Alcohol-Free January: What We Recommend (and How to Choose What’s Right for You)

For Sleep & Winding Down

(Replacing the nightly drink before bed)

Many people are used to having alcohol at night to “shut their brain off.” We now know alcohol does the opposite in the long run — disrupting sleep cycles and leaving the nervous system dysregulated.

These options help calm the body and mind without knocking you out or creating dependence.

Our go-to recommendations:

• Recess Adaptogenic Sparkling Water (multiple flavors)
  Magnesium and L-theanine do the heavy lifting here, helping relax the body and ease mental chatter.

• Dromme Calm
  An adaptogenic botanical elixir designed to replace the ritual and “punch” of a scotch or whisky. Ingredients like lemon balm, hops, and magnesium create a warm, spiced, deeply relaxing experience — without alcohol.

• Kava Haven (Non-Alcoholic Spirit)
  Made with noble kava root. Take one shot — or three — to replace an evening drink and feel genuine relaxation without intoxication.

• Wyld CBD + CBN Sparkling Water
  CBN is the standout here. It’s the hemp compound most associated with sleepiness, making this a strong option for people who want to feel the wind-down.

Expectation to set:
These support sleep — they don’t override late nights, screens, or constant stimulation.

For Social Replacement

(Mocktails, gatherings, sports, and “I just want something in my hand”)

This is about ritual and inclusion, not escape.

Whether it’s dinner parties, tailgates, watching sports, or family gatherings, people want something satisfying that doesn’t feel medicinal or juvenile.

Our favorites:

• Dad Grass THC Drinks (3mg THC)
  Ideal for tailgates or watching the game. Comes in a familiar can, easy to bring as a six-pack, with a low dose that helps people relax socially.

• North Higher Vibes THC Raspberry Lemonade (5mg THC)
  Zero calories, one is usually enough. A favorite for reducing social anxiety and helping people relax without overdoing it.

• Recess Watermelon Mojito
  No mixing required. Guayusa, L-theanine, and lemon balm make this an easy mocktail replacement. Pour into a cute glass, add mint, and you’re set.

• Free AF Vodka Spritz
  For people who want that bite and complexity. Mix with your favorite mixer and still feel part of the group — without the side effects.

• Psychedelic Water
  Fun flavors, a touch of kava for relaxation, and a hint of natural caffeine from green tea extract. It’s social, interesting, and a great conversation starter.

Expectation to set:
This is about ritual and inclusion — not getting buzzed.

For Stress & Nervous System Support

(Daytime or early evening calm — not sleep)

These are for people who say:
“I don’t want to feel wired or numb — I just need to take the edge off.”

Our recommendations:

• Aura Bora Botanical Sparkling Water
  Light, fun flavors you can drink straight or dress up with botanicals like fire cider to make a mocktail martini.

• Heywell Calm Collection (Blackberry Ginger or Lime)
  Combines adaptogens, herbs, and antioxidants to help you feel grounded without feeling sleepy.

Key distinction:
Calm does not have to equal sleep.

For Gut & Inflammation-Friendly Options

(When alcohol just makes you feel “off”)

Many customers tell us alcohol affects their digestion and sleep before anything else.

Gentler options we love:

• Olipop Sparkling Tonic
  Contains beneficial bacteria and supports gut health. Fun flavors like cola, ginger ale, and root beer make it easy to replace alcohol or soda.

• Cycling Frog THC Drinks
  Lighter carbonation can be easier on the gut and help reduce bloating compared to heavily carbonated drinks.

• Recess Powders
  Add to any still beverage. Magnesium and L-theanine support relaxation without bubbles.

Expectation to set:
Gentler doesn’t mean boring — and consistency matters more than perfection.

For Immune Support (January Focus)

(Without sugar or pill fatigue)

January is immune month, and many people want support without sugar or stimulants.

Easy, flavorful ways to build immunity daily:

• My Elderberry Fairy Elderberry Syrup
  Add a shot to sparkling water or a THC drink each night for immune support and flavor.

• Roots & Leaves Fire Cider Tonic
  One daily shot added to a mocktail keeps the immune system engaged and resilient.

• Witchy Elderberry Lemon Elixir Kombucha
  A great grab-and-go immune boost.

• Tea upgrades
  Try Traditional Medicinals Throat Coat, chilled, with a Dr. Mercola Vitamin C Pak mixed in for gentle energy and calming support.

• Mushroom coffee & add-ins
  Add Wholesun Wellness Deep Immune Powder to your morning coffee, or enhance a mocktail with Host Defense Stamets 7 tincture.

Mindset shift:
Building immunity doesn’t have to be pills — it can be part of your daily routine and actually taste good.

For People Who Want to Go Deeper

(When drinks aren’t the real solution)

Some people realize quickly that the issue isn’t alcohol — it’s regulation.

They want tools beyond supplements.
They want something to do with their hands.
They want to feel grounded in their body again.

That’s where experiential practices come in.