finish dry january strong with these “weak” abv cocktail recipes

Dry January started as a way to help people meet their New Year’s resolutions of being healthier and “drying” out after a holiday season full of gluttony and way too many celebrations. The past few years mocktails, alcohol-free cocktails, have really picked up in popularity. People who choose sobriety now have plenty of choices beyond soda and juice when out to dinner or at a bar. Whether it’s for a month, or a lifestyle choice, there is no longer a need to sacrifice taste for a great cocktail.

You also don’t have to completely cut out alcohol, sometimes it’s just nice to cut back and have a “dry-ish” January. Some of us really do need a little something in our glass at the end of a long day to wind down. Others don’t feel it’s necessary to pull back because they never crossed the line in the first place but are happy to try something new in the name of being healthy. Great drinks can be weak on alcohol content but still strong on flavor.

If you are looking for a really simple way to ease into cutting back on alcohol, all the Crafthouse Cocktails are still delicious when mixed with fresh juices and/or sparkling water. I recommend you still serve over ice with a fun garnish for the full cocktail experience. Charles is a big fan of Natalie’s Orchard Island Juices, made with only fresh juice and free from preservatives and additives — just like Crafthouse, they are the perfect complement to our drinks. The obvious choices would be to mix the grapefruit juice with the Paloma, the margarita mix with the Smoky or Spicy Margarita but you can also have some fun and try the strawberry lemonade with the Southside, or the blood orange with the Smoky Margarita…experiment and play around with the flavors there are so many options. To reduce the alcohol content even more, add plain or flavored sparkling water. This is my regular weekday go-to.

If you are ready to step it up and play bartender, Charles came up with some delicious recipes that he recently shared on-air to rave reviews.

Winter Pimms Cup (~6% abv)

1.5 oz Pimm’s Liqueur

3/4 oz fresh lemon juice

1/2 oz rosemary simple syrup

1/2 oz blood orange juice

2.5 oz ginger beer

Glass: collins

Prep: Combine Pimm’s, lemon juice, blood orange juice and rosemary syrup in a shaker with ice. Briefly shake, pour over fresh ice into collins glass, top with ginger beer and stir to combine.

Garnish with orange wheels and rosemary sprig.

Garden Party Martini (0% abv)

2 ½ oz Seedlip Garden

½ – ¾ oz Filthy olive brine

dash Fee Bros Celery Bitters

5 drops giardiniera oil

Glass: martini

Prep: Combine all ingredients, save oil, in a mixing glass. Stir well over ice and strain into chilled martini glass. Use eye dropper to place 5 drops spiced oil.

Garnish with fresh herbs. Rosemary and thyme are favorites.

When it comes to cutting back on alcohol, whether it’s for the night, the month or for good…your options have never been easier or tasted better. We predict the low and no ABV trend is here to stay and even though we are a company that makes cocktails, we completely support it. Alcohol isn’t for everyone but no matter what, everyone should have delicious options. Cheers!

Jen Stamper

Brand Storyteller, Crafthouse Cocktails