Dry January: Creative Tea Recipes for a Healthier Start

Embracing Dry January

As the new year begins, many people seek ways to live healthier, happier lives. One popular approach is participating in Dry January, a month-long commitment to abstain from alcohol. This initiative has gained momentum as a way for those who may have over-indulged in food and alcohol during the holidays to reset and detox. If you’re interested in the history and background of Dry January, consider reading this NPR article explaining its origins. -> The Origins of "Dry January," explained: NPR

Exploring Tea as a Beverage Alternative

In previous years, we compared popular liquors to quality tea alternatives, examining their complexities and flavor profiles. For those interested, you can revisit that article here. This year, our focus is on inspiring creativity with a selection of tea-based recipes, perfect for savoring throughout Dry January. While some recipes feature bitters, which contain a minimal amount of alcohol, you can easily substitute with All The Bitter Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Bitters if you prefer a completely alcohol-free beverage.

Daytime Refreshment: Chai Coconut Lemonade

For a refreshing lunchtime drink, try Chai Coconut Lemonade. This beverage is both flavorful and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Chai Coconut Syrup (Makes ~6 servings):

• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tsp loose-leaf Chai tea

Chai Coconut Lemonade (Serves 1):

• 1 ½ oz Chai Coconut syrup
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 4 oz water
• Lemon wheel for garnish
• Freshly grated cinnamon for garnish

Instructions:

Chai Coconut Syrup:

1. Combine coconut milk and sugar over medium heat, stirring consistently to prevent scalding.
2. Once the mixture begins to steam, add the chai tea. Remove from heat and let the tea steep for five minutes.
3. Strain out the tea leaves and discard. Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.

Chai Coconut Lemonade:

1. Fill a shaker with ice. Add Chai Coconut syrup, lemon juice, and water.
2. Shake well for 3-5 seconds.
3. Pour the entire contents, including ice, into a glass.
4. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprinkle of freshly grated cinnamon. Enjoy!

Notes: Store any leftover syrup covered and refrigerated for up to one week.

For simpler options, visit our website for recipes like 4 Perfect Iced Tea Recipes for the Summer, Peach Flavored Iced Teas, or Hibiscus Sparkling Iced Tea. Remember, any tea can be served iced—some of our favorites include Atlantico Lime, Kiyana's Blue Wave, White Peach, and the classic black Kenya Milima.

Evening Sophistication: Cherry Earl Grey Tea Mocktail

If you’re seeking a sophisticated drink for the evening, the Cherry Earl Grey Tea Mocktail is a quick and easy option, perfect for sipping and unwinding.

Ingredients (Serves 1):

• 2 tsp Earl Grey tea leaves
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tsp honey
• 1/4 cup tart cherry juice
• 1 drop bitters, optional (see notes)
• Orange wedge or peel, for garnish

Instructions

1. Bring 1/2 cup water to a boil. Pour over Earl Grey tea leaves and steep for 5 minutes.
2.  Strain out the tea leaves. Stir in honey while the tea is still warm.
3. Add tart cherry juice and bitters, if using.
4. Pour over ice and garnish with an orange wedge or peel. Enjoy!

Notes: To batch make, multiply all ingredients by four. After mixing, refrigerate the batch (covered) instead of pouring over ice. You’ll have four servings ready whenever you need them.

To change this into a Cherry Earl Grey Soda, simply add a splash of club soda.

For a creamier variation, try Cherry Earl Grey Milk Tea. If Earl Grey isn’t your preference, we also recommend our chai concentrate recipe—enjoy as a latte or over ice. 

For Cocktail Enthusiasts: Green Tea and Sage Sour

If you miss mixing up a classic cocktail, the Green Tea and Sage Sour offers a satisfying, non-alcoholic alternative.

Ingredients

Sage Simple Syrup (Makes ~6 servings):

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 4-6 sage leaves, roughly chopped

Green Tea Sage Sour (Serves 2):

• 4 oz green tea (steeped), 
• 2 oz sage simple syrup
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 egg white or 1 oz aquafaba
• 2 drops bitters

Instructions

Sage Simple Syrup:

1. Combine sugar, water, and chopped sage in a small saucepan.
2. Heat on medium until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Allow to cool to room temperature.

Green Tea Sage Sour:

1. In a shaker, combine steeped green tea, sage simple syrup, lime juice, and egg white or aquafaba with ice.
2. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
3. Strain into a stemmed glass, leaving the ice behind.
4. Top with bitters and garnish with a sage leaf. Enjoy!

Notes: Store leftover syrup covered and refrigerated for up to one week.

Wine Alternatives and Relaxation

If you’re missing wine with dinner, try this recipe from @GoldenHiveMead. Although a bit labor-intensive, it delivers flavors similar to wine, paired with the health benefits of tea.

Finally, after a stressful day, sometimes the best choice is a simple, warm cup of tea to help you relax and unwind.

A Taste of Liquor, Zero Proof

If you're looking to enjoy the classic taste of your daily go to whiskey or beer, try some of our Kilmory Whiskey or Irish Stout tea blends. They're sure to satisfy your cravings. 

Please let us know which of these you try and if they were your "cup of tea". Tag us on Facebook, @TheLarkinTeaCoLLC, with photos of recipes you tested out or leave us a review if you opted to enjoy one of our tea blends instead.