Want To Give Dry A Try This January? Start With An NA Beer That Actually Tastes Good

Every year, I inevitably have a friend tell me sometime in the early new year that they’re going dry for the month. It’s often right after, or even as, I order a beer or glass of wine, so I tend to feel a little duped (why didn’t they suggest meeting for a workout or coffee instead?). But accompanying that feeling is also something akin to a slight twinge of envy.

Everyone has their own reasons for cutting back on alcohol at the start of a new year. Some see it as a way to reevaluate their relationship with drinking, while others are looking to reset their wellness or to simply take on a fun personal challenge. Whatever the reasons are, the goal is the same: avoid alcohol for the first 31 days of the year.

I’ve been curious about giving dry a try for years now, but I’ve never fully committed — which probably explains my ever-so-slight twinge of good-natured envy when my friends reveal they’ve made this commitment. While I definitely enjoy having a drink, I can also see the benefits of drinking less — or not at all — on certain occasions. But I’ve held back for multiple reasons: fear of missing out on social events, drawing unwanted attention to myself, or being judged by others who are partaking in adult beverages. It may sound silly, but for me, it isn’t easy to be the only person in the room not drinking.

That’s why this year, I’m thrilled (and TBH, relieved) to have discovered Athletic Brewing, a non-alcoholic craft beer brand that makes drinking less, well, more fun. If you’re like me and have always been interested in giving dry a try (or just drinking less in general), finding a product that feels like a proper alternative to something boozier is a total game-changer.

What You Need To Know:

Athletic brews non-alcoholic craft beer that’s authentic, unpretentious, and full of flavor. It’s one of the best-tasting non-alcoholic beers on the market, allowing you to treat yourself without the threat of a hangover.

With an endless variety of styles — like hop-forward IPAs, a Belgian-style White that delivers a crisp herbal bitterness, a refreshingly earthy and spicy Golden, and a stout-inspired brew that leads with aromas of roasted nuts and coffee and finishes with semi-sweet chocolate — there’s plenty of options for every taste profile. Plus, their gorgeously-designed cans don’t scream non-alcoholic, so no one will even know you aren’t drinking unless you choose to disclose it.

The best part? Even though I can easily order my new favorite bevs online, Athletic products are also available in stores like Walmart, Target, and Whole Foods, and on the menu at plenty of restaurants to boot.

It’s normal to feel skeptical of alcohol replacement drinks (because, historically, they haven’t always been so good!), but Athletic doesn’t feel like a stand-in for the real thing. I love that I get the same experience of kicking back and unwinding after a busy day — including great taste, distinct aromas, and fun flavors — without having to worry about sabotaging my run the next morning. And like all elite craft breweries, they also continuously offer exciting new styles that make choosing NA anything but boring, including current limited edition flavors Blueberry Mosaic and Dark Cinnamon Crumble.

Plus, It’s Pro Athlete-Approved.

Providing options that satisfy happy hour cravings without leaving you with a hangover makes Athletic Brewing a top choice for athletes, including weekend warriors like myself, and elite professionals like surfer Malia Manuel. As someone who is constantly working toward being her absolute best self, Athletic gives Manuel the opportunity to practice positive habits without sacrificing the freedom to enjoy a drink with friends.

“There are so many components to [being your best self] as a professional athlete like, movement, mental clarity, and more,” Manuel tells Bustle. “And to me, I feel so much better knowing I’m still dedicated to a positive trajectory in my wellness journey.”

You certainly don’t need to be a pro to choose Athletic, but Manuel reminds us that if you move, you’re an athlete. Try incorporating NA beers into your rotation this January and beyond. It doesn’t have to be forever or even for the full month, but it’s an opportunity to try something new that might just lead to a better tomorrow.

Ready to give dry a try this January? Check out Athletic Brewing for yourself to see what all the hype is about.