Carolyn Iannone enjoys her Namaste Sober Mocktail at Love Lane Kitchen.
While stiff drinks will keep some people warm during this frigid month, others may choose to leave the booze in the cupboard and the wine in the cellar.
It’s “Dry January” again.
A hashtag trend for some, a brave New Year’s resolution for others, the term refers to a 31-day alcohol detox that people go through to improve health, shed a few pounds, or save money.
“I did Dry January a few years ago and I was like, ‘Wow, I feel amazing’ and it just became this goal to boost consumption,” said Carolyn Iannone, owner of Love Lane Kitchen. “And so many people I speak to want to do that too. I really felt a lot better, I slept better and I feel like my whole body is functioning better because it wasn’t trying to process that alcohol.”
The effort originated across the pond in England about a decade ago and soon migrated to the United States. Now, diners can find mocktails to socialize without consuming alcohol at places like Love Land Kitchen across the North Fork.
While Iannone’s favorite non-alcoholic offering at her restaurant is the Free Wave IPA from California-based non-alcoholic brewer Athletic Brewing Company, she serves a variety of mocktails on the “free spirits” side of the menu. Highlights include Namaste Sober with Moroccan hibiscus, fresh lime and tonic, and Pretty Bitter made with pink grapefruit juice, fresh lime and seltzer.
If you fancy a classic Italian dinner without wine, you can enjoy the “Dry Tea Thyme” made from home-brewed black tea, white grapefruit juice, organic agave, lemon juice and fresh thyme at aMano. Greenport’s Demarchelier Bistro also serves its signature fresh lavender-ginger lemonade, which is high in anti-inflammatory agents and vitamin C.
No place is like home
If you want to avoid the temptation at the bar, you can of course prepare mocktails at home. At Tulsi Square in Southold, Dr. Stephenie Pisacano blenders that compensate for those looking for the anti-anxiety effects of alcohol while hoping to bypass bloating, hangovers and all the other unwanted side effects.
Fans of a classic Negroni will find delight in the Curious Elixir No.1, while those who call themselves mixologists might consider one of two bottles of Kin Euphorics nutritional supplements that can act as mocktail mixers. There’s the Dream Light Nightcap, good for unwinding before bed, and the High Road, which offers the social benefits many derive from alcohol.
“This one is socially stimulating but also helps with relaxation,” Pisacano said. “When people are out and socially anxious, alcohol can make people feel like they can relax and have a good conversation, so it has some of those things that support relaxing neurotransmitters.”
Using the nightcap supplement, Pisacano modified Kin Pomme’s crowd-favorite recipe, available on the brand’s website, to create her own take on holiday vibes.
“It has a sweet pomegranate flavor with a little bit of bitterness from the kin, and then the ginger gave it a little bit more of that warm flavor as well,” Pisacano said. “My family liked it. I made about 10 for her at Christmas so it was fun.”
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