January has arrived, and you know what that means: it’s time for #DryJanuary! For those who don’t know, the #DryJanuary movement has picked up steam in recent years in an effort to start the New Year on a healthier note. After all, reducing alcohol consumption can lead to improvements in mood and energy levels. And who doesn’t want to feel a little better after all that holiday snacking? For those interested in trying Dry January this month, we’re sharing two delicious and creative alcohol-free cocktail recipes from Dry: Delicious Handcrafted Cocktails and Other Clever Concoctions.
Whether you choose to curl up by the fireplace with a Hot Buttered-Spiced Apple or to indulge in a fruity, creamy Vanilla Cranberry Cocktail, you’ll be glad to try going dry this month—and even beyond!
Hot Buttered-Spiced Apple
Serves 1
You will need a heatproof glass or mug
- 1 cup (250 ml) unfiltered apple juice
- Juice of ½ lemon, plus 1 strip of zest
- Juice of ½ orange, plus 1 strip of zest
- ½ cinnamon stick
- 1 whole clove
- 2 allspice berries
- ¼ teaspoon fennel seeds
- Small red chile (optional)
- ½ teaspoon unsalted butter, softened
- Cinnamon stick for garnish
1. Add the apple juice, lemon juice, orange juice, zests, spices, and fennel seeds to a pan. Simmer over a medium heat for 20 minutes but do not allow to boil.
2. If you’re adding chile, do so halfway through and keep tasting. Remove if it starts to become too spicy. The idea is to add a little gentle background heat that is barely noticeable.
3. Ladle the liquid into a heatproof glass or mug, leaving the zest and spices in the pan if you wish.
4. Add about half a teaspoon of butter to the glass. Serve with a cinnamon stick to garnish.
You might try many versions of hot apple juice or cider over in your life, but this one is simply exquisite. It’s incredibly warming at the end of a long walk or on arriving home after a cold, busy day.
Vanilla Cranberry Cocktail
Serves 1
You will need a shaker; chilled coupe or martini glass
- ½ teaspoon finely grated orange zest
- ½ teaspoon finely grated lime zest
- ½ tablespoon (10 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
- 3½ ounces (100 ml) cranberry juice
- 1 scoop good-quality vanilla ice cream
- 3 to 5 fresh or frozen cranberries or raspberries to garnish
1. Combine the orange and lime zests, lime juice, cranberry juice, and vanilla ice cream in a shaker, and shake vigorously.
2. Pour into a chilled glass and allow to stand for a few seconds so that the foam settles. Decorate with fresh or frozen cranberries or raspberries.
This is a fireside treat. This cocktail is reminiscent of winter sunsets. It’s a fruity, creamy, not-too-sweet pudding in a glass.
And there you have it: two delicious mocktails that will get you through the month. Now get out there and show us your best #DryJanuary drinks on social media, and cheers to a year of alcohol-free cocktails! Get Dry now wherever books are sold.
