11 Nonalcoholic Options for "Dry January"
Including THC Seltzers, Delta 8 drinks and Healthy Sodas
January often feels like a collective sigh after the chaos of the holidays—a time to reset, refocus, and, for me this year, give my body a much-needed reboot.
Enter Damp January: not quite dry, but significantly less boozy. I decided to swap out some of my usual drinks for a lineup of non-alcoholic (NA) options and alternative beverages, and I have to say—it's been a game-changer.
From crisp NA beers and gut-friendly probiotic sodas to Delta-8 and THC-infused seltzers, I’ve been experimenting with what works for my taste buds and my well-being. Waking up without the fog of a hangover? Amazing. Lower calorie counts? An added bonus. By focusing on these alternatives, I’ve been feeling more energized, clear-headed and ready to tackle the year ahead.
Over the past month, I’ve tried a dozen or so options in this NA/alt-beverage world. Some were absolute winners, others... well, let’s just say they’re not making a repeat appearance in my fridge. Here’s a breakdown of what I loved and what missed the mark during my own personal Damp January—someone to hear my prayers, someone who cares!
Mary Jones Orange & Cream HD9-THC (9.99 MG)
I saw this one at Lou Ella Bottle Shop in Durham and had to try it. Made by the same folks at Jones Soda Co., this 12-ounce drink tastes just like soda but with a punch of THC that does its job! To let you know, when I used to partake occasionally in the "real thing," there were typically two types of people: the munchies or the paranoid. I wasn't either one of those; I was usually the one who said, "I'm tired now, I'm going to bed." And this drink put me in a "chill out" mode that was perfect right before bedtime—so there you have it. I will buy this again, probably the variety pack with four flavors.
GrooveWagon Magnifico Delta-8 Seltzer (7MG)
I had to pick up this one because it's made in Raleigh. We met its owner as a guest at an NA tasting, and he sold his product. It is a low dose of Delta-8 just to allow you to "chill" after a can or two—and it's slightly bitter and low in carbonation. This is a lot better than those flavored CBD waters, and for me, it carries the taste of grapefruit and Italian bitters—almost similar to the Beverly drink you can sample at Disney's EPCOT. This is great for a refreshing drink around the house on the weekend.
Indeed Brewing Company Sparking THC Chamomile Dreams (5MG THC)
Now, this one had my attention from the jump! Not only does it pack 5MG of THC, but it also brings Melatonin and Tryptophan to the party. Yes, you read that right! At just 28 calories, this THC-infused seltzer offered a unique blend of chamomile, dragon fruit and tart cherry flavors. I served it cold in a tulip glass, but the can suggests you can also heat it up for a warm, cozy sip. Naturally, I’ll have to buy another to test this wintery twist. Flavorful, innovative, and blissfully low-calorie, this seltzer became one of my top picks this month. Drinking it near bedtime sealed the deal—it put me out for the count and kept me there. This is the one if you want to max out your chill levels. Welcome to Maximum Chillnation!
Blue Moon Non-Alcoholic Belgian White
We've all had a Blue Moon at one time or another. I was never a big fan of that coriander flavor in the beer, and the NA version has been muted a lot! This makes it a perfect beer for a NA option. It tastes like beer and still has the Valencia orange taste one gets in a typical Blue Moon. Now, just like drinking a Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher Hop Water, I wonder if this Blue Moon would taste perfect with a shot of vodka? I'll have to wait until February—so I'm keeping one can behind. Would I continue to drink Blue Moon's NA option—I'll let you know definitely in February.
Athletic Brewing Company Upside Down Golden
Athletic and Untitled Arts have been, at least for me, my favorite of the NA beer options. The Upside Down Golden pours like a beer with a frothy head and hints of hops in the aroma—and it tastes like a beer. That's why you won't see any "wine" options on my list; none of them taste good enough to make my list. But Athletic is doing it right, and with this beer only adding 45 calories for every 12-ounce can, I can have a few of these and not feel lugged down or guilty at the end of the night. It's Run Wild IPA is also a decent offering. So, yes, I will continue to drink these when needed.
Levity Cannabis Spirit Chronic Collins (4MG Delta 9 THC)
The taste was there with this drink produced by Levity Beverage Company out of N. Charleston, South Carolina. It tasted like a Tom Collins drink, minus the gin and a slight sprinkle of THC. Each 12-ounce can only has five calories, but you'll need to drink a few of these to have any effects—and I only had one. So, while the taste was there, I'll probably keep searching for another label with a little more oomph!
Evolution FRESH Real Fruit Soda
These sodas say they support digestive and immune health—something I'm sure we can all say we need. With only 45 calories per serving and 5 grams of sugar, it is organically made and tastes good! Our local grocery store had this line, and I checked out the Tropical Mango and Berry Burst drinks. My favorite was the Tropical Mango, which reminded me of the old Koala Springs Mineral Water's mango/passion fruit drink—which was my favorite. I'll buy these frequently, primarily when the store has them on sale.
Other Half Oh2 Chill Watermelon Lime (5 MG THC)
The team from Other Half Brewing Company, which has some of my favorite IPA-style beers, now does non-alcoholic THC seltzers, and this was my first time trying this one. But when it comes from the Other Half, I knew it would be good—and it was! Now, with only 5MG of THC, one 12-ounce can didn't get me to that "chill" atmosphere, but maybe after a 4-pack, maybe? The Watermelon Lime was a perfect beverage to put on ice and sip on watching a night of YouTube videos. They have three flavors, so I'll have to search for the other two. Another plus, each serving is only 15 calories.
StarDust Cellars Raspberry Weed Mead Soda (10MG Delta 9 THC)
Because this is technically mead and not a seltzer, I immediately caught the increased calories in this drink. The 12-ounce can has five servings and 27 calories a serving—135 calories, but it is still less than many heavy IPAs and stouts. Stardust Cellars makes this drink out of Wilkesboro, North Carolina, which is known for a variety of mead and wine products. I felt a slight "chill" take effect with this mead, but it was a sipper because, at least for me, with the honey and raspberry, it came across as an almost Kombucha-style drink. I would give this one a second chance.
Flyers Cocktail Company THC Ol' Fashioned (5 MG THC)
Unlike some of the other 5MG drinks I’ve sampled, this one hit me with the chills—that subtle wave of relaxation. Naturally, I poured it into my trusty bourbon glass, added a single cube of ice and prepared to let the experience unfold. The flavor profile struck me first: oak, vanilla and bitters wrapped in a sleek 45-calorie package. Does it taste like a true Old Fashioned? Not exactly. But drinking it the same way—slowly, thoughtfully, savoring every sip—gave it that familiar persona. And with many different flavors, I need to be on the look out for other Flyers Cocktails!
Cantrip Grapefruit Hibiscus (10 MG THC)
Let’s briefly talk serving sizes—because they’re downright strange. Most of the cans I’ve been sampling during this Damp January are marketed as single servings, but this 12-ounce contender? Somehow, it’s two servings. At 10 calories per whole can, though, I’m not complaining. The flavor was muted. I caught hints of grapefruit, but the promised hibiscus was nowhere to be found. That said, it wasn’t a dealbreaker. I poured it into a beer tulip glass over a few ice cubes, sat back, and quietly enjoyed the mellow vibe it brought. I sipped on this about 90 minutes before bed, and I’ll admit, it delivered on the relaxation front—I was out like a light faster than usual. With over five flavors from this brand stocked at my local Total Wine, I’m tempted to explore more.