Dry January Alternatives: Switching to THC Beverages

Dry January Alternatives: Switching to THC Beverages

Every December, it starts happening. Somewhere between holiday parties and New Year’s plans, people begin Googling the same question: What am I going to drink during Dry January?

Dry January has become more than a personal challenge — it’s a cultural moment. And as participation grows, so does curiosity around Dry January alternatives. People aren’t just giving up alcohol. They’re actively looking for something to replace it.

From mocktails to emerging THC beverages, here’s a look at what people are drinking instead of alcohol during Dry January — and why those searches start before January even arrives.

Why People Start Looking for Dry January Alternatives Before January

Most people don’t wake up on January 1st and suddenly decide what they’ll drink for the next 31 days. The search for Dry January alternatives usually starts in late December.

That’s when people are:

• Thinking about New Year’s resolutions

• Feeling alcohol fatigue from the holidays

• Curious about trends they’ve seen on social media

• Wondering if Dry January is “worth it”

Instead of asking how to do Dry January, many consumers are asking:

• “What are people drinking during Dry January?”

• “Are there good alternatives to alcohol?”

• “Is there something besides mocktails?”

This early curiosity phase is about options, not rules — and that’s where alternative beverages come in.

Mocktails Aren’t the Only Dry January Alternative Anymore

For years, mocktails dominated Dry January conversations. They’re still popular, but they’re no longer the only option people are exploring.

While mocktails deliver flavor and presentation, some consumers find them lacking in one key area: experience. A fancy glass and garnish can feel festive, but for many people, it still feels like something’s missing.

That’s why these searches increase this time of year:

• “alternatives to mocktails”

• “Dry January drinks that aren’t boring”

• “non-alcoholic alternatives with a buzz”

People want:

• Something that feels intentional

• A beverage that fits into social moments

• An adult alternative that doesn’t feel like a kids’ drink

This shift has opened the door to a wider range of Dry January alternatives.

THC Beverages: A Growing Dry January Alternative

One of the fastest-growing alternatives people are discovering during Dry January is hemp-derived THC beverages.

These drinks are showing up in search results, conversations, and gatherings because they check a lot of the boxes Dry January participants care about:

• Familiar beverage formats (cans, bottles, sipping)

• Clearly labeled servings

• Low-dose options

• An experience that feels distinct from alcohol

For people who still enjoy the ritual of holding a drink — cracking a can, sipping something flavorful, relaxing with friends — THC beverages feel intuitive.

Rather than replacing alcohol with “nothing,” many consumers are choosing something different that still fits into their routines.

Choosing the Right Dry January Alternative for You

There’s no single “best” Dry January drink. The right alternative depends on what someone wants out of the experience.

Some questions people ask themselves include:

• Do I want something flavorful or something functional?

• Am I looking for a one-to-one alcohol replacement?

• Is this for a quiet night in or a social gathering?

• Do I want zero alcohol, or just less alcohol?

Dry January alternatives now range from:

• Sparkling waters and mocktails

• Non-alcoholic beers and spirits

• Adaptogen drinks

• Hemp-derived THC beverages

The variety is exactly why interest keeps growing. Consumers aren’t looking to be told what to drink — they’re exploring what fits their lifestyle.

Why THC Beverages Fit Naturally Into the Dry January Trend

Dry January isn’t necessarily about abstinence forever. For many people, it’s about resetting habits and being more intentional.

THC beverages fit into that mindset because they:

• Offer a clear alternative to alcohol

• Are easy to dose and understand

• Feel familiar without being alcohol

• Align with the “sober curious” movement

Brands like Howdy lean into this idea by keeping things simple and approachable — focusing on flavor, balance, and easygoing enjoyment rather than intensity.

For consumers searching for Dry January alternatives, that matters. They’re not looking for extremes. They’re looking for something that fits into their everyday life.

The Bigger Picture: Dry January Is About Choice

The rise of Dry January alternatives reflects a broader shift in how people think about drinking.

Instead of asking:

“Should I drink or not drink?”

More consumers are asking:

“What do I actually want in my glass?”

That question has opened the door to innovation across the beverage space — and it’s why Dry January searches now include everything from mocktails to THC beverages.

Whether someone participates for a week, a month, or just a few nights, Dry January has become less about restriction and more about exploration.

Final Thoughts

If you’re researching Dry January alternatives, you’re not alone — and you’re not late. Millions of people start thinking about what they’ll drink well before January begins.

From mocktails to THC beverages, the options have never been broader. And as the trend continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Dry January isn’t about giving something up. It’s about discovering what works for you.