🎉 Happy New Year, party people! 🎉 As we kick off this fabulous new year, many seek ways to refresh and reset. One super fun challenge that's been trending is "Dry January."

Think of it as a month-long party for your liver!

It might sound a bit intimidating initially but imagine the epic accomplishment you'll feel once you complete it! Plus, you'll enjoy benefits like better sleep, more energy, and maybe even glowing skin. Who doesn't want that? 

The Dry January Origins

The origin of a month of abstaining from alcohol stems from the Finnish government's decision to reduce alcohol intake to save resources in 1942 as part of the war efforts to fight the Soviet Union.

The idea of Dry January came from Emily Robinson, who gave up drinking in January 2011 to prepare better for her first half marathon. She joined Alcohol Change UK and shared her experience abstaining from alcohol.

Alcohol Change UK started the challenge, Dry January, in 2013.  The initiative peaked in 2022 when people decided to cut back on alcohol drinking after elevated alcohol consumption increased due to the pandemic. 1 in 4 people drank more than usual during this period.

According to the CDC, consuming alcohol raises your risk of cancer.  The American Cancer Society recommends lowering your consumption lowers your risk and provides guidelines on how to reduce your risk of cancer.

DIY Herbal Mocktails.  Flavor and Fun Rolled into One 

Abstaining from alcohol doesn't mean you can't have a blast with some creative non-alcoholic beverages! It's time to get adventurous and delight your taste buds. Here are some fun ideas using our delicious, handcrafted syrups: 

Sparkling Rose Hibiscus

Mix Rose Hibiscus syrup with sparkling water and a squeeze of fresh lime. For a little extra pizzazz, toss a rose petal for an elegant (and Instagram-worthy) touch! 

Chai Spiced Apple Fizz

Combine Chai Spiced Apple Simple Syrup with sparkling water and a cinnamon stick. Feeling wild? Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for an extra twist.

Elderberry Mocktail Mix

Elderberry Tonic with sparkling water and a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing drink packed with antioxidants. Hello, good vibes! 

Golden Turmeric Tonic

Combine Apple Ginger Turmeric Shots with sparkling water and a fresh slice of ginger. Zing, zing! 

If you're ready to take your mocktail game to the next level (because you deserve it!), here are some elevated recipes that will wow your taste buds and your friends:

1. Morning Mojo Mimosa

Ingredients:

• 1 tea bag or 1 heaping teaspoon of Morning Mojo Herbal Tea (Steep for at least 10 minutes) or
• 1 oz Rose Hibiscus Syrup
• 1 oz Freshly squeezed orange juice
• Sparkling water to the top
• Garnish with orange slice & fresh basil sprig.

Mix it in a chilled glass, top with sparkle, and voilà!

Morning happiness in a glass!

2.  Happy Tummy Elixir

Ingredients:

• 1 tea bag or 1 heaping teaspoon of Happy Tummy Herbal Tea
• 1 tsp Apple Ginger Turmeric Shot or Chai Spiced Apple Simple Syrup
• 1 oz Apple Cider
• Sparkling water to the top
• Garnish: Cinnamon stick.

Sip on this cozy hug in a mug while you keep that tummy happy.

3. Feeling Groovy Cooler

Ingredients:

• 1 tea bag or 1 heaping teaspoon of  Feeling Groovy Herbal Tea
• 1 oz Chai Spiced Apple Simple Syrup
• 1 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice - Ice cubes
• Garnish with Lemon wheel & candied ginger.

Get ready for a burst of flavor and a little zing to kickstart your day!

4. Best Damn Mint Julep

Normally a Mint Julep is made with bourbon and a mint simple syrup.  Here is our twist using our elderberry tonic and Best Damn Mint tea.

Ingredients:

• Add 1 tea bag or 1 heaping teaspoon of Best Damn Mint Herbal Tea (adjust to taste) to 1 cup boiling water.  Let it seep at least 10 minutes and then let it cool.
• 1.5 - 2 ounces Elderberry Tonic
• 3-4 ounces Ginger Ale (see make your own ginger ale below.)
• Crushed ice
• Fresh mint sprig for garnish

Instructions:

• Steep the tea: Steep the tea in boiling water for at least 10 minutes. Let it cool completely.
• Combine: In a chilled julep cup or rocks glass, combine the cooled mint tea and Elderberry Tonic.
• Add Ginger Ale: Top with Ginger Ale. Fill with ice: Fill the glass with crushed ice, leaving some room at the top.
• Stir: Stir vigorously with a long spoon until the glass is well frosted.
• Garnish: Garnish with a fresh mint sprig.

Tips: Adjust sweetness: Since our Elderberry Tonic is low in sugar, you may want to adjust the amount to your preference. You can also add a touch of simple syrup if desired.

Enjoy your "Herbal Julep"! 

An Alternative Ginger Ale Recipe

An alternative to using store bought ginger ale, you can make your own using our apple ginger turmeric shots.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup Apple Ginger Turmeric Shot
• 1 cup sparkling water
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, adjust to taste)

Ice Instructions: Combine: In a chilled glass, combine the Apple Ginger Turmeric Shot, lemon juice, and honey (if using). 

Tips: Taste and Adjust: Start with a smaller amount of the shot and gradually increase until you achieve the desired flavor intensity.

Add a touch of sweetness: If the shot alone is too strong, add a touch of honey or maple syrup to balance the flavors. 

If you use our "ginger ale" recipe, you might consider subbing out the elderberry tonic with 1/2 or 1 ounce of apple ginger turmeric shots.

5.  Just Kick Back & Chill Lemonade 

• 1 tea bag or heaping teaspoon of Just Kick Back & Chill Herbal Tea
• 1 oz Rose Hibiscus Syrup
• 1 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Sparkling water to the top
• Garnish: Lavender sprig 

Instructions:

• Steep the tea for at least 10 minutes.  Let it cool and chill.
• Combine chilled tea, syrup, and lemon juice in a glass.
• Top with sparkling water. Garnish with a lavender sprig.

This delicate and calming mocktail is perfect for unwinding after a long day.

Tips & Tricks for Herbal Mocktails:

Experiment with flavor combinations: Don't be afraid to get creative and try different syrups, teas, and juice combinations. Infuse your water: Add fresh herbs or fruit slices to your sparkling water for extra flavor.

Make it visually appealing: Garnish your mocktails with fresh herbs, fruits, or edible flowers.

Here's how to adjust the water amount: Start with less water: Instead of a standard cup of water (8 oz), begin with 6-7 oz of boiling water. Taste and adjust: After steeping, taste the infusion. If it's too strong, add more hot water to dilute it to your preferred taste. 

 Embrace Your Inner Healthy Side.

 These refreshing and invigorating herbal mocktails offer a delicious way to embrace a healthier lifestyle, whether participating in Dry January or simply looking to reduce your alcohol intake.

By incorporating our handcrafted syrups and wellness shots, you can create unique and flavorful beverages that nourish your body and mind. Experiment with different combinations, adjust to your taste preferences, and enjoy the journey of discovering your signature herbal mocktails.

Enjoy and let me know what combination you discovered!