‘Tis the season for a Dry January, especially after multiple end-of-semester nights out and end-of-year holidays. But what do you order at a bar when you want something more than just a soda?

I’m someone who is extremely aware of the consequences of too much alcohol, not just a hangover. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to the general weakening of your immune system, including different types of cancer and mental health problems.

Alcohol is fun in social settings, and it seems like everyone drinks in college. But sometimes that can be intimidating. However, it’s estimated that 50% of college students engage in binge drinking, which involves consuming too much alcohol in too little time. Sometimes it can be hard not to give into that peer pressure if you’re not a drinker, but it doesn’t have to be.

It’s official, we’re making 2024 the year of mocktails, which are often overlooked and forgotten. If you’re slightly worried about what people might say after ordering a mocktail at the bar, you really shouldn’t be. No one ever hears your bar order and mocktails look just like regular cocktails, so if you’re worried about not fitting in please leave that fear behind in 2023.

If you’re new to the mocktail world, here are seven of the most popular mocktails that are guaranteed to help you party all night, without feeling the consequences the next morning.

people clinking drink glasses — Photo by Luca Bravo on Unsplash

Virgin Mojito: If you know me, you know my love for a mojito. But a virgin mojito that I can have on a school night? Count me in!
No Tequila Sunrise: Only two ingredients are needed: orange juice and grenadine. Sounds like an affordable and yummy option to me that you can order at the bar or make at home.
Abstinence On The Beach: It’s like learning about abstinence for the first time preparing for your Catholic confirmation, except more fun because it has cranberry juice, orange juice, and peach purée. To order, just ask for a Sex On The Beach without vodka.
Ginger and Juice: As a rule of thumb, non-alcoholic ginger beer is always an excellent base for a mocktail. So, if you really can’t remember the name of any drink, “ginger and juice” is the simplest drink to remember.
Fizzy Fruit Juice: This mocktail is perfect for a summer outing and is promised to unlock your inner child. The combinations are infinite too, just choose your favorite fruit!
Iced Tea: Iced Tea is perfect for when you’re in a crowded bar and you just want something that’s refreshing, you can literally never go wrong with this choice.
Diet Coke and a lime: IYKYK. This is the ultimate going-out drink, IMHO.
Shirley Temple: This is basically like the Holy Grail of beverages. Who needs alcohol when a Shirley Temple exists?

Headed To The Bar During Dry January? Try Ordering These Mocktails

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