We’re in the final stretch of #DryJanuary, and I’m honestly so proud of everyone who’s been on this journey with me. Whether you started January 1st or you’re just joining in now, there’s something special about dedicating a moment just 31 days to hydration, clarity, and curiosity.
The funny thing about this whole movement is that it started as a simple public-health campaign in the UK and somehow became a worldwide cultural shift. Now, Dry January is less about giving something up and more about learning what we’ve been missing. Spoiler: hydration is a bigger deal than most people realize.
Is It Too Late to Join Dry January?
Not at all. You can start today, start this weekend, or start February 1st nobody’s checking your homework here. The only goal is to experiment with how you feel when alcohol steps aside and water takes center stage. And trust me, your body notices the swap quickly.
So… Does Only Drinking Water for Three Weeks Make a Difference?
Short answer: yes. Longer answer: yes, and in more ways than you expect.
Here’s what many people report after three weeks of substituting alcohol for hydration-forward choices:
1. Better Sleep (and Not Just More of It)
When alcohol leaves the picture, many people finally meet REM sleep again. And with deep sleep comes clarity, stamina, and that slightly annoying “wake up without an alarm” energy. Add mineral waters with electrolytes and you’re not just sleeping your body is literally rebalancing overnight.
2. Changes in Mood and Brain Fog
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a drink socially. But alcohol does dehydrate us, and the brain is extremely hydration-sensitive. After three weeks of consistent water intake especially natural spring sources people often notice they’re more alert, less foggy, and less anxious. Magnesium-rich waters (22 Artesian has a nice profile here) are particularly loved for that effect.
3. Better Skin (The Sneaky One)
Dermatologists have said it for decades: skin loves hydration. Fine lines soften, texture evens out, and your natural glow comes back. Water plays a role in collagen function, and silica-rich waters (like some naturally still springs) can help the skin rebuild from within.
4. Improved Digestion
I know hydration doesn’t sound glamorous. But when you switch from alcohol to mineral water, especially bicarbonate-rich sparkling waters, digestion gets a boost. Bicarbonates help buffer acidity and support the gut. That’s why European cultures sip sparkling waters with meals—it’s not just an aesthetic choice.
5. A Different Kind of Social Experience
One of the coolest parts of #DryJanuary has been how mineral water culture makes “going out without drinking” feel elevated instead of weird. Between glass bottles, terroir-driven flavor profiles, and mocktails that aren’t just juice+soda, people are genuinely excited to explore the category.
A Hydration Experiment Worth Trying
If you’ve been on this journey since day one amazing. If you’ve been dabbling here and there also amazing. If you’re reading this while holding a latte thinking “wait… should I try this?” still amazing.
The point is not perfection. The point is awareness.
Let’s Celebrate With Two #DryJanuary Mocktails
Since we’re rounding the corner to the final week, I wanted to create one spring-water-based mocktail and one sparkling-water-based mocktail that feel bright, clean, and worthy of your glassware.
Both use waters we stock at Salacious Drinks that make sober choices feel luxurious.
🥂 MOCKTAIL #1 — “The Artesian Garden Cooler”
Base Water: 22 Artesian Still Spain
This one is calm, refreshing, mineral-forward and feels like a walk in a botanical garden.
Ingredients:
- 6 oz 22 Artesian Still (chilled)
- 2 oz cucumber juice (strained)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz white grape juice
- Thin cucumber ribbons + mint for garnish
- Ice
How to Make:
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Add cucumber juice, lime juice, and white grape.
- Top with 22 Artesian Still. Stir gently.
- Garnish with cucumber ribbons + fresh mint.
Why it Works:
The clean minerality of 22 Artesian keeps it refreshing not sugary and the cucumber/grape combo tastes like summer without the booze.
✨ MOCKTAIL #2 — “Sparkling Citrus Cloud
Base Water: Evian Sparkling — France
Evian Sparkling has those soft, fine bubbles that pair beautifully with citrus. This one is bright, zippy, and honestly tastes like vacation.
Ingredients:
- 6 oz Evian Sparkling (very cold)
- 1½ oz fresh grapefruit juice
- ½ oz lime juice
- Splash of pear nectar
- Grapefruit zest + thyme sprig for garnish
- Ice
How to Make:
Add grapefruit juice, lime, and pear nectar to a chilled glass with ice.
- Pour in Evian Sparkling.
- Stir once (gently—we like the bubbles).
- Garnish with zest + thyme.
Why it Works:
Grapefruit and alpine minerality are a shockingly good duo. The pear adds roundness without making it sweet, and the bubbles do the rest.
One Last Thought as We Wrap Up #DryJanuary
Whether you’ve been here since January 1st or you popped in for the final week, you’ve already done something good for yourself. Water is the quiet hero of our lives: balancing minerals, carrying nutrients, lubricating joints, powering digestion, and refreshing the mind in ways we only notice when we stop neglecting it.
And if you ever want to keep this going beyond January, guess what? You don’t need permission just your favorite glass, a bottle of spring or sparkling, and a moment to taste instead of chug.
Cheers to hydration. Cheers to #DryJanuary. And cheers to the last week let’s finish strong. 