When did drinking alcohol become such a privilege—and dare I say—reward, at least for me?
No, I haven’t given up alcohol. It’s just my annual month to dry out, detox, and clear my head. Call it an annual “Diane cleanse.”
I’ve been experiencing dry January for nearly a decade now. And to my amazement, I actually look forward to it. In 2024 I did a “semi-dry” August to get re-centered. I made it to August 25, the day we drove up to Vail, Colorado, for a three day pre-birthday getaway. The wine tasted fabulous.
The downside to this mocktail, alcohol-free, dry lifestyle that appears to be catching on, according to recent polls? It’s wreaking havoc with our friends in the booze business.
In early December I ran into the owner/founder of Launch Pad Brewery in Aurora, Colorado, who said their craft beer sales are already trending down 20 percent. “What about dry January?” I asked. He shook his head. “Things will get much worse before they get any better.”
The following night of what has become known in our household as “party week,” Rene and I attended an epic holiday open house, hosted by Rick and Di Crandall at their home—a seasonal must. This year, their granddaughter, Rissa, created two festive drinks, one of which was “George Bailey’s It’s a Wonderful Drink.” I didn’t try it because chocolate milk and I don’t get along, but the libation received rave reviews.
‘Twas the season, indeed.
And then, when Rene and I hosted long-time military friends for a cup of post-holiday cheer after Christmas, we served some of the “snow globe” drinks I’ve been hearing so much about.
What’s my version of a snow globe drink? Find a glass in your barware stash that’s shaped like a snow globe, fill the bottom of the glass with water and a few fresh or frozen cranberries, prop up sprigs of fresh rosemary to look like evergreen trees, then freeze the glass. Once ice forms, pour in your favorite clear beverage and impress your friends, being careful not to accidentally swallow any cranberries or rosemary leaves. I filled my glass with gin and tonic, but others enjoyed flavored sparkling water.
Speaking of sparkling water, my alternative beverage hoarding for dry January started in November in anticipation of the sparkling water shelves at the grocery store going bare like they did the first week in January last year.
Yes, for the next 31 days I’ll be the sober, bored one in the corner, drinking sparkling water and frozen fruit out of a wine glass, not giggling at the mindless comedy specials, movies, and sitcoms that typically make me laugh.
Thinking more clearly . . . impatiently waiting for February 1.
All the best to you in 2025!
