How to Keep Dry January Going When Temptation Hits—and Beyond

As with every commitment to good health made at the start of the year, a Dry January pledge invariably starts strong—and soon hits a road bump.

The first big challenge to my inaugural Dry January came less than two weeks in: a beach vacation. I was staying at the Seven Stars Resort on the Turks & Caicos Islands and was offered a rum-filled coconut cocktail. I turned it down, but not without pausing. My nonalcoholic version made with just the natural insides—fresh coconut water—was hydrating, but it wasn’t relaxing elixir I would have otherwise been eager to try. As a food and beverage journalist and a curious person in general, it was challenging to pass up a drink that might spark inspiration for a story (and a nap). Later that day, I had to decline an invitation to a cocktail demo.