Booze be gone! How to take a break from alcohol for Dry January
Clinical psychologist Dr. Ali Mattu explains how to commit to Dry January and manage social situations involving alcohol.
Self Improved
Two decades ago, approximately 72% of young adults in the U.S. reported drinking alcohol regularly. Today, that number has dropped to 62% among adults under age 35, according to Gallup polling data.
Several factors contribute to this shift, including the growing popularity of the “sober-curious” movement and wellness trends like Dry January. But beyond social trends, many young adults are intentionally choosing to abstain from alcohol to better relationships or for personal, economic, religious or health reasons. In short, they are breaking with the drinking habits of previous generations.
One increasingly popular alternative? Mocktails. These thoughtfully crafted, alcohol-free beverages are making their way onto bar menus, dinner tables and celebrations everywhere. Here’s what mocktails are, why they’ve become so popular and whether switching to them really is better for your health.
What are mocktails?
Blending the words “mock” and “cocktail,” a mocktail is a non-alcoholic drink that replicates the look, feel, experience and sometimes even the flavor of traditional cocktails – minus the booze.
But mocktails are usually more than flavored soda. They often feature layered, sophisticated flavors made from “fruit juices, muddled herbs like mint or basil, alcohol-free bitters, infused syrups, sparkling water and non-alcoholic tonics or spirits,” says Amy Goodson, a nutritionist and registered dietitian at The Sports Nutrition Playbook. “Garnishes such as fruit slices, herbs or spice rims often enhance flavor and visual appeal.”
Why are mocktails popular?
For many, mocktails provide the best of both worlds: The ability to enjoy a celebratory or social beverage without the side effects or risks associated with alcohol.
Mocktails are also typically more affordable than alcoholic beverages, and they’re accessible to everyone, including those who are pregnant, individuals with religious or dietary restrictions, designated drivers and those recovering from substance use. Mocktails make it possible for any such people “to celebrate together without the need for alcohol,” says Jen Messer, a nutrition consultant and registered dietitian at Jen Messer Nutrition.
Their growing appeal has even prompted many bars and restaurants to create dedicated alcohol-free drink menus and have bartenders and mixologists trained to craft zero-proof options with the same creativity and care as their spirited counterparts.
Are mocktails a healthier option than alcoholic beverages?
While mocktails can contain added sugars or high-calorie ingredients, they are generally considered a healthier alternative to alcoholic beverages. This is primarily due to their lack of alcohol, a substance linked to a wide range of health issues, including liver disease, sleep disruption, hypertension and certain cancers. “Even low levels of alcohol consumption have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, including breast cancer,” notes Messer.
Alcohol also acts as a diuretic, which contributes to dehydration. In contrast, “most of the ingredients in mocktails help maintain better hydration,” says Goodson. Mocktails also have the advantage of not impairing your judgment or motor skills the way alcohol can. And they make it possible to still enjoy a social experience without the risk of accidents, poor decisions or waking up with a hangover. This allows mocktails to help you “enjoy a night out without sacrificing the next day,” says Messer.
At the same time, moderation still matters. Like other trendy foods, “mocktails may give off a ‘halo effect,’” warns Messer. “Since they contain no alcohol, some people may view them as ‘healthy’ and may consume more than they would of alcohol-containing beverages.”
This is ill-advised as mocktails can still be high in sugar and empty calories, and mocktails with energy boosters like matcha or green tea may also contain caffeine “which can affect sleep and increase heart rate,” warns Goodson.
So long as such considerations are kept in mind though, she says mocktails are “a fun, inclusive option.”
