2022 is coming to an end. I’d be lying if I said that makes me sad. I don’t know what 2023 will bring, but if recent experience can teach us anything I expect there will be many challenges ahead of us, but I hope with kindness, patience and a good sense of humour, we will all rise to meet these challenges and become better people.

One awesome way to make sure you’re ready to meet everything this new year has in store is to take a break from alcohol! In case you were dreading waking up the first day of the new year with a raging hangover, here’s a gentle reminder that you don’t have to.

Sobriety is all the rage, and it’s gaining in popularity in 2023. More and more people are saying “no thanks” to the poisonous effects of alcohol. Dry January is the largest congregation of people at one time saying they need to take a break and go a month sober. Many people, after getting just a taste of how their body can function without the toxicity, decide to make the breakup permanent. I would suggest starting Dry January a day early, and party your heart out without alcohol over New Year. Wake up to a clear head, shiny eyes and a new perspective for the year.

I’ve written some of the major reasons/benefits I chose sobriety, in Breaking Up With Booze. All of these reasons are still fully in effect for me. And if you’re worried about some of the social impact from your family and friends, I’ve addressed some of the social challenges you might face and suggestions on how to deal with them in A Sobriety How-To Guide.

You don’t need to reach rock bottom in order to stop drinking. You can simply realize it’s a relationship that isn’t working for you anymore. And despite what we have been told continuously since childhood, alcohol doesn’t make things “more special” and it doesn’t actually add anything to an occasion. Choose to inhabit your own body and mind without the party blinders, and watch your life come into focus.

Make it a Mocktail

Mocktails are huge right now, and you can’t walk into a bar worth its rimming salt without finding a decent mocktail menu. I think this is important, because it’s the presentation that makes things special. I love indulging in a beautiful, grown-up mocktail, with all the lovely fixings. It dresses up any occasion and you’ll never feel as though you’re missing out. Especially because you’ll remember all the good times with crystal clarity.

One of my favourite mocktail mixes at the moment is Seedlip Spice 94. Enjoy it over the rocks with gingerale for a special treat this New Years Eve.

Ginger & Spice

1/4 cup Seedlip Spice 94

1/2 cup Ginger Ale

Serve over the rocks in a highball glass with an orange peel garnish, and enjoy yourself, you beautiful soul!

With all my heart I wish you the best in the New Year! Cheers to your health, à votre santé

Follow me as we head into the New Year! I have tons of fun new content and releases coming up and I can’t wait to share them with you. Sign up for my newsletter for freebies and the inside scoop.