January usually means a new you, with new goals, new routines, and a whole lot of pressure to change everything about who we were just 24 hours ago.

Start where you are

If you started a new workout program for the first time and the first session called for you to squat 400 pounds, you would probably laugh and say that isn’t happening. Yet every year, most people do something similar with their resolutions. We set goals like “work out five times a week, run a mile three times a week, cut out all sugar from our diet, no alcohol,” all while reading a book a week.

If you’re just getting started again, focus on two to three workouts a week. Give yourself something you can succeed at once life gets hectic again. It’s not lowering the bar; it’s setting yourself up for success.  Don’t try to meal prep all your meals at once.  Focus on just improving breakfast first, then you can add in lunch-things that are easy to control.  



I would go even further and suggest staggering your goals to build success.  For the first two weeks, just focus on your working out three times a week, then focus on improving your breakfast choices.  After two weeks of success, add in lunch, and maybe a fourth workout per week, or a 20-minute walk.

Find the balance

I’ve never been a fan of the all-or-nothing approach. Those diets and exercise programs look great on paper, but they rarely hold up once life gets busy. Balance is what creates long term success. I would much rather see you working out twice a week for six weeks than six times a week but burning out after two weeks.  Balance is not lowering the bar, it’s just creating success.

Balance is also what makes this sustainable. Having a meal you really enjoy once in a while is not the thing that is going to derail your program or your progress, it’s what makes it realistic. When you allow room for food or drinks you enjoy, you’re more likely to stay consistent with the habits that actually matter.  I find that when you eliminate things you love, you tend to fall off the wagon.  If you plan accordingly you won’t be craving your “Cheat Meal” because you’ve been able to enjoy things all week.  It also keeps things you love from being a “cheat” and instead makes them a part of your life.

The same is true with Dry January. It can be a great reset, but if you’re just counting down the days until Free-for-all February, it probably isn’t going to have the intended effect. Be intentional. Enjoy the beer with friends or the drink on date night. Those moments won’t derail your progress; they might be the reason you keep going.  A couple beers with friends likely won’t be the thing that derails your progress physically, but it might just be the thing that mentally and socially keeps you going.

Start where you are and set yourself up with goals that will help you be successful.

For more information on enjoying your favorite foods and craft beers while still working on your fitness, check out www.squatsandhops.com or follow along on social media.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/squats_and_hops

The post How to Start January Without Quitting by February first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post How to Start January Without Quitting by February appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

Here are some lessons I learned along the way……

• The “true work” begins. Without alcohol to numb the edges, you are forced to process your emotions and thoughts in their rawest form. It is challenging, but it is the most powerful and enlightening growth you can experience.
• “Because I wanted to” is a valid reason. People often struggle to understand why I stopped. You don’t need a tragic rock-bottom story to justify choosing a better life. You don’t owe anyone an explanation beyond that.
• Better health isn’t always a number. I didn’t lose a massive amount of weight, but the physical shift is undeniable. I feel better, my body functions better, and I’m much less stressed. If you drink often, alcohol is causing your anxiety whether you want to admit it or not.
• Clarity redirects your energy. Every morning, the focus is there. That mental energy has shifted away from “recovering” and toward what actually matters: maximizing time with the people I love. Speaking of….
• Hangovers are not normal. We need to stop glamorizing the cycle of poisoning ourselves and then suffering for it. Listen to your body when it cries for help.
• Socializing is a skill, not a chemical reaction. If an environment or a conversation is boring without a drink, it was probably just boring to begin with. You can have fun without it if you want to.
• Sobriety is a friendship filter. This year changed my perspective on “friends.” I realized many only valued me as a promoter for their interests. If you haven’t heard from them since you stopped drinking, they weren’t your friends—they were just your drinking buddies.
• If you are already thinking about it, it’s time. If you are even considering a long break or going sober, that thought is your intuition and body speaking. Listen to it.

Now that the year is up, the question I keep getting is, “Will you start drinking again?”

The truth is, this was never about going sober forever or keeping a perfect streak. It’s about the clarity I’ve gained through this one year challenge. Now that the blindfold is off and the path is clear, I finally have the power to choose and my decision now rests on a simple standard: is the drink truly worth the trade-off, and is the moment better served by being 100% present? For the first time, that choice is entirely mine to make.

