TL;DR
- Dry January doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Non-alcoholic and “light” options make it easy to reset without giving up flavor.
- Brooklyn Special Effects, Clean Co 0.0, Stella Rosa NA, and The Crossings Light Wave cover everything from beer to bubbly to lighter wine.
- Each option delivers full taste, low stakes, and easy everyday pairings.
- A great lineup for anyone easing into the new year with balance, not restrictions.
Whether you’re doing a full Dry January or taking the dry-ish approach, the right non-alcoholic picks make the month feel intentional, not limiting. This guide highlights easy, flavorful, better-for-you alternatives that help you reset without sacrificing the sips you love.
Why Dry January is Here to Stay
Dry January has evolved past a strict challenge into a flexible wellness trend. People want:
- Lower-ABV or non-alcoholic options that fit social plans
- Better-for-you swaps that don’t compromise taste
- Simple pairings that make weekday meals feel special
And with more award-winning non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages hitting shelves, it’s easier than ever to enjoy a lighter start to the year.
Non-Alcoholic & “Light” Alternatives: How They Work
Here’s what makes this new generation of non-alcoholic and low-alcohol drinks stand out:
- Craft brewing + de-alcoholization: Brands like Brooklyn Special Effects use traditional brewing, then remove alcohol without stripping flavor.
- Cold-filtration for wine: Options like Stella Rosa NA mimic the original style with rich fruit notes and balanced sweetness.
- Lower-calorie winemaking: Wines like The Crossings Light Wave reduce alcohol while keeping aromatics and structure.
- 0.0 spirits & wine: Clean Co 0.0 uses botanical blends to achieve true “zero-proof” flavor.
The result? Sips that give you the ritual, experience, and taste, without the full ABV.
Our Featured Picks: Flavors, Notes & Proof
Brooklyn Special Effects (Non-alcoholic Beer)
A craft-style non-alcoholic beer with real hop character.
- Flavor profile: Pine, citrus, light malt
- Why it works: Brewed traditionally, then gently de-alcoholized
- Best for: Game nights, casual dinners, lighter beers with real depth
- Pairs well with: Veggie tacos, grain bowls, white cheddar popcorn
Clean Co 0.0 (Zero-Proof Spirits/Wine)
Clean Co 0.0 offers crisp, refreshing, completely alcohol-free options.
- Flavor profile: Crisp citrus, herbal notes (varies by product)
- Why it works: Built entirely without alcohol for true 0.0% ABV
- Best for: Mocktails, spritzes, everyday sipping
- Pairs well with: Citrus salads, hummus + crudités, cucumber tea sandwiches
Stella Rosa NA (Non-Alcoholic Wine)
The beloved semi-sweet brand without the alcohol.
- Flavor profile: Red berries, peach, honey, florals (depending on variety)
- Why it works: Cold-filtration preserves sweetness and aromatics
- Best for: Brunch, desserts, light apps
- Pairs well with: Fruit tarts, brie + crackers, chicken salad croissants
The Crossings Light Wave (Low-Alcohol Sauvignon Blanc)
A bright, refreshing, lighter option from New Zealand.
- Flavor profile: Citrus, passionfruit, fresh herbs
- Why it works: Lower calories + lower ABV with classic Sauvignon Blanc character
- Best for: Weeknight dinners, seafood, salads
- Pairs well with: Lemon-pepper chicken, shrimp skewers, goat cheese + herbs
