Finding Balance: How Dry October Helped Us Rediscover Our Love of Drinks, Not Alcohol

When my girlfriend and I decided to take on Dry October, it was a test of willpower—a challenge to see if we could go without the gin, whisky, and craft IPAs that had become regular fixtures in our lives. What we didn’t expect was how this decision would reshape our relationship with drinking entirely.

At first, we worried about feeling deprived, especially during our usual rituals. After a long day, we often unwound with a carefully poured whisky or a refreshing gin and tonic, and we wondered how we’d replace those moments of indulgence. But what we soon realised was that our enjoyment wasn’t tied to the alcohol itself—it was the act of savouring a delicious drink that mattered most.

Rediscovering the Rituals

In place of our usual alcoholic beverages, we began experimenting. Instead of lamenting the absence of booze, we saw it as an opportunity to get creative. Fruity teas steeped overnight became a new staple, offering a punchy, refreshing flavour reminiscent of a good IPA. Ginger beer, with its fiery kick, brought the depth and complexity we once sought in whisky. Sparkling water mixed with elderflower cordial, garnished with fresh herbs, made for a sophisticated substitute for gin-based cocktails.

This experimentation was exciting, almost like discovering a new hobby. We weren’t just replacing alcohol; we were expanding our palate and finding new ways to indulge in flavourful, thoughtfully crafted drinks. And the benefits were immediate. Our evenings felt just as indulgent, but without the downsides we’d come to accept as part of the package.

The Unexpected Perks

The shift wasn’t only about drinks—it also transformed how we felt, physically and emotionally. Mornings, previously marred by sluggishness or mild hangovers, became something to look forward to. Oslo, our flat-coated retriever, seemed particularly pleased with this new arrangement, as our early walks turned into energetic starts to the day rather than groggy slogs. Our energy levels evened out, our skin became clearer, and we found ourselves feeling sharper and more present.

Even more surprising was how Dry October influenced our social lives. We worried that gatherings without alcohol might feel less festive or even awkward, but it turned out quite the opposite. When we introduced friends to our non-alcoholic concoctions, they were intrigued—and grateful. Without alcohol, the pressure to “keep up” disappeared, and our conversations became more authentic and meaningful. Socialising felt more about connection than consumption.

Finding Balance

As October came to a close, we realised we didn’t want to simply revert to our old habits. This wasn’t about abstinence or making a sweeping lifestyle change; it was about balance. We still enjoy the occasional gin or whisky, but our focus has shifted. Now, a nightcap might just as easily be a homemade mocktail or a cup of herbal tea, and we’re finding just as much satisfaction—if not more.

Dry October taught us that change doesn’t have to mean giving something up entirely. Instead, it’s about discovering new ways to enjoy life and embracing a healthier, more mindful way of living. For us, the joy of drinking is no longer tied to alcohol. It’s in the ritual, the creativity, and the connection it fosters.

If you’ve ever considered cutting back, even just for a month, we can’t recommend it enough. You might be surprised by how liberating it feels to break away from old habits—and how much joy there is to be found in rediscovering the simple pleasure of a good drink, alcohol not required.