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January 2026 | Phonebox Magazine 39Were you sober in October or are you %u2018dry%u2019 in January? The new year brings a host of resolutions: get healthy, try a plant-based diet, give Reformer Pilates a go, that kind of thing. But is Dry January the best way to cure any symptoms of excess over the festive period, or are you more of a %u2018zebra stripe%u2019 person (we%u2019ll explain that later%u2026)According to Alcohol Change UK, about 15.5 million UK adults planned to have a completely alcohol-free January in 2025. That represents roughly 29% of the UK adult population. The jury is still out on 2026, but there has been a defi nite shift to moderation when it comes to drinking, particularly amongst the younger adult age groups. To put this into context the number of people planning an alcohol-free January has climbed steeply over recent years: in 2019 around 4.2 million were estimated to do a month of abstinence; by 2024 this had risen to about 8.5 million. Popular zero alcohol beer brand Lucky Saint commissioned a survey this summer and found that 34% of adults said they %u2018zebra-stripe%u2019 on a night out. No, its not a safari themed outfi t. It%u2019s when you alternate between low/no-alcohol and alcoholic drinks in a single night out.Health and lifestyle are clearly major motivators: many cite better sleep, fi tness, mental and physical health when they give up the booze, but there is the added fi nancial saving too. You%u2019ve just had an expensive Christmas buying gifts for all and sundry, and your bank balance has taken a hit, so it%u2019s a win/win to feel healthier and save a bit of cash.This all sounds great, but it%u2019s not so great for local bars and restaurants who have a tough enough start to the year in January as it is. With people spending less and hibernating during the bleakest month of the year, there are still plenty of options for booze-free fun. We%u2019ve listed some of the best alcohol-free beers below %u2013 many of which are readily available in your local establishment, as well as two exciting and tasty mocktail recipes to try out. Booze-Free Boostlocal establishment, as well as two exciting and tasty mocktail recipes to try out. Lucky Saint Lager (0.5%): Often named the best overall for its convincing, unfi ltered pilsner taste.Guinness 0.0: A very popular stout that captures the iconic creamy texture and fl avour.Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0%: A crisp, premium lager off ering the same taste as the originalAsahi Super Dry 0.0%: Delivers the crisp, super-dry profi le of Japan's top beer in an alcohol-free format.Beavertown Lazer Crush IPA: A standout craft choice for IPA lovers, known for great hop fl avour.Adnams Ghost Ship 0.5% Pale Ale:A well-loved, slightly lower-ABV pale ale, also popular as a glutenfree option.Booze-Free Lemon drop martini mocktailShirleyTemple Mocktail%u00bd lemon zested, plus 15ml lemon juice1 tbsp golden caster sugar50ml alcohol-free gin(or use water)1 tsp white wine vinegar1 tbsp marmaladeiceCombine the lemon zest and sugar on a small plate. Dip the rim of a coupe glass in water, then the sugar mixture. Set aside.Put all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice. Shake until the outside of the shaker feels icy cold. Strain through a fine sieve into the prepared glass.ice150ml ginger aleplus extra to serve (optional)25ml lime juice15ml grenadine1 maraschino cherryto garnishFill a tall glass with ice, then pour in the ginger ale and lime juice.Slowly pour in the grenadine, then garnish with the maraschino cherry. Top up with more ginger ale to taste if preferred. Also nice with a slice of orange.