If you feel stuck in the same old cycle and need a supportive place to turn, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here with an open heart and a helping hand for anyone ready to explore a different path. You can find me anytime at Cheers@houstonbeerguide.com.

The post Lessons from a Year Without Alcohol first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Lessons from a Year Without Alcohol appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

HH Soda Co is associated with Back Pew Brewing Company, a craft brewery in Porter, Texas, that offers non-alcoholic THC-infused sodas, including their own ‘H.H. Soda Co. Root Beer’, alongside their amazing beers, creating a unique spot in their church-themed taproom, “The Sanctuary”. They blend traditional brewery vibes with fun offerings like Harry Potter trivia and welcome families and pets every weekend.

Fair disclosure, I did have it on tap and in crowlers before it was available in four-packs and kept asking when it would finally be in cans! Before I dive too far in, I should let you know that each 12-ounce can (or pour) is dosed at 5 mg, so don’t make the mistake I made and drink two pints on an empty stomach! That was a fun story I can share with you if you ask me when you see me around.

I was asked by several people to cover a THC product as I’m a huge “canna-nerd” as I call it, and I geek out on talking about legally available cannabis products. I won’t dive too deep into the benefits of THC as we don’t have enough time in this article, but I will tell you how much I love these sodas.

I chose the Cherry Cream Spice flavor to write the article on (I’ll touch on the other available flavor later). Out of habit, I went straight in for a smell, and it smells just like a certain soda that had to obtain its doctorate degree to be so tasty. There is definitely some vanilla and cherry that stands out that translates into the taste as well.

Immediately upon the first sip, I would swear I was drinking a normal soda. The carbonation was perfect, which brought out the spice at the end that refreshed my palate and made me want to dive back in mouth first. If I wasn’t aware it had THC in it, I would have thought it was a soda straight out of the corner store fridge!

You may be thinking, “Well, duh, that’s the point, right?!” but let me explain. As someone who has had a ton of THC beverages, you can often tell it is a THC product with either a medicinal taste or an astringent aftertaste. This had no signs whatsoever, and for someone who is very particular about my THC beverage tastes, this is the easiest drinking one I’ve found.

After about 10 minutes of finishing my first, I start to feel the effects of the soda; I relax and I can’t help but smile. At only 5 mg per pour, it’s not going to overwhelm anyone, allowing for you to enjoy multiple and dose at your own level, as everyone is different.

I could see myself enjoying these while doing my favorite thing: putting on some music and just getting lost in the moment.

I teased a second flavor earlier. The second flavor is Rootbeer, and I can tell you as someone who is not particularly fond of rootbeer, this one is amazing. It tastes just like a rootbeer with none of the aftertastes that other THC brands overlook. I could see myself enjoying these at dinner or with a scoop of ice cream for dessert (on my cheat meal days, of course).

This is definitely a product I see being able to reach across so many different types of needs. For example, I actually use THC to help me with my weight loss and recovery from working out, as well as general pain. Not to mention the mental benefits THC provides and the stress relief you will feel, especially with the holidays upon us! If you’re planning on doing Dry January, this is a great solution to help make it so much easier to keep yourself on track with your goals.

The post A New Kind of Buzz: From Hops to Hemp with H.H. Soda Co. first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post A New Kind of Buzz: From Hops to Hemp with H.H. Soda Co. appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

Entry into Frost Fest will feature commemorative Frost Town glassware, access exclusive Frost Town beer releases, as well as unlimited pours of beer, cider and mead from sixteen other local breweries. There will also be fake snow, food trucks, a DJ, and entry into an ugly sweater contest where contestants will have a chance to win a $100 Frost Town gift card.

Frost Fest ends at 5pm, but the fun continues on after the end of the event. Immediately following Frost Fest. local craft beer community legends The Pint Exchange will be hosting their 3rd annual Bottle Share at Frost Town. The bottle share is open to the public and does not require purchase of a Frost Fest ticket to attend. Bring your recent fresh hopped pickups or that barrel aged stout you have been cellaring for a while and enjoy laughs and good cheer with others in the Houston craft beer community.

