Dry January Challenge - Cherry Berry Mocktail

January has a way of exposing habits we didn’t realize we were leaning on.

So when January 3 rolled around and I found myself itching for a drink, my first thought wasn’t discipline — it was curiosity. Why did my body and mind want it so badly? And what would happen if I didn’t immediately give in?

That’s how I found myself committing to Dry January, not confidently, not perfectly — but doing it scared.

Why Dry January Matters (Even If You Don’t Finish It)

Dry January isn’t about demonizing alcohol or proving moral superiority. It’s about pausing long enough to notice.

For many of us, December is a blur of celebrations, stress, social obligations, and constant “just one more.” Drinks flow easily — and sometimes unconsciously. By January, our bodies are tired, our sleep is off, and our minds are craving rest.

December was crazy!

Dry January offers:

• A reset for your body

• Better sleep and hydration

• Clearer awareness of *why* you drink (stress, boredom, celebration, habit)

• A chance to rebuild intention instead of restriction

Even if you don’t complete all 31 days, the awareness alone is powerful.

Doing It Scared (and Still Showing Up)

I was genuinely nervous to commit to Dry January. Alcohol has become such a normal part of socializing, unwinding, and “taking the edge off.” Taking it away felt… uncomfortable.

But growth rarely happens in comfort.

So instead of white-knuckling my way through it, I decided to outsmart my brain — by keeping the ritual, the beauty, and the reward… without the alcohol.

Enter: a cute, fizzy, berry-filled mocktail that still feels like a moment.

The Berry Fizz Mocktail

The Berry Fizz Mocktail

Bright, slightly tart, refreshing, and perfect for Dry January

Ingredients

• 1 can Poppi (Raspberry Rose flavor)

• A handful of frozen mixed berries

• 2–3 oz cranberry juice (adjust to taste)

• Ice

How to Make It

1. Add the frozen berries to your glass.

2. Gently muddle them to release the juices (no need to overdo it).

3. Fill the glass with ice.

4. Pour in the cranberry juice.

5. Top with the Raspberry Rose Poppi for fizz.

6. Stir gently and garnish if you’re feeling fancy.

That’s it. Simple, intentional, and genuinely satisfying.

Why Mocktails Matter During Dry January

Mocktails aren’t “less than” — they’re support tools.

They help:

• Keep the ritual of pouring and sipping

• Reduce feelings of deprivation

• Make social moments feel inclusive

• Remind you that enjoyment doesn’t have to disappear

  
  

This Berry Fizz doesn’t try to taste like alcohol. It stands confidently on its own — bright, refreshing, and calming in a way that surprised me.

The Bigger Picture

Dry January isn’t about punishment.

It’s about choosing yourself gently.

It’s about asking:

• What do I actually need right now?

• What happens when I sit with discomfort instead of numbing it?

• How can I make healthier choices feel indulgent instead of restrictive?

For me, it looks like mocktails, quiet evenings, and being honest with myself — even when it’s uncomfortable.

And if you’re doing Dry January too (or even just Dry-ish January), know this:

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be intentional.

So, here’s to doing it scared.

Here’s to being self-full.

And here’s to drinks that still take the edge off — without the alcohol.