Dry February: Or coffee mocktails so good you’ll forget about alcohol

17. 2. 2025 1 minute reading

Thousands of people take part in the so-called Dry Feb challenge each year to gouge how alcohol affects their bodies and minds. The results? Not shockingly, better sleep, more energy, healthier skin and better focus. Give the month of abstinence a try, too, and swap your glass of wine for a delicious, energizing mocktail.

The idea for a month-long detox from alcohol first appeared in the UK in 2013. The original challenge took part in January, however when it spread to other countries, some late comers adapted it into Dry February. The challenge is growing in popularity and year by year, more and more people join to find out how much alcohol affects their daily life.

Why participate in Dry February?

Alcohol is a regular past-time for many, whether you’re at a social gathering, a casual meet-up with friends or crave a reward after a really long day. But according to World Health Organization, around 7% of the world’s population is addicted to alcohol – most without knowing the consequences this harmful substance can have on their physical and mental health. Regular alcohol consumption can, even in small doses, negatively affect sleep. Moreover, it strains your liver and dehydrates your body. It’s no wonder, then, that many participants of Dry Feb report positive effects on their mood, focus and even weight loss.

Instead of alcohol, try reaching for alternatives – they also taste amazing, but unlike alcohol, lack the negative effects. Coffee is the ideal choice, since it provides energy and contains antioxidants. Its bitter taste can be the perfect substitute for alcohol in mocktails, such as in the case of Negroni.

Non-alcoholic Coffee Negroni

Currently, Negroni ranks among the most ordered cocktails. It’s said to embody the true elegance of Italy. Naturally, the base for this drink is an espresso made from a selected high-quality coffee. The origins of this cocktail date back to 1919 to count Camillo Negroni, who asked the staff of his favorite café to prepare his Americano as strong as possible. The barista took his request seriously and to properly spice up the final beverage, he used gin instead of water. The count loved his choice so much that the invented drink carries his name till this day.

Ingredients:

1 espresso (or other strong coffee)
30ml orange juice
30ml grenadine
30ml tonic
Ice

Method:

In a glass add ice, espresso, orange juice and grenadine. Then pour in tonic and stir. Decorate your finished Negroni with a slice of orange.

Enjoy your parties without the threat of hangover

Highest levels of alcohol consumption are related to parties. This can be contributed to peer pressure, where non-drinkers are often considered to be spoiling the fun. Don’t be afraid to go against the flow and reach for a non-alcoholic alternative, if only to avoid a hangover. Not only that, but you’ll also be able to keep a clear mind and more energy for the next day. You can get all of this with our next recipe: Espresso Martini mocktail.

Non-alcoholic Espresso Martini

The origins of this drink date to 1983 London, where a model asked a local barman, Dick Bradsell, to get her a drink to really wake her up. After a brief consideration, Dick combined vodka, coffee liqueur, some sugar and an espresso. The actual energy booster in this recipe was, of course, coffee, and the same goes for the non-alcoholic variant.

If you want your drink to really shine,don’t underestimate the selection of coffee beans. We recommend Ethiopian coffee. Espresso Martini is especially suited for fruity undertones, so you also won’t regret reaching for Kenyan coffee. If you prefer zestier, more sour flavor, you should stock up on Colombian coffee.

Ingredients:

50ml freshly brewed espresso (or other strong coffee)
30ml coconut water, almond milk or whipping cream (for creamier flavor)
20ml simple syrup (or to taste)
½ tsp vanilla extract
Ice
3 roasted coffee beans for garnish

Method:

Brew your espresso and allow it to cool slightly. In the meantime fill up your shaker with ice, add your lukewarm espresso, coconut water (or your preferred substitute), simple syrup and vanilla extract. That last ingredient is what gives our Martini that liqueur-like aroma. Vigorously shake until the ingredients are properly combined and foam forms. Pour over a strainer into a chilled martini glass. Decorate with coffee beans and serve.

Alcohol trends in Europe

The per capita leader in alcohol consumption across Europe is by far Romania. Second is Georgia, which is closely followed by Czechia – one of the most prominent participants in the Dry February challenge, with yearly increases in participants. Many of them find out they don’t mind abstaining from alcohol and even enjoy it, reporting better sleep, mood and overall feeling well-rested.

Another good thing about this detox is finding out about the wide range of original, tasty alternatives for alcohol. One of those is Matcha Colada, an alcohol-free take on the popular Piña Colada, guaranteed to charm those who prefer matcha over coffee.

Matcha Colada

Strong, flavorful caffeinated beverages are said to quench the craving for alcohol. Matcha Colada is just that, and what’s more, matcha powder contains slightly more caffeine than actual coffee. Unlike coffee, however, it’s way easier on the stomach. Get this drink to brighten up your day or to impress your house guests.

Ingredients:

1 scoop matcha
100ml coconut milk
10ml pineapple juice
1tbsp honey or maple syrup
Ice

Method:

Take a shaker or food processor and add matcha, coconut milk, pineapple juice and honey or maple syrup. Throw in a few ice cubes and shake or mix well. Pour the finished drink in a glass and add some pineapple or lime for garnish. Refrigerated, the drink can last up to one day. Matcha Colada is tasty treat suited for both adults and children.