New York City has a reputation as the city that never sleeps. With late nights out on the town (pre-covid), a few boozy bev.s probably made those nights a bit more memorable, or maybe the opposite. What if I told you that the Dry January trend where you abstain from alcoholic beverages for the entire month could be your norm, and you might actually like it?
According to Hilary Sheinbaum, a New York-based journalist who has contributed to dozens of food and beverage publications, like USA Today, amNew York, Eater, and Travel + Leisure, it’s a gamechanger! We spoke to her about her new book, THE DRY CHALLENGE: How to Lose the Booze for Dry January, Sober October, and Any Other Alcohol-Free Month, on the experience of giving up booze, and all the ways it improved her day-to-day life, in addition to her recommendations on how to embrace the city that never sleeps, sans alcohol. What started as an ironically champagne-driven Dry January bet, morphed into a guide on how to embrace a dry month or year.
Credit: Lisa Richov
When it comes to bars in New York, there are plenty of options for some fun non-boozy nights (or days) out. Here are some of Hilary’s suggestions for places with non-alcoholic options, including bars and restaurants:
1. Listen Bar
Established in October 2018 as a pop-up, then a space in Brooklyn, this alcohol-free pop-up party has taken to the virtual world during COVID, offering virtual private parties and virtual alcohol-free cocktail courses on demand. Options in their online shop include booze-free spritz’s, sparkling rose’s, malts, and other mixed drinks.
2. Getaway Bar
Getaway was established in 2019 in Brooklyn as a coffee shop and alcohol-free general store. In addition to their coffees, which would be liquor-free regardless in most cases, their menu includes non-alcoholic beers, wines, and spirits.
3. The Nomad Hotel
The Nomad Hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant carries a celebrated beverage program, and in addition to their extensive craft cocktail list, their menu includes fantastic mocktails perfect for any occasion. Their ‘Cease and Desist’ is made with orange, sparking water, cream, and orange blossom.
4. abcV
Known as a popular spot for plant-based cuisine, abcV also offers a ton of tonics and elixirs that are made without alcohol, while still providing tons of alcoholic options for others in your group who may want to imbibe.
5. The Orchard Townhouse
The Orchard Townhouse has a very comprehensive menu of options, including seasonal cocktails and Townhouse signatures, but for those looking to skip the actual buzz, their non-alcoholic drink menu is just as buzzworthy.
Hilary also recommends some non-alcoholic spirit stores/brands like Spirited Away on the Lower East Side, Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Spirits, Grüvi Dry Secco and Rosé (wine), and Athletic Brewing (beer), for those who still want the taste without the rest of the side effects.
After learning about the where, we were curious about the whys, specifically what made Hilary take on the challenge in the first place and what the book means to her. See more from our Q&A below!
Ashley: Was it difficult, at first, to cut yourself off from alcohol? What was your approach?
Hilary: The first year, I kind of went into it without direction or a plan. I don’t really recommend that, but I will say, it’s doable! I definitely suggest building out a calendar of events with friends that don’t involve going to bars or attending happy hours. I also highly recommend recruiting a friend to do it with you, for support and accountability.
The first year was definitely the most challenging because I had no idea what I was doing! I was truly winging it. It was a learning experience for sure—everything from explaining to friends why I was doing this (a bet / to see if I could) to red-lining dates’ date ideas that wanted to go to bars.
A: What positive changes did you see physically and mentally from the challenge?
H: My sleep greatly improved. Before Dry January, I was sleeping 5, or so hours each night and it was really poor sleep. During Dry January, I was sleeping 7-8 hours a night and waking up feeling well-rested, refreshed, and full of energy. Giving up alcohol also cleared up my skin. I wore less makeup because I didn’t have to cover up any skin inconsistencies or blemishes! Another big perk of Dry January is that it means you’ll experience zero hangovers. Read: no alcohol-related nausea, stomach aches, or throbbing head pain. And, of course, without consuming empty calories, there’s a likely chance you may even lose a few pounds, just by eliminating alcohol from your diet!
A: What does publishing this book mean to you?
H: Publishing a book comes with a lot of mixed feelings, for sure. I’m super excited and happy. It’s also something I’ve dreamed of and worked on for a long time, so I’m also nervous! It’s my baby!
A: What parts of the book are the most significant or important for those looking to follow in your footsteps?
H: For anyone who is picking up the book or considering a Dry January, it’s important to know that you should do what’s best for you. While The Dry Challenge serves as a guide, if you find a better way or path to a Dry Month that isn’t in the book, go for it! The most important thing is doing what is going to help you succeed (and not drink for 31 days)! Also, if January isn’t your jam, do a Sober February or Sober October—or any other time! You don’t have to start on January 1, or the first of any month, either!
A: Anything else you want to add?
H: When you do a Dry January, there are zero hangovers, no alcohol-induced regrets, and you save money, too!
Hilary’s book, THE DRY CHALLENGE: How to Lose the Booze for Dry January, Sober October, and Any Other Alcohol-Free Month, also includes “fun non-boozy activities everyone can participate in, dating (without drinks), “zero-proof” drink recipes, how to throw a nonalcoholic shindig, and the new sober nightlife trend” It drops on December 29th and is available on pre-order now!
