WISCONSIN — With a new year, comes new goals and one New Year’s trend that has taken over in recent years is Dry January.
It’s a challenge that involves abstaining from wine, beer and all alcohol for a consecutive 31 days. Communities across the Badger State have embraced the idea of a sober month, offering different events.
Here’s a look at a few happening throughout the month.
Milwaukee area
N/A Day: A “Dry January” Beverage Festival
Date: Saturday, Jan. 6
Time: Noon-4 p.m.
Location: The Cooperage, 822 S. Water St., Milwaukee, WI 53204
The third annual N/A Day will be hosted by Milwaukee Record and allows guests to sample from 50 non-alcoholic drinks from vendors like Lakefront Brewery, Soul Brew Kombucha, Untitled Art and more. Tickets cost $20 in advance and $30 at the door.
Mocktails: A non-alcoholic evening
Date: Sunday, Jan. 14
Time: 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Location: Lupi & Iris, 777 N Van Buren St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
This five-course dinner will be paired with six “dry” cocktails, ranging from combinations of pomegranate ginger beer to sparkling soda and cold brew. The dinner costs $95 per ticket plus tax and gratuity.
X-Treme Mocktail Class
Date: Sunday, Jan. 28
Time: 1-4 p.m.
Location: Schuetze Recreation Center (activity room), 1120 Baxter St, Waukesha, WI 53186
At this Waukesha event, learn how to make popular cocktails without the alcohol from professional bartenders. The event costs $20 and is available for registration on Dec. 8.
Madison area
N/A Day: A “Dry January” Beverage Festival
Date: Saturday, Jan. 13
Time: Noon-4 p.m.
Location: The Bur Oak, 2262 Winnebago St. Madison, WI, 53704
Milwaukee Record will host the first Madison N/A Day after successful events in Milwaukee. It costs $20 in advance and will include unlimited samples of more than 50 products on the non-alcoholic market.
A Toast To Dry January
Date: Friday, Jan. 12
Time: 6-7p.m.
Location: Total Wine & More, 400 West Towne Mall, Madison, WI 53719
Guests that attend this event will have the opportunity to sample alcohol-free alternatives and learn how to make some mocktail combinations. The cost is $10 a person. The event is also taking place at the Bayshore Town Center and Greenfield locations of Total Wine & More in Wisconsin.
Other areas
Dry January Mocktail Class
Date: Thursday, Jan. 11
Time: 6-7 p.m.
Location: The Osthoff Resort, 101 Osthoff Avenue, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020
The Osthoff Resort Cooking School is offering a 1-1.5-hour class on how to craft four mocktails. It costs $35.99 a person.
6-Course Non-Alcoholic Pairing Dinner
Date: Tuesday, Jan. 23
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: 3rd & Vine, 1929 3rd St., Eau Claire, WI 54703
Enjoy a six-course meal paired with N/A beers and mocktails, featuring products from Fair State, Untitled Art, Athletic and Gruvi. Tickets are $75 per person.
Friday Night Flights: Mocktails vs. Cocktails
Date: Friday, Jan. 5
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Aspen Sky, 860 Enterprise Dr, Slinger, WI 53086
This event features flights of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The drink line-up includes a Nojito vs. Mojito, a New Fashioned vs. Ol’ Fashioned, Mango Chile Mockarita vs. Mango Chile Margarita and Cucumber Tonic vs. Cucumber Gin and Tonic. Ticket prices range from $20-$25.
This is not a comprehensive list of events taking place in Wisconsin. For inquiries about other events, visit your community’s visitors bureau website or reach out to local officials.