Dry January & The Rise of Craft Soda Mocktails

Welcome to 2026, everyone! If you’re like millions of other Americans right now, you might be nursing a bit of a "celebration hangover” (and we don’t just mean from the champagne). After a month of holiday parties, heavy meals, and endless toasts, many of us are looking for a way to hit the reset button. Enter Dry January 2026.

What started as a niche challenge has exploded into a massive cultural movement. Whether you’re participating to see some weight loss, lower your blood pressure, or simply to prove to yourself that you can do it, the trend of choosing alcohol-free beverages is here to stay. But let’s be honest, after the initial excitement of your New Year’s resolutions wears off, a glass of plain tap water can feel a little... well… uninspired, to say the least!

That is exactly where the world of glass bottle sodas comes in to save the day. At Redstone Foods, we’ve seen a huge shift in how people view "soda pop." These days, it’s no longer viewed as just a sugary treat for kids – the explosion of gourmet craft soda brands has transformed into the sophisticated, adult-friendly alternative to the cocktail.

The Rise of the Craft Soda Mocktail

For many, the hardest part of Dry January isn't simply the lack of alcohol, it's the lack of the ritual associated with drinking. There’s something therapeutic about holding a premium glass bottle or sipping a complex, fizzy drink while hanging out with your friends and family members.

Craft soda mocktails help bridge that gap perfectly. Unlike mass-produced fountain drinks, craft sodas offer depth, unique botanicals, and a "bite" that mimics the complexity of a fine spirit. Plus, choosing a high-quality soda can help distract from some of the minor, psychological alcohol withdrawal symptoms (like cravings or irritability) by providing a sensory experience that feels more like a reward, rather than a restriction.

When you drink less alcohol, you don't ever have to sacrifice on flavor. Here are a few of our favorite craft soda picks that offer a premium experience without the ABV:

Sprecher Brewing Company Lo-Cal Root Beer

This is guilt-free indulgence, in fire-brewed perfection. Sprecher Brewery’s Lo-Cal Root Beer keeps the rich, honeyed creaminess and legendary foam of the original, but cuts the sugar (there’s only 50 calories per serving!). It’s the perfect craft soda to toast to your Dry January success!

Jones Soda Nuka Cola (Sunset Sarsaparilla)

The hottest sip in the Wasteland is now the coolest drink for Dry January. This bold, botanically complex sarsaparilla offers an old-school bite with a modern cult following. Perfect for those seeking a sophisticated, alcohol-free alternative that’s loaded with a ton of character (and collectible caps!).

Dublin Hot & Spicy Ginger Beer

Forget subtlety. This is ginger beer with a bold, invigorating mission. Dublin's Hot & Spicy version delivers a zesty, warming kick that builds with every sip, transforming your Dry January into an endorphin-releasing taste adventure! Its vibrant carbonation and distinctive heat make it the ultimate base for a "No-Way Mule" mocktail that truly stands up to the original. This is the non-alcoholic beverage for those who crave a satisfying, complex, and uniquely spirited alternative.

Boylan Bottling Co. Black Cherry

Sophistication comes in many forms, and this is it – in a long-neck, embossed glass bottle. Crafted with cane sugar since 1891, Boylan's Black Cherry boasts a deep, rich flavor profile that’s both nostalgic and remarkably complex. Pour this into a wine glass, and you won’t even miss the Cabernet! It’s the timeless, alcohol-free classic that turns a simple soda into a deliberate sipping experience.

Flying Cauldron Butterscotch Beer

For Dry January, indulgence is definitely still on the menu! This enchanting brew, sealed with a charming swing-top lid, is a masterful blend of rich butterscotch and creamy vanilla, creating a flavor that’s like liquid dessert. Its velvety-smooth, non-alcoholic profile makes it a magical centerpiece for a cozy evening, perfect for sipping slowly on its own or as the star of a decadent mocktail. For anyone wanting their Dry January to feel celebratory and wonderfully sweet, this is the bottle that delivers pure, delicious enchantment.

Why Your Shop Needs a "Dry January" Display

If you’re a retailer, January is the perfect time to pivot your beverage strategy. While traditional soda sales might see a slight dip after the holidays, the "Premium Alternative" category is booming. By positioning fizzy drinks as an intentional lifestyle choice, you can capture the market of customers who are looking to stay social, while staying dry.

Think about it: most people participating in Dry January are still going to parties and hosting dinners. They don't want to show up empty-handed, (and they don't want to drink juice boxes, or tap water!).

A beautifully curated shelf of glass bottle sodas offers them a way to participate in the "cheers" without the consequences.

Defining the Craft Difference: What to Tell Your Customers

When customers ask why they should pay a premium for craft soda over a standard 12-pack, here is your cheat sheet:

1. Real Ingredients: Most craft brands use cane sugar or honey instead of high-fructose corn syrup.
2. Small Batch Quality: These aren't pumped out by the billions; they are often brewed in smaller batches with careful attention to flavor profiles.
3. The "Clink" Factor: There is a psychological satisfaction to the sound of a bottle opener and the feel and taste of cold glass that plastic just can't match.
4. Unique Flavors: From sour lime lemonade to spicy ginger, craft sodas offer flavors that excite the palate and can pair well with gourmet food.

Common Dry January Myths & Facts

Myth: You’ll be bored at parties if you aren't drinking. Fact: With the variety of craft soda mocktails available today, you’ll likely spend more time talking about your interesting drink than you would have with a generic beer in your hand!

Myth: Dry January is only for people with "problems." Fact: It’s a global wellness trend focused on health benefits, mental clarity, and improved sleep. It's for anyone who wants to start their year feeling their best.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can craft soda really help me drink less alcohol?

Yes! Many people find that the "hand-to-mouth" habit of drinking is what they miss most. A complex, bubbly craft soda provides that same oral fixation and a flavorful reward that can satisfy the brain's craving for a "special" drink.

2. Are craft sodas healthier than regular sodas?

While they still contain sugar, many craft sodas use natural sweeteners like cane sugar or honey and avoid artificial dyes and preservatives. During Dry January, the goal is often to avoid alcohol's toxins, and craft soda is a much cleaner "indulgence."

3. What is the best way to serve a "Sober Soda"?

Treat it like a cocktail! Use a nice glass, plenty of ice, and a garnish like a lime wedge, a sprig of mint, or even a maraschino cherry. The presentation makes it feel like an event.

4. Does Redstone Foods ship these sodas internationally?

Absolutely! We ship our wide range of snacks, candies, and glass bottle sodas to retailers all over the world.

How to Stay Competitive This Month

To win in the retail space this January, don't just hide your sodas in the back cooler. Move them to an impulse buy location near the register. Use signage that specifically mentions "Mocktail Ingredients" or "Dry January Favorites."

By offering a wide range of interesting flavors, you become a destination for the "Sober Curious" crowd. Remember, your success depends on providing solutions to your customers' needs, and right now they need a drink that makes them feel good about their choices.

Ready to stock up on the best fizzy drinks for the season? Whether you’re looking for Sprecher Brewery classics or some exotic new finds, Redstone Foods is here to help you make this January the sweetest one yet!

Sign up for an account with us online today or give us a call. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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