Deliciously Dry: Perfect Pairings for Alcohol-Free Occasions

After the indulgence-filled holidays, the first few months of the year are the perfect time for a fresh start. Enter “Dry January,” a popular newer tradition designed to help us establish better health in the new year by abstaining from alcohol for short periods of time. “Dry” or “Damp” periods of time for those who would like to reduce their alcohol consumption, bring some real health benefits. These can include lower blood pressure and resting heart rate, better sleep, and improved hydration.

But giving up alcohol for a month or longer doesn’t have to mean giving up what you love about enjoying delicious food and beverage pairings with family and friends. Years ago, going “dry” meant settling for fizzy water or generic alternatives. In today’s more health-conscious climate, there is a wide selection of non-alcoholic beers, wines, and spirits to choose from with more being created every day. Here are some of our favorite go-to deliciously dry pairings:

• Pair a medium-bodied non-alcoholic red wine with a roast or favorite cut of beef.
• For the iconic appetizer or beef accompaniment, this delicious martini gives all the flavor with none of the alcohol. Pair it with our Vegetable and Cheese Antipasto or your favorite beef selection.
• Try a virgin Manhattan with grilled steak and roasted vegetables.
• A good non-alcoholic beer goes perfectly with game-day fare such as these beer-braised spicy beef tacos
• Try lighter dry drinks, such as this Cranberry Lime Mocktail with non-alcoholic bitters, for brunch, seafood, and charcuterie boards.

Speaking of non-alcoholic beers, the tasteless single compromise is a thing of the past. Today, we have a wide selection of flavorful N/A beers including traditional and craft selections, perfect for pairing with casual gatherings and football.

While many non-alcoholic recipes have historically relied on fruit juices and sparkling water, the evolution of non-alcoholic distilled spirits has really raised the mocktail game. Relying on botanical ingredients such as citrus and herbs, these beverages are great substitutes for alcoholic spirits such as whiskey and tequila while bringing their own depth of flavor and unique notes to drinks. We invite you to explore our large collection of non-alcoholic spirits to substitute in your favorite cocktail recipes or to use as inspiration for your own house mocktail creations.

Going dry isn’t what it used to be. Whether it’s a simple sparkling water, non-alcoholic beer, or a tasty mocktail made with dry spirits, we’ve got you covered.