New year, new you? What better way to ring in the New Year than by putting your health at the top of your mind by cutting back on alcohol consumption, at least just for Dry January?
Traditionally, Dry January has been known as a time when people shift their relationship with alcohol and explore the effects of the substance in a month-long break, which is timely, given that U.S. General Vivek Murthy recently stated that alcoholic drinks should carry cancer risk warning labels, in a report, last Friday. The report shares that there’s a direct link between alcohol consumption and seven types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, liver, and mouth. An estimated 16.4% of total breast cancer cases are linked to drinking alcohol.
Additionally, there are about 100,000 alcohol-related cancer cases and 20,000 alcohol-related cancer deaths in the United States, according to the report. It’s also widely known that alcohol is the third-leading cause of cancer in the United States, after tobacco and obesity. To cut out alcohol completely, people have been opting for non-alcoholic beverages that give an illusion of a perfectly crafted cocktail, commonly known as mocktails. Mocktails are perfect for those who want to sip but without the alcohol included.
We’ve compiled a curated list of Black women-owned mocktails for you to enjoy during Dry January and beyond. Check it out below.
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MEDASE
Co-founders and Soror sisters and Howard University grads Monica and Inga founded Medase together through their quest to find an alternative drinking experience that was healthy and reminiscent of the flavors they had come to enjoy, that also provided a luxurious experience, so they created their own company, MEDASE.Available at Medase
Mamá Wine’s Mocktails for Mommy offers sophisticated alcohol-free wine and Prosecco alternatives, and who doesn’t love that? Ashley Hunt-Poole is the CEO and founder of Mocktails for Mommy, Alabama’s first and only 100% Black and female-owned mocktail beverage company. According to their website, her mission began during the pandemic while pregnant; she identified a need for high-quality, alcohol-free beverages and decided to make her own. Here are some wine selections: Momma Rosé, Momma Rosso, Momscato Peach, and Peachy Bellini.Available at Mocktails For Mommy
Most people know of serial entrepreneur Mahisha Dellinger from her show on Oprah Winfrey Network, “Mind Your Business with Mahisha.” However, she’s also the founder of the non-alcoholic mocktail brand Huzzy Smartsips. Huzzy Smart Sips are crafted with a curated list of liver-protecting properties, detoxifying antioxidants, and a proprietary blend of euphoric-enhancing ingredients. Try their Berry Banger Margarita first, but also consider the Honey Pop Lemon Drop, Golden Elixir Whiskey Fixer, and Pow Wow Moscow Mule w/ Shisho Elixir next. Available at Huzzy Smart Sips
Pauline Idogho, the founder of Mocktail Club, came up with the concept of her company when she was pregnant and looking for exciting and healthy non-alcoholic options, but found limited options with rich and interesting flavors. Mocktail Club is ideal for people who want a healthier lifestyle, as their drinks also include the added benefits of prebiotics and antioxidants.Available at Mocktail Club
Brooklyn Brewed Sorrel was founded by a first-generation Caribbean-American foodie and designer named Nzinga Knight and was inspired by her father’s sorrel recipe. Sorrel is a traditional Caribbean hibiscus-spiced beverage and has been a beloved drink within their culture for centuries. For Nzinga, Sorrel represents a symbol of celebration, and a connection to her roots.Available at Brooklyn Brewed Sorrel
