-built events in NYC. Here are some of my favorites:


So, what happened after I clicked The Maze’s Instagram ad?

I became a founding member of The Maze, and frequently visit the 4,600 sq. ft. clubhouse in Flatiron to meet up with sober and sober-curious New Yorkers of all ages, genders, and backgrounds over an NA cocktail and a Tom Colicchio meal. If you’d like to know more about The Maze, or would like to meet up for a NA drink, send me an email: awny@aaanyc.org or comment below.


Got a favorite NA beverage brand, or want to share your thoughts about
Dry/Damp January and the sober/sober curious life?
Let us know in the comments!

CHEERS TO A HEALTHY AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Photo by KoolShooters @ Pexels

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