Tickets for Frost Fest 2025 are available online at frosttownbrew.com or via the Frost Town Instagram page @frosttownbrew. Remaining tickets are limited. Enter the promo code PINTEXCHANGE at checkout for 20% off your Frost Fest tickets.

Guest breweries attending the Frost Fest include:

-Bad Astronaut Brewing Co.
-City Orchard
-DECA Beer Company
-Fass Brewing
-Galveston Bay Brewing
-Great Heights Brewing
-Gristworkz Brewing
-Hound Song Brewing Co.
-Lone Pint Brewery
-Megaton Brewery
-New Magnolia Brewing Co.
-No Label Brewing
-Saint Arnold Brewing Company
-Senate Avenue Brewing Company
-Vallensons Brewing Company
-WildFlyer Mead

The post Frost Fest Returns to Frost Town Brewing first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Frost Fest Returns to Frost Town Brewing appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

Don’t know about the Canto series? It’s a highly-anticipated bourbon barrel-aged series Back Pew has been doing for years. What does the fifth installment entail, you may ask?

Canto V is a Bourbon Barrel-Aged Oatmeal Stout that uses Wolf’s Dream, a Double Imperial Oatmeal Stout, as the base beer. It was aged in Weller barrels! The last time Wolf’s Dream was on tap, it went fast, so you know aging it in bourbon barrels is only going to make it even better. If you have ever read any of my articles, you know how much I geek out on BBA stouts (I have one of the largest collections of them!), so allow me to tell you about this one that really caught my attention.

One thing I love about BBA stouts is the nose and the balance of barrel and beer that is impossible to replicate outside of my favorite style. The nose on Canto V is sweet, like dark chocolate, with a balanced bourbon barrel presence that gives hints of vanilla, cherry, and a touch of spice. This could honestly be a candle, and I would just dive into the scent over and over again. There is just something about the way the chocolate and the spice of the barrel combine to make the aroma a genuine treat.

I know I can’t keep sniffing the beer forever, so let me tell you about the way Back Pew balanced this beer beautifully.

I initially get a roasty ancho-style chili note with some dark chocolate up front that made me light up with a smile. There is a mild, nutty flavor in there (think hazelnut) if you really allow the beer to sit on your tongue and linger, as you should when enjoying a well-made stout. The finish is well-balanced and doesn’t overpower the palate but brings the barrel out, which is where the notes of cherry and spice come from. You can practically taste the barrel char in the back end of the sip—if you’re a bourbon fan, you’ll know how important this is.

The mouthfeel is rich, creamy, and smooth while finishing with a mild bourbon bite that keeps the burn and sweetness in check so you can continue to enjoy the pour. As for the color, it has a beautiful brownish-tan head and a beer so dark no light passes through the glass, allowing the logo on the glass to pop.

Overall, I could see myself enjoying a couple of bottles on a chill night with time to savor. The beer only gets better as it comes up to room temperature. If you’re patient enough to allow it to warm up, you really can see how perfectly balanced Canto V is and truly get the spice notes with the barrel char characters.

Let’s be honest, as I’ve said before, stout season is the best and something beer enthusiasts look forward to every year. Want to get your hands on it?

Canto V is available in the taproom in bottles to go as well as on draft until they run out. So, don’t hesitate to make it out, because I may just drink it all if you don’t hurry!

Can’t make it to Porter? Don’t worry, H-E-B and Specs will have them in stores while supplies last. Every Canto release is always quick to sell out, so you may not want to wait around.

With the coldest months on the way, bourbon barrel-aged stouts are the best way to stay warm. I can’t wait to enjoy this beer around a fire pit and good company. Come raise a glass with me at Back Pew and tell me what you think or what notes you get from this great beer!

The post Stout season is back! Back Pew Releases Canto V first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Stout season is back! Back Pew Releases Canto V appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

Since then, we’ve celebrated the joy of new brewery openings, felt the sting of farewells to old favorites, and, most importantly, forged a vibrant community. Undeniably, a lot of beer drinking was involved! Promoