'It's been life-changing': Cork woman explains why she stopped drinking after completing Dry January 

Reducing or giving up alcohol for January has become part of the annual attempt to shake off the festive excesses and optimistically swing our well-intentioned resolutions into action.

For some, going dry is associated with a perception of a self-imposed hiatus on fun and exclusion from social connection.

But the growing Sober Curious movement is changing the way we socialise – enjoying all the trappings of a great night out, sans alcohol.

More people are deciding to not drink alcohol when socialising so they can still be on their A-game the next day, and not just for Dry January.

Heightened awareness of the health impacts of regular alcohol consumption and the deleterious health effects of binge drinking are also key concerns among the Sober Curious.

Other aspects of socialising also impact what we consume and the amount, including a lack of late-night transportation, especially in rural areas, and personal safety, especially for women.

New drinks brands have entered the market, specialising in low or no alcohol beverages, working with trailblazing mixologists to craft Lo-No Cocktails and reshaping what a night on the tiles can look like.

The Virgin Mary in Dublin was Ireland’s first alcohol-free bar when it opened in 2019 with the purpose of providing all the same elements of a great night out in a contemporary bar, just without the booze.

Last November in Cork, Coffee House Lates was a new initiative for the night-time economy of the city to encourage coffee shops to stay open into the night as an alternative place for people to meet and socialise in an alcohol-free environment.

In Kinsale, The Collector is an alternative coffee and concept store by day and a Lo-No Cocktail Bar by night, working under the restriction of a wine licence to serve up exceptionally crafted drinks based around vermouths, sakes, meads and alcohol-free spirits.

Roots in Gen Z

From the starting point of giving up alcohol for health or wellbeing reasons, the changing attitude to drinking alcohol has its roots in Gen Z. This is the first generation to grow up entirely in the glare of the ever-present smartphone, constantly capturing images for immediate sharing on platforms with global reach.

Imagine a drunk moment in time being captured and shared on the internet without your permission, for anyone to access forever?

No other generation has faced social pressure in that way before. It makes sense, therefore, that younger generations are finding new ways to socialise and have fun in a safer and savvy way.

It’s through this generation that this movement is driving the opportunities for brands and bars to capitalise on this new wave of sobriety. #SoberIsSexy is a trending hashtag on socials.

The halfway house is the ‘Get Mild’ trend which, much like The Collector’s vibe, taps into the customer’s demand for a taste of alcohol but at a much lower ABV.

For years, craft breweries competed to brew beers with ever higher ABVs – think 12% imperial stouts or 8% double-hopped IPAs. But if customers are to drink their beer more regularly, there must be sessionable alternatives. Session IPAs, Sours and Lambics all come in at 3.5% ABV or lower, with many of Ireland’s successful craft breweries investing in creating great tasting zero alcohol beers. Fierce Mild, Wicklow Wolf, Tom Cream and Hope Brewery all offer zero or almost-zero craft beers, while Cronin’s offer a zero-alcohol cider.

When it comes to wine, discount retailer Aldi has been an early and enthusiastic supporter of Dry January, offering an ever-increasing range of alcohol-free wines and spirits. Their South African Cambalala range offers 0% Rosé Wine Pinot Grigio Blush, 0% Chardonnay with flavours of stone fruit and honey, or a 0% Shiraz for a rich, well-balanced sup. Their alcohol-free prosecco, Costellore Zerozecco Sparkling White, was awarded Gold at the Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards 2023, and Silver at the 2024 International Wine and Spirit Competition.

BKultured, based in Ballybrannigan, extended their range of gut-friendly water kefir with a wine bottle-sized Natural-flavoured Water Kefir. Anaturally fermented drink, it provides gentle spritz and a refreshing flavour that does you good as you drink it.

At the other end of the scale, Majken Bech-Bailey, the internationally acclaimed sommelier who pioneered no-alcohol drinks pairings at the much-missed, former two-Michelin starred Aimsir restaurant in Kildare, has launched an exclusive range of hand-crafted non-alcoholic drinks designed to emulate the flavours of wine. BÆK drinks are billed as ‘wine alternatives’ crafted in small batches and released on a limited basis.

BÆK delivers the length, depth, and complexity of wine without the alcohol. Mellow (white) and Intricate (red) are the first two signature drinks in the range, with a sparkling wine alternative soon to come. At €35 per 500ml bottle, these are premium drinks for sure, but they re-engineer what a no-alcohol wine can and should be.

What does life beyond alcohol look like? 

We all know the theory behind Dry January is essentially good, but what does it mean in practice? If drinking alcohol is not problematic, sporadic and for enjoyment, what does life beyond alcohol look like in the long term?

Karen Coakley is founder of Kenmare Foodies, a business that provides food tours and experiences from her base in Co Kerry.

Originally from Bantry, the Beara Peninsula is a place Karen is proud to showcase to her customers.

She said: “Working in food is highly social, and with that comes plenty of opportunities to sink a dram or glass.

On January 1, 2024, Karen decided to give up alcohol completely and hasn’t touched a drop since, recently celebrating one-year alcohol-free.

She has become a vocal advocate for alcohol-free living, referring to herself as an “accidental soberista”, an identity she is relishing through a new Instagram community called @MyWinelessLife.

I asked Karen about her experience:

“It’s been life-changing. I was in a cycle of weekend drinks and waking up on Monday feeling anxious and not firing on all cylinders - that lethargic feeling after having had a few glasses of wine - not overdone it, but not sleeping well, and waking up not feeling ready to take on the day.

“I had turned 50 in December, 2023, and on January 1, 2024, I began with Dry January. I woke up really hung over that morning; I wasn’t feeling like I was enjoying drinking alcohol anymore, and that this wasn’t what I wanted for my 50s.

“What followed has been a whole voyage of discovery for me. It has been beyond wonderful. I have more energy, more clarity, any low-level anxiety is gone, brain fog is gone, I have more mental space in my head, I have more time. I have gained entire weekends.

“A big part is learning what our natural reaction is when something goes wrong; when we celebrate, when someone dies, we have a drink. Since giving up alcohol, I have had to lean more into my feelings and emotions, to sit with myself and process what I’m feeling. Having a drink is not going to help how I feel; it’s only going to make those feelings worse.

“The first time I went out with my friends after giving up alcohol was for Women’s Christmas. At that stage, I didn’t know it was going to be this year-long life-changing thing it has become. I can remember thinking I wanted a drink, but then realised my car was outside the door and I was able to drive home, and I got such a kick from that!

“From the beginning, I have always taken stock of all the positives of giving up alcohol, how I was feeling, and marked down the changes rather than marking down days left of Dry January until drinking again!

“It felt like I had flicked a switch in my head, and I found I was enjoying my nights out more because I was more relaxed. I was suddenly in control of the situation. I look forward to socialising much more now and love the feeling of having a great time but still being able to be up in the morning ready to do whatever I want while feeling great.

“Now, my weekends are about time for me to restore and recharge my batteries: sea swimming, gym, sauna, beach walks with the dogs, nights away in our campervan.

“Now, when I wake up on Monday morning, instead of feeling wrecked, I feel refreshed and that has kept me going.

“I have a new Instagram account called @MyWinelessLife where I share my experiences, and I run an alcohol-free WhatsApp group with 38 other women.

“I always knew I didn’t have a problem with alcohol, but my attitude has changed. I know I can have a drink if I want to, but I choose not to.

“I know that alcohol is not going to add any value to my life, and my life is so much better without it. I feel happy. I don’t fly off the handle. I’m a much calmer person.

“You’ll never meet anyone who regrets giving up alcohol, and it’s probably the biggest achievement of my life.”