Tonic Alchemy Lounge: Going Sober for Dry January? At-Home NA Recipes Tinctures and Tonics

As we come into the New Year, people often have one big goal of completing Dry January to “cleanse” after a big month of December drinking. Whether it’s for health reasons, budget, or your relationship with alcohol, going sober for a spell isn’t a new idea but it is worth considering. 

Everyone’s journey with sobriety and drinking is different, so if you’re considering going dry for January and beyond, there are unique options to make phasing out a

lcohol in your life a little easier–and more fun. 

I met with Charlie Drury, the lead bartender and general manager at Tonic Alchemy Lounge on Pearl. He welcomed me in out of the cold one Friday afternoon, and we jumped into the importance of spaces with non-alcoholic alternatives. 

“To put it plainly, without spaces like this, it’s almost like real conversations for conversation’s sake don’t seem to happen,” Drury starts. “I’ve heard from people that, in the more fast-paced drinking and bar culture, it’s fun. But it revolves around the drinks, the bar, the tickets, the next bar. There’s more pressure than they want.”

Tonic Alchemy Lounge has been on Pearl for 25 years, offering alternatives to alcohol since 2000. Their menu includes kava, culinary mushrooms, and even an oxygen aroma infusion. They do offer a selection of wines to welcome any individual or group to the Lounge. Overall, it’s an aside from the usual bustle of Boulder and a chance to take a second for yourself and your community.

“It’s a place where people can kind of try on any different way of relaxing that isn’t the norm,” Drury says. “It’s okay to test the waters here. Try something herbal, try something chocolatey that opens up your heart or gives your blood a nice boost.”

Drury has been with Tonic Alchemy Lounge for four years, after his friends purchased the space when the original owner, Mark, passed away. Drury has his own background in food and beverage, combined with an interest in holistic medicine. 

“[Tonic] is a safe space,” Drury explains. “[I]t gives a wider range of people a space where they can still socialize, but they’re don’t have to have their guard up like they might in a bar […] We see that, we acknowledge that, and we encourage that here. Find people who honor and respect the clarity you’re seeking and invite that in. [Tonic is] where we’re all getting on that wavelength together, and also acknowledging that you’ve got to meet people where they are.”

For anyone interested in going sober but they’re not sure where to start, Charlie offers some advice.

“It’s the pattern breaking that, in my own experience, can be the most difficult part,” Drury acknowledges. “You want something to change, that’s amazing. You’ve already started the biggest part of that journey. 

“When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, remember the three-week rule. If you can make it past that three-week mark and not go backwards, that’s huge. Also, set a cool itinerary for yourself for January. If you’re going to try it, give yourself a roadmap. Have things to look forward to, new herbs to try, new recipes to make, or plan a fun night at home.”

“Also: find benign things to get a little naughty with like Spindrift [soda waters] or hot chocolate. You don’t have to punish yourself. You can still want something and get that fixation, and we’re here to be that for people. Go do something for yourself that helps you get that part of yourself taken care of as you start to find clarity. I read that the other day, and I think it’s fun, but important for people to remember.”

For anyone interested in trying non-alcoholic options at home, Charlie has some options:

#1: “Start simple. Actual fruit-squeezed soda water is a great base or enjoyed on its own. With that, you’re already halfway there.” 

#2: “Throw in some grapefruit juice and a Spindrift over ice, and you’re off to a great start. Some of those fun non-alcoholic spirits are fun as well, too.” 

#3: “Everything from 30% grade tinctures to honey-infused herbal concentrates, I would start to explore the range of tinctures, all the way to thick herbal concentrates and cordials. You can throw in lavender, relaxing herbs, you name it. Otherwise, things that are going to be a little easier to work with at home might be herbal concentrates. 

#4: “Incorporate what you keep in your cabinet.”

#5: “If you can start making kombucha at home and you’re more of those savvy people, you can have a lot of fun with that. Anything that’s probiotic, good for the gut, and tasty to try.”

Whatever works for you and your roadmap!

“Check us out here at Tonic,” Drury finishes. “Check out Rebecca’s Apothecary, check out other local spots. Check out Natural Grocers and ask somebody there what are their favorite herbs or tinctures to relax. People know a lot around this town. It’s a great community.”

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