How to Keep the Good Vibes Going After Dry July. Tips on keeping on cutting down.

Kia ora, Dry Julyer! You’ve joined us to be booze-free for a stint. What a legend. 🥇 

Whether you’re feeling fresher than ever or just chuffed you survived a few dry weekends, we’re here to say: don’t stop now.

You’ve built some awesome habits, and with a few smart tweaks, you can carry those good vibes well beyond July.

So if you're thinking about cutting back on the regular drinkies, here are some realistic, do-able tips (with a side of encouragement and the occasional bad joke).

💧1. Thirsty? Water first.

Sounds simple, but if you’re parched, you’ll down that first glass of wine or pint like it’s a sports drink after a half-marathon.

Start with a non-alc bevvy (sparkling water, kombucha, or a No Ugly hydrating wellness drink).

🐢 2. Sip slow, like you’re in a movie montage.

No one’s awarding medals for finishing your drink in record time. Pair each alcoholic drink with a glass of water and you’ll pace yourself like a pro.

🔁 3. Alternate the hard stuff.

Make every second drink non-alcoholic. It gives your liver a breather and your future self a better shot at making that 8am yoga class, walk and talk, or run club.

🍽️ 4. Eat before you drink. Just not salty chips.

Food helps slow down alcohol absorption, but salty snacks can make you thirstier (and lead you back to the bar). Think crackers and cheese, not fries and regrets.

🥂 5. Go half-half.

Diluting your drink is a sneaky hack. Try a shandy (beer + lemonade) or a wine spritzer (wine + soda). It stretches your drink and keeps your blood alcohol in check.

📅 6. Two days off, minimum.

Choose at least two alcohol-free days each week. Your body will thank you, and so will your sleep cycle.

🧪 7. Know your pour.

Measuring your drinks at home = knowledge = power. A “standard drink” is:

285 ml of beer (that’s a middy/pot/handle)

100 ml of wine (yes, less than you think…)

30 ml of spirits (just one shot, not the triple pour Nana does)

⭐ 8. Get into the sober-curious groove

Embrace the mindful drinking movement. There’s a world of world class non-alcs out there - from craft beers and wines to mocktails and kombucha.

Explore, experiment, and find what you love at The Chiller - your alcohol-free drink store (clearly, without the hangover).

💪 9. Be prepared

Think of your fridge like a good playlist: you want a few crowd-pleasers, a couple of surprises, and no duds. Stack it with non-alcs you actually like and you’ll never miss the booze.

The bottom line?

You don’t have to give it up forever. But cutting back, even a little, can boost your energy, improve your mood, and save you money (maybe even enough for that summer getaway you’ve been eyeing).

And hey, if you've made it through Dry July, you’ve already done the hard part. Now it’s just about keeping up the momentum, one mindful drink (or skipped drink) at a time.

You’ve got this. 

And we’re stoked to be cheering you on.

PS: If you’re after more feel-good inspo, mocktail recipes, or wellness tips, don’t forget to visit our Health Hub. 💛

👉 Tag us @nzdryjuly and share your favourite tip to go booze-free or drink mindfully.