Sober curious is not just a millennial phrase. According to NPR, it was a movement started after a few friends thought they had partied just a bit too hard on New Year’s weekend… sound familiar? There is no judgment here. Sober curious or “sober sometimes” is all about having a healthy relationship with alcohol—and we totally support that!
Whether your New Year’s Resolutions involve giving up alcohol entirely or just considering drinking less, this is what you need to know about Dry January and mindful drinking.
What is Dry January?
Dry January is a movement that began in 2013. It aimed to change the behavior of those who “drink too much, too often” without realizing how it affects their health. This movement was primarily aimed at those who regularly exceed the recommended guidelines for alcohol consumption, not at those with severe dependency issues.
The Dry January movement encourages total sobriety during January—abstaining from alcohol consumption from January 1 - January 31. The hope is that those who participate understand the health effects of over-consumption of alcohol and, if they choose to return to drinking regularly, can do so with healthier behavior changes in mind.
Dry January may lead some cocktail fans to incorporate more “sober curious” behaviors into their everyday lifestyle, leading to a newer buzzword on the bar scene—mindful drinking.
What is mindful drinking?
The opposite of mindful drinking is mindless drinking; it’s the opposite of Spring Break or Super Bowl-level overconsumption regularly. Mindful drinking is a movement about “thinking while drinking,” according to Sunnyside, a system and community that helps you track your drinking habits. Practicing mindful drinking means being aware of how much alcohol you’re consuming and—perhaps most importantly—why you’re drinking that amount.
Mindful drinking is for those who desire a healthier relationship with alcohol but don’t want to give it up completely. Perhaps you love practicing your mixology skills at home, enjoy trying every new type of a particular spirit, or simply love celebrating special occasions with a toast. But you’re equally interested in making these moments healthier—and perhaps less frequently.
Dry January may be an aspect of your mindful drinking journey, or participating in Dry January may lead you to consume more responsibly and thoughtfully. Either way, you can join in the movement yearlong.
How can I practice mindful drinking all year?
If Dry January for 12 months straight (or longer) sounds overboard for you, but you still want to engage in a cocktail occasionally, mindful drinking is the way to go. Here are a few tips to help get you thinking about being mindful about each drink.
Take a minute to decide if you want a drink (or another drink.)
Pause before your first (or next) drink and think about whether or not you really want it. While some may be used to saying “keep it coming” or never turning down a shot, those are the mindless drinking habits you wish to question. Give yourself 60 seconds to decide whether or not you want to consume another beverage before ordering a refill.
Find a healthier balance between alcohol and mixers.
Sometimes, mindful drinking means choosing a healthier drink, not foregoing it altogether. Selecting an alcohol with a lower ABV or a mixer with fewer calories, sugar, or carbs can make all the difference in how you feel about your drinks. Plus, healthier ingredients can support your health-related New Year’s Resolutions too! (Hot tip: try Curamia Tequila for a healthier alcohol option with no carbs, additives, and low sugar!)
Practice saying “no.”
If you find yourself struggling with mindful drinking because you succumb to peer pressure or social drinking, practice polite ways to say no so you’re not caught off guard when offered drinks. You may choose to explain how Dry January impacted your drinking choices or simply say, “No, thanks!”
Enjoy your drink.
We mean really enjoy it; savor it. Take the time to taste every flavor of your first, second, and last sip. You may find that you don’t need another cocktail after thoroughly enjoying the first!
Be easy on yourself.
Be easy on yourself as you learn how to navigate your new lifestyle. If you fall off the Dry January train, start over with a Damp January journey. There’s no reason to be too hard on yourself; you can always start over again tomorrow.
How does Curamia Tequila support mindful drinking habits?
Here at Curamia Tequila, a healthy lifestyle is one of the cornerstones of our brand. Whether making a permanent lifestyle change or trying out Dry January as a New Year’s Resolution, we support your mindful drinking habits.
If you’re looking for a healthier alcohol option, you can rest assured, knowing Curamia Tequila is the best choice. Our tequila has zero additives, roughly 97 calories per shot, zero carbohydrates, and no gluten. It’s made with pure, authentic ingredients, meaning you don’t have to worry about unknown chemicals or sugary artificial flavorings that alter the experience of enjoying a pure tequila and add unnecessary chemicals to your diet. And, when mixed with low-sugar, low-calorie mixers, it is a much healthier alternative to wine, beer, or sugary seltzers. Tequila may even be good for your gut!
Stick to your New Year’s Resolutions with the healthier tequila option after your Dry January. Find Curamia Tequila in stores near you or shop online for every tequila expression we offer!
