Throughout the year, many embark on the journey of going dry through challenges like Dry January and Dry July. These are times when people take a break from drinking and evaluate their relationship with alcohol. This break allows an opportunity to assess patterns with alcohol consumption, as well as how it affects people mentally and physically. Additionally, it gives a chance to test other alternatives for relaxing, socializing, and coping with stress and/or anxiety. As a result, many people find healthier ways to cope with those issues as well as experience benefits like improved sleep, increased energy, and weight loss. Thankfully there's a delicious, refreshing beverage that can help replace the routine of drinking alcohol: tea.Â
Replacing Old Habits
Something a lot of people don't talk about much is how much routine and ritual plays a role in drinking and many other addictions. When pouring that first, or fifth, drink becomes part of your routine, it can be hard to think of what to do to replace that time with once you've stopped. When you're looking for a drink to help you unwind at the end of the day or even to pair along with dinner, consider adding a cup of tea to your evening ritual. Tea is more than just a calming beverage - it can be a ritual, a social or cultural event, and even a spiritual practice.
Variation
It's always a great idea to have options when it comes to beverages. Having multiple different teas allows you to choose what you're in the mood for without having to settle, making room for a much more enjoyable experience. A common thing people love to do with alcohol is pair it with different foods. When you're sitting at dinner thinking “which flavor will go best with ___?" tea offers a world of options! It's like pairing food and wine, without the hangover. Enjoying a lasagna with the family? Pair it with a straight black tea like Mokalbari East Assam. Salad night? Pair it with a cup of Dragonwell. You can grab a bunch of different teas and find the perfect one to match with your meal.
Convenience
We understand how easy it is to just reach into the refrigerator to grab something you can pop open and enjoy immediately. You might think it's too much work to grab the kettle, wait for the water to boil, and steep a fresh cup of tea every time you want something to drink... So why not grab yourself a Conflicted Iced Tea Brewer so you can always have some premade iced tea on hand? Even better, cold brewing your tea makes it so when you've finished your last glass of iced tea, you can add in some new leaves, pour over some cold water, pop it into the fridge, and voila! By the morning, you have another fresh batch of iced tea. It's an easy and quick cycle that not only always you to enjoy the best quality of iced tea, but also saves you lots of money.
Alternatively, you can skip the prep all together by stocking your fridge with our Purple Papayaberry with Lime Canned Sparkling Tea.
Socializing
Mocktails are a great way to enjoy social gatherings without worrying about not fitting in when there's alcohol involved. When other people around you are drinking, having something to sip on can seem essential. Sometimes holding and sipping a glass of water can make you feel like you're sticking out in the crowd. Tea makes a great alternative to a cocktail or beer all on its own but can even be spruced up into an aesthetic mocktail.
Recommended teas as a substitute for alcohol
Whether you're looking for a new drink to enjoy while you wind down, an effective way to improve your sleep, or just want to find a new hobby/routine, there's a perfect tea for every scenario:
1. Sparkling Raspberry Wine
When you're craving a familiar wine taste, look no further than Sparkling Raspberry Wine tea. A sophisticated selection of white tea, red raspberries, and natural champagne flavors make this tea a fine choice. Try it iced with sparkling water and a splash of fruit juice for an easy mocktail.
2. Happy Tea
If you're looking for a boost of energy to keep the party going, enjoy a hot or iced cup of Happy Tea. Try it with some mint, lime and sparkling water for a nonalcoholic mojito.
3. Calming
Looking for something to help promote relaxation? A cup of Calming tea should do the trick. Formulated to help you breeze through your day with a sense of inner peace and help your wind unwind.
4. Lemon Ginger
Lemon Ginger is an enjoyable, comforting way to relax your stomach - especially after a heavy dinner. Try it with a little honey and lemon juice for an alcohol-free hot toddy.
5. Purple Papayaberry
This fruity tea includes butterfly pea flowers, making for a perfect base for a satisfying, photo worthy mocktail. For a bubbly twist, enjoy our Purple Papayaberry with Lime Sparkling Tea - conveniently canned for no matter where you go. Enjoy it on its own or try mixing with lemonade to watch the colors of the tea change from blue/dark purple to bright pink.Â
Satisfying Mocktails
If you're new to drinking tea, you may not be aware of all the flavors and options available with tea. Tea makes an amazing base for any mocktail, with options ranging from green or black tea mocktails to full fruit or herbal flavored mocktails. Check out a few of our favorite mocktail recipes below.