Spoiler alert: there’s no graduation ceremony when Dry January ends.   

February rolls around with a simple calendar flip and you’re left without a roadmap on what happens next. Suddenly, there goes the structure. It’s just you, a night out and a pause as your inner voice asks, “now what?”  

What Do You Do When Dry January Ends on February 1?

You’re not alone in asking it. According to the Adult Non-Alcoholic Beverage Association Industry Statistics Report, one in five Americans participates in Dry January each year. And that same study showed that more than 70 percent of challenge completers reported developing better long-term drinking habits afterward.   

For many people, there’s a heightened awareness going into February; Dry January changed something.   

Maybe your sleep improved (research by The Sleep Foundation suggests the majority of participants sleep better when they don’t drink). Maybe your mental health improved (doctors suggest alcohol amplifies anxiety, irritability and depression). Or maybe you reaped a few physical benefits (research has shown participants are likely to lose weight, decrease blood pressure and liver fat).  

Why Stop?

If you’re happy with your results, February doesn’t have to be a complete return; there can be a transition.  

Perhaps that means continuing to dip your toes into the non-alcoholic world. The good news is that the non-alcoholic beverage market is experiencing rapid growth, according to reports by Mordor Intelligence.   

An Uptick in the Non-Alcoholic Marketplace

And with growth comes more opportunities for connection, like at Oakland’s new pop-up SAD BAR, a bright, uplifting alternative for Pittsburgh’s greyest winter weeks. The name is a play on both Seasonal Affective Disorder and Sans Alcohol Drinks. Located at 3701 Forbes Avenue, the space blends elevated zero-proof cocktails with warm-spectrum lighting and Vitamin D lamps to create a mood-boosting environment for those seeking an alternative.  

“We have seen an influx of people who are visiting to experience what it feels like to be in a space that feels like a cocktail lounge or bar, but isn’t centered around alcohol,” said Bethany Paolo, the bar’s communications director. “It’s a space that feels exciting to both sides of the aisle — built for anyone abstaining entirely but welcoming to those exploring.”  

Other Non-Alcoholic Options Throughout Pittsburgh

Elsewhere, at any of Richard Deshantz’ concepts throughout the city, you’ll find thoughtful non-alcoholic options on the menu as well.  

“I think the Ginger Pineapple No-Jito at Coop De Ville might be the most approachable,” said Brian Maxwell, Director of Beverage for the Richard Deshantz Restaurant Group. “You get the feeling of having a cocktail, but there aren’t any spirit alternatives or any other booze-specific flavors someone might be trying to avoid altogether.”  

How to Ease Back Into Drinking After Dry January

If you decide to jump back into drinking come February, an emerging trend called Zebra Striping—where individuals alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks— may help you avoid common pitfalls like bingeing.   

“I have noticed a lot of guests working in N/A drinks between their alcoholic choices as a way to pace themselves,” Maxwell said.   

Victoria Miller, a bartender at Cork Harbor Pub in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood, has seen this trend firsthand as well.   

“Alternating with non-alcoholic options is a fantastic way to still indulge without suddenly losing control,” Miller said.

Pittsburgh Bars Lending a Hand When Dry January Ends

Cork Harbor Pub boasts a plethora of non-alcoholic drinks alongside their alcoholic counterparts, but there’s also a third option: low-ABV beverages. These drinks are lower in alcohol volume, giving guests that same experience, while keeping their blood-alcohol level in check. At Cork Harbor Pub, Miller suggests Smithwick’s Red Ale, which is only 3.8 percent ABV.   

“For mixed drinks, getting a single shot in a tall glass is a popular option for people not wanting to drink too fast,” Miller said. “You can even take it a step further by ordering a separate drink on the side like Club Soda or Diet Coke to sip on with your mixed drink.”  

Remember, February 1 isn’t merely a finish line. It’s the moment you get to decide what the next version of your relationship with alcohol looks like, and you can take that one choice and one evening at a time.  

In case you choose to keep your Dry January promise going, check out our recipes for ways to mix up from your regular mocktail. Or, if you’re choosing to slowly reintroduce alcohol back into your life, indulge in a recipe that’s on the lighter side with a Hot Toddy.

About the Author

Katrina Tomacchio is a Pittsburgh-based restaurateur and writer, widely known as Pittsburgh’s Mocktail Queen for her role in shaping thoughtful, non-alcoholic beverage culture. She stopped drinking nearly six years ago and is the author of Going in Dry, a sober-curious book that blends personal insight with practical guidance for building a rich, connected life with less alcohol. Find the book on Amazon, and find her on Instagram @thenortheastginger.

Story by Katrina Tomacchio
Photos Courtesy of Cody Baker for SAD BAR