Sip Smarter, Support Local

The holidays have sadly passed and we're now a few days into the new year. It's also January (as that's when the year stars), which means there's a lot of buzz going on about Dry January. I will be partaking this year and I'm excited about taking some time off of alcohol. It won't be the first time I've done a dry month either. In fact, it was as recently as November that I did a dry month. I love the idea of reducing alcohol consumption, but I also enjoy having few drinks. It's all about balance!

Why Cutting Back on Alcohol Feels (and Really Is) Good

Sure, getting a little lit is fun, but do you know what isn't fun? Hangovers! Whether you wake up with a headache, nausea, an intense sadness, or a combination of everything, hangovers can seriously destroy your day. It's also no surprise that alcohol is bad for you. It's linked to numerous health issues, from liver damage to various types of cancer. Plus, alcohol can also wreak havoc on your mental health, leading to anxiety and depression. While I'm not cutting out booze for good, I do think it's good to cut back. 

How to Drink Mindfully

You can start by only drinking on certain days, such as the Fridays and Saturdays. A drink may hit the spot after a tough day of work, but it's not exactly the healthiest way to wind down. It may also make it harder to get through the following workday. Plus, wouldn't it hit the spot even more after a whole week of work? If you're up for the challenge, you may even try a dry month. January is a great month to go alcohol-free, since Dry January has become so popular.

Non-alcoholic offerings a great way to enjoy a little bevvy without the negative effects of alcohol. There's something special about the taste and ritual of sipping a beverage. So why not enjoy that experience without any negative consequences? I've written articles before about non-alcoholic beverages I love and bars in Denver with NAs, and non-alcoholic alternatives are only gaining more popularity. I recently tried a beverage from De Soi, and it was so good. I opted for the Spritz Italiano, which has refreshing citrus flavors reminiscent of an Aperol spritz. These mocktails are packed with benefits, featuring adaptogens that help you feel great—without the downside of a hangover. NAs are also great for days when you are drinking. Just switch between the real thing and NA so you don't overdo it but can still enjoy fun drinks. Sometimes you just need a can to hold, you know?

I came across some pretty insightful advice on TikTok that suggested paying more attention to your buzz before grabbing another drink. The instinct is often to keep the buzz going, but this user suggested waiting until it fades before going for another. Savor the buzz and see how it feels. This can help prevent you from overdoing it. 

It's also important to pay attention to why you're drinking and how much you're consuming. Are you using alcohol as a coping mechanism? Are you drinking more than you realize? These are important questions to ask yourself and reflect on.

Local Brews Deserve the Spotlight

Like I said, I'm not cutting out alcohol all year-long (but props to you if you are!). With that being said, I think one great way to still enjoy some drinks is by supporting local businesses. We have so many great breweries in Denver alone, such as Our Mutual Friend, Denver Beer Company, and Spice Trade Brewing Co., just to name a few. And when venturing into Colorado's lovely mountain towns, it's always fun to try their own local brews. Because do you really need to drink a PBR when there's so much more to explore?

Pro Tip: Check out the Pub Pass and Hop Passport, which are full of coupons for free drinks in your area! This is also an awesome way to learn about new places to support.

Cheers to Finding Balance in the New Year

The New Year is a time to think a little more deeply about our habits and how they make us feel. 2025 could be the perfect opportunity to re-examine your relationship with alcohol and focus on mindful drinking. It's not about perfection. It's about balance. And sometimes, that balance means indulging in a local craft beer or two. So here's to sipping smarter, supporting local breweries, and finding your personal balance this year. Cheers!