The turn of a new calendar year brings with it the feeling of a new beginning, a natural moment to pause and reset. Whether you’re into making resolutions, leaning into a New Year’s theme, or using post-holiday indulgence as a jumping-off point for renewed wellness, January can be a great time to recalibrate.
For many folks, this includes entering the new year with a clear mind by taking a month-long break from alcohol with Dry January. More and more people are embracing this gentle reset for a variety of reasons, and the good news is that doing so doesn’t mean missing out. Thanks to an ever-growing selection of creative, delicious non-alcoholic beverages—with plenty of options made by businesses right here in Northwest Washington—starting the year nourished can be fun and full of flavor.
1. The Community Food Co-Op in downtown Bellingham offers a variety of delicious locally sourced N/A choices from fermented drinks like beet kvass and kombucha to fresh-pressed juice and a full smoothie bar. Plus, you can stock up on local produce, juices, and herbs for crafting your own fancy drinks.
2. And since it’s the coziest time of the year, what’s better than a hot cup of local tea? Snuggle up and watch the rain fall with an inviting herbal blend from Flying Bird Botanicals. We’re particular fans of their Cedarwood Chai.
3. Let’s keep the cozy times rolling with a good ol’ cup of coffee from beloved local institution Hammerhead Coffee Shop. You can’t go wrong with one of their lattes (though let’s be real, you can’t go wrong with anything they serve up!).
4. If you’re craving a can in the hand or the clink of a cocktail glass, Hela Provisions has you covered—from NA spirits, sparkling canned mocktails, aromatic bitters, and ginger beer to all the fixings for a locally focused charcuterie spread, including preserves, cured meats, cheeses, crostini, and pickled veggies.
Hela Provisions by FotoMataio
Photo courtesy of Shrub Farm
5. L&L Libations has brought exquisite drinks and snacks (like their take on the Crunchwrap!) to the Bellingham bar scene. What makes them a special place to celebrate Dry January? Their bartenders are creative geniuses when it comes to making mocktails!
6. If you’re wanting to DIY your mocktails, look no further than the abundance of local shrubs. We love Girl Meets Dirt, located on beautiful Orcas Island. And luckily for us, they’ve developed some delightful mocktail recipes here.
7. Shrub Farm is another favorite local shrub company. Based in Bellingham, they make a variety of shrubs, all based on a vibrant, good-for-your-gut apple cider vinegar base. Check out their Non-Alcoholic recipe page here.
8. For gorgeous color and an antioxidant power punch, reach for Bow Hill Blueberries’ Organic Heirloom Blueberry Juice—perfect in mocktails, lattes, or mulled blueberry cider. Find mouth-watering recipe inspiration from Bow Hill to mix things up.
9. If you’re feeling a slice and a pint, Elizabeth Station has a revolving selection of non-alcoholic beers and ciders to complement fresh-made pizza topped with local ingredients. You can also find bitters and mocktail makings to take home and craft your own creative ‘bevies.’
10. Last but not least, might we recommend incorporating two resolutions into one? If you’re looking to participate in Dry January and reduce your food waste this year, check out our Low-Waste Libations recipes!
Photo courtesy of Bow Hill Blueberries
Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or just looking to switch things up this year, Dry January can be both a fun and powerful way of incorporating new routines and rituals into your daily life.