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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!

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