Despite the name, Damp January doesn’t refer to the classic onslaught of rain we tend to receive as part of a British winter. Instead, it’s about a movement towards moderation and awareness of your alcohol consumption throughout January, to promote better drinking habits into 2023. It’s a term that’s been on the rise this year, as we kick-start 2023 with new challenges.
It’s well documented that a break from alcohol for a month has numerous benefits, and with a multitude of no and low options on the market now, it’s getting easier than ever. But as we race towards January 19th (which is largely pinpointed as the day many of us will give up on new year challenges like Dry Jan) Damp January is taking speed as a movement. Here are the reasons why it’s rising in popularity:
Moderation practised all year round instead of bouncing between complete deprivation and then back to possible excess is (arguably) far better at promoting long term healthy drinking habits
It’s much easier to tackle. Selecting a number of dry days a week and sticking to them means you’re less likely to have that moment we all do when we’re dieting or restricting, of a heavy drinking night when you’re back on the sauce
There are apps, like Try Dry, you can use all year round to review your drinking habits. They can be used to practise complete abstinence, or you can use them to measure your moderation throughout the year, and not just for January
January is a miserable month - it rains, we’re all playing catch up with our finances after Christmas and it’s unreasonably dark. It is probably the worst time of the year to set ourselves strict challenges and expect to succeed. Damp January is more about setting realistic goals that you can take with you into the year
Whatever your challenge this month, here are a few low and no tipples I’d recommend having stocked in your cupboards:
Penrhos Zero Raspberry: A truly fruity zero-proof option, Penrhos Zero Raspberry is distilled on Penrhos’ Farm in Herefordshire, with a delicious mix of botanicals including their wibbly wobbly blueberries and raspberries that would otherwise go to waste. Try with your favourite tonic and garnish with mint.
Sea Arch Coastal Juniper: Beautiful to look at and to imbibe. Made with botanicals reminiscent of the sea, and the team at Sea Arch has also teamed-up with The Seahorse Trust. Try in a delicious gin cocktail, from sours to spritzes.
Copenhagen Sparkling Tea: With notes of Jasmine, and a delicious elegance, this is a groundbreaking revolution within no and low. The ideal Champagne or Sparkling alternative, all carefully crafted with 13 organic teas.
Original Small Beer: Citrus-y, low calorie and complex, Original Small Beer hails from a brewery in Bermondsey, London as the world’s first dedicated small beer brewery. The team at Small Beer brew to the level of desired ABV, so they don’t need to work backwards to strip out the alcohol (and often, flavour).
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