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Dry January party ideas
Throw the party that proves nobody misses the booze. Here's how to host a Dry January kickoff or a finish-line celebration, with a menu that does the work for you.
Two parties worth throwing
The kickoff (first weekend of January)
Everyone's starting fresh and a little worn out from the holidays. Keep it cozy: a warm drink, a bright sparkling one, and comfort food. It also gives friends doing Dry January a fun first weekend instead of a lonely one.
The finish line (last weekend of January)
Celebrate making it the whole month. Go bigger and fancier: a sparkling toast, dressier glasses, and a menu sign. Plenty of guests keep going past January once they find drinks they actually like.
The menu
Pick one warm drink and one sparkling drink. Both bases can be made the day before.
Add a non-alcoholic sparkling wine for the toast at the finish-line party.
How much to make
Dry January parties tend to run long because nobody's heading home early to sleep it off. Plan for 3 to 4 hours and use the party calculator to get the gallons and ice for your guest count.
Hosting tips
- Don't make it a lecture. Skip the signs about health benefits. Just serve great drinks.
- Make the drinks the star. A self-serve mocktail bar gives people something to gather around, the way a bar does.
- Serve real food. Salty, savory snacks and something warm go a long way in January.
- Plan an activity. Game night, a puzzle race, or a movie gives the night a shape.
Send guests home with the recipe. Print a small card with your best drink on it. People who liked it at your party will make it at theirs.
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