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Stu Pennebaker is a eater, reader + outfit repeater who is new to town and here to share a newcomer guide on how to make Charleston feel like home.
This is the first year I’ve attempted Dry January – a short-term farewell to alcohol – and it’s almost the end of the road. It’s been real, it’s been fun... but now I’m bored of drinking water and miss my local dive .
If you’re participating and at the verge of giving up, or are debating attempting it next year, here are a few tips, tricks + alternatives to survive Dry January in Charleston:
Mocktails, mocktails + more mocktails
Wild Common’s “Brooklyn Calling” mocktail | Photo via @wildcommonchs
Tons of local restaurants + bars are participating in Dry January by offering “mocktails” (aka non-alcoholic cocktails). 🍸 Estadio is offering a nonalcoholic Enero Seco this month, Babas on Cannon’s pomegranate mocktail is a year-round hit, Wild Common has zero-proof wine, and Basic Kitchen is doing a 30 day plant-based challenge with lots and lots of fun mocktails.
Healthy juice alternatives
Huriyali smoothie | Photo via @hhoney_buns
Sub the alcohol for vitamins + feel-good ingredients. Try building your own 6-pack of Kombucha from Huriyali or Hustle Smoothie Bar , or sipping on one of their delicious smoothies. (Pro tip: the fun cans fit in koozies and are almost as good as the real thing.)
Load up on caffeine
Harken Cafe cappuccino | Photo via @harkencafe
Meet friends at a new coffee bar like Harken Cafe , or a new-to-you coffee spot (The Rise and 132 Spring are two faves). You can never go wrong with coffee or tea. ☕
Get the calories from food
Variety of dishes from Fleet Landing | Photo via @fleetlanding
Eliminating drinks means room to splurge on dinner at a local restaurant . 🍴Less money on alcohol = more money for food (and more room in your stomach). My favorite kind of math.
Sub indulging in wine for indulging in dessert
Vegan Deconstructed Samoa ice cream | Photo via @offtrackicecream
Eat more ice cream.🍦 Off Track Ice Cream + Holy Sticks are great options if you’re looking for a late night treat in a fun atmosphere, and Off Track even offers vegan ice cream + gluten free cones.
I wouldn’t go so far as to say these spots around town make Dry January fun, but ice cream + a mocktail make the month a little less painful. Have fun! Stay hydrated!