Seadrift's Top Tips for Giving Up Alcohol This Year
Whether you’re committing to a Dry January or looking to make long-term change, giving up alcohol can be a transformative experience. For many, it’s a chance to prioritise health, clarity, and connection—and you don’t have to do it alone. With a growing array of tools, support networks, and alcohol-free options like Seadrift Non-Alcoholic Spirits, the path to a moderate or sober lifestyle is more accessible than ever.
We've looked back at all we have learnt over the past few years to bring you some tips on how to make the change, so here are ten practical tips, paired with real-life case studies and mocktail ideas, to help you embark on your journey.
1. Understand Your Why
Before making any lifestyle change, it’s crucial to understand your motivation. Ask yourself why you want to moderate or give up alcohol? Is it to improve your health, enhance your mental clarity, or strengthen relationships?
Knowing why you want to do it can be powerful motivation to keep going in those times when it just seems easier to give up.
One of our customers Clara, a 45-year-old marketing executive, found her "why" after a particularly stressful year. “With kids, a career and a house to run, what worked for me before just was leaving me feeling stressed and anxious. I found that after a while I would be reaching for a bottle of wine each night. Then one day something clicked and I realised I wasn't who I wanted to be. So I decided then and there that I wanted to show up as the best version of myself for my kids, and nightly wine was not part of that.” she shares. “Understanding why I was doing it was what kept me grounded when temptation arose.”
2. Start Small
You don’t have to quit cold turkey. Gradually reducing your intake can make the transition less daunting. Start by cutting alcohol on weekdays or setting limits for social events. Another great option is to swap your alcohol drinks with non-alcoholic versions or water. Its a great way of easily halving what your drinking without really trying.
One of our favs is a refreshing Seadrift Cucumber & Mint Spritz. Mix 50ml of Seadrift Cucumber & Mint with soda water, a squeeze of lime, and a garnish of fresh mint. Perfect as a wine alternative for an evening wind-down.
3. Plan Ahead
We all know those tricky situations where we can come unstuck. The girls get together where everyone turns up with a bottle of champagne, the office party where the only possible way of getting through feels like a hard drink or two or even that habitual 5pm home from work end of the day reward. Anticipate social situations where alcohol might be present. Bring a non-alcoholic option or just mention to the host that you’re not drinking. Planning ahead can prevent moments of awkwardness or pressure.
Louise, 52, started hosting "mocktail nights" with her friends. “I suddenly realised I wasn’t the only one who wanted to cut back. Sharing mocktails made it a fun group effort and instead of pressure to drink we all enjoyed discovering alternatives together. ”
4. Explore Non-Alcoholic Alternatives
The days of boring lemon, lime and bitters are thankfully over! Most good bars and restaurants will have a curated menu of great non-alcoholic cocktails and drinks but if they don't ask for it! Brands like Seadrift Non-Alcoholic Spirits, Heaps Normal, Altina wines offer sophisticated, delicious options that rival their alcoholic counterparts.
If your venue doesn't have a non-alc menu don't be afraid to ask. A good bartender will be able to help you and mix you up something bespoke. It also helps the bars understand that there is demand for these drinks if only they would offer them!
5. Track Your Progress
There are some great apps out there to help you cut back such as Reframe and Try Dry. But you don't need to spend money, just use a journal to document your journey. Celebrate milestones—whether it’s one week or one month alcohol-free. Tracking helps you see how far you’ve come and keeps you motivated towards achieving your individual goals.
6. Identify Your Triggers
Recognising what prompts you to reach for a drink is key. Is it stress, boredom, or social settings? Once you know your triggers, you can develop healthier coping strategies, like exercise, meditation, or calling a friend.
Emily, 37, realised she often drank out of habit while cooking dinner. Replacing her evening wine with a Seadrift mocktail became her new ritual. “I didn’t miss the wine at all,” she notes. “The act of pouring a beautifully crafted drink satisfied that routine and became my "reward" for getting through the day.”
7. Build a Support System
Surround yourself with people who respect and encourage your decision. Online communities and local sober groups can provide invaluable support and camaraderie. But talk to your friends too. You might just be surprised at how many people are trying to cut back and would love to know you are trying too. There will always be that one friend who will be super vocal about having her nightly Vodka or wine, but remember that is his / her problem not yours.
8. Keep It Positive
Focus on what you’re gaining rather than what you’re giving up. Improved sleep, clearer skin, and better focus are just a few of the benefits you’ll notice. For many people the beneifts of cutting back can be huge:
1. Clearer Skin - alcohol can disrupt the cells in the skin, resulting in pink blotchy skin, tired eyes and a red nose. The skin is one the first places you might see results, clearer fresher skin that feels like it has more elasticity. Always a huge motivator!
2. Better Focus: particularly in the mornings. For some people giving up alcohol can result in a really clear mind and a lot more motivation to get out of bed and get on with the day. We'd heard of cases where this happens straight away and for others it may take a few weeks.
3. Less Anxiety: It's one of the huge contradictions of alcohol that for many of us we drink to reduce stress and anxiety but although it might have a short terms effect, longer term it is a clear cause of anxiety and may even lead to depression. So cutting back can just make you feel that more on top of things and in control.
9. Learn to Say No
It’s okay to decline a drink without offering an explanation. Practice responses that feel natural to you, such as, “I’m sticking to non-alcoholic tonight” or simply, “No, thanks.”. Times are a changing, and what once was tricky to say and might lead to being challenged is now much easier. Realising that you don't owe anyone an explanation, and that you are "on trend" just makes it that much easier.
10. Experiment with New Rituals
Giving up alcohol opens the door to discovering new ways to relax and celebrate. Whether it’s a yoga class, a scenic walk, or perfecting your mocktail-making skills, find activities that bring you joy.
Why not join us at Seadrift for a Mocktail Making Class? One of our experienced mixologists will teach you how to mix up your favourite cocktails non -alcoholic style. Shake, mix, stir and pour your way to mocktail perfection. Check out our website for dates.
Final Thoughts
Giving up alcohol is a personal journey, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. With the right mindset, tools, and support—not to mention delicious alternatives like Seadrift Non-Alcoholic Spirits—you can embrace a lifestyle that prioritises your well-being.
Here’s to a healthier, happier you this year!