{"id":92475,"date":"2026-01-07T16:23:24","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T16:23:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/92475\/"},"modified":"2026-01-07T16:23:24","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T16:23:24","slug":"how-to-master-dry-january-in-queens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/92475\/","title":{"rendered":"how to master Dry January in Queens"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"Dry\t\t\t<\/p>\n

How to thrive during Dry January. Photo credit: Getty Images<\/p>\n

\t\t Search our comprehensive guide to things to do in Queens<\/a> for more local events \u2014 or submit your own<\/a>!<\/p>\n

With the start of a new year, Dry January has officially started for those who like to try going a month without drinking. For some, the month-long challenge can be a great idea to reset after a month of holiday parties, celebrations, and sweets throughout the month. For others, going a month without alcohol can offer a fresh start for the new year, focusing on health, discipline, and trying something new<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Regardless, even a week without alcohol can increase energy levels and boost your mood. Whether you\u2019re still considering giving a month of not drinking a try or have already begun, here are some tips and ideas on making the most of the Dry January challenge.<\/p>\n

\"\"Dry January offers many benefits for the body and mind. Photo credit: Getty Images
\nWhat are the health benefits?<\/p>\n

You may be wondering if skipping out on alcohol really makes that much of a difference in the long run, but there are a ton of health benefits to consider that come from just 30 days of not drinking. For one, you\u2019ll get better sleep from abstaining from alcohol and more REM sleep, which is the sleep you want to get because it makes you feel more rested. You\u2019ll also have more energy, less brain fog, and you might even lose a few pounds, as alcohol can definitely rack up a calorie count, even from just one drink. Another positive benefit is that it can help alleviate feelings of anxiety, especially if you deal with a generalized anxiety disorder. If the effects on your body and mind aren\u2019t enough, a month of no drinking boasts clearer skin and an overall healthier glow.<\/p>\n

\"\"There are plenty of ways to stick to Dry January while thriving in social settings. Photo credit: Getty Images
\nDealing with social situations<\/p>\n

While the array of health benefits might sound great, some of you may be thinking that even if you wanted to give Dry January a try, a lot of your friends like to meet for drinks on the weekend, and you don\u2019t want to feel like being the only one in the group not having a drink. This is definitely a legitimate concern, and it doesn\u2019t mean you have to choose between staying stuck at home or seeing your friends. In this situation, or any social situation that involves alcohol, you still have options. First, you have to know who you\u2019re dealing with when deciding if and when to share that you\u2019re not drinking. If it\u2019s someone you\u2019re comfortable telling, with a track record that shows they\u2019ll respect your boundaries, such as with good friends, simply let them know. However, if you\u2019re in a social setting like a party where you don\u2019t want to be bothered by random people who observe you without a drink in your hand, order a non-alcoholic drink that\u2019s easy to disguise as a cocktail so you won\u2019t stand out. Great examples include drinks like Sprite with a slice of lemon, Red Bull in a glass, or ask the bartender; they can often create a mocktail version of most drinks, which will work perfectly as well.<\/p>\n

\"\"Photo credit: Getty Images
\nDrinking alternatives<\/p>\n

Sometimes you want to have the best of both worlds, meaning all of the incredible benefits of not drinking for Dry January, while still getting to enjoy the flavors of a drink or getting the overall vibe of a tasty cocktail, especially when you\u2019re catching up with your friends at dinner, or unwinding after a long week. If this is the case, you are very much in luck, especially as going the non-alcoholic route in general has become a much more popular movement in recent years than at any other period in time. There are plenty of locally based mocktail brands, zero-proof wines and beers, and there are many bars and restaurants throughout Queens where you can get a delicious mocktail, often with an aesthetically pleasing presentation that offers great taste and something new to try. If you\u2019d like, the next time your group chat is looking for a new dinner spot to try, look up some places nearby and see if they have an entire section of mocktails. This way, you don\u2019t have to stick out if you don\u2019t want to if you\u2019re the only one at the table not ordering a drink.<\/p>\n

\"\"Nur Thai has a wide variety of zero-proof mocktails and wine. Photo credit: Nur Thai
\nPlaces in Queens with specialty mocktails and more<\/p>\n

If you need a little help finding a spot, there are plenty of great places in Queens that offer delicious mocktails, zero-proof wine, and mocktails with unique presentations, such as fiery roses, smoky drinks, and more. Check out some of these places for your next non-alcoholic dinner adventure.<\/p>\n

Boathouse Rooftop<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

Mocktails with fun presentations\n<\/p>\n

Mosaic Astoria<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

Mocktails, zero-proof wine, and low ABV drinks\n<\/p>\n

Nur Thai<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

Wide selection of mocktails, including ones with fun presentations and zero-proof wine\n<\/p>\n

Singlecut<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

Non alcoholic beer selection\n<\/p>\n

Fifth Hammer Brewing Company<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

Non alcoholic beer and IPA selection\n<\/p>\n

The Last Word<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

Specialty mocktails\n<\/p>\n

Kakes NYC<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

An array of infused mocktail selections\n<\/p>\n

The Lowery<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

Zero-proof cocktails\n<\/p>\n

Sweet Afton<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

An array of zero-proof drinks<\/p>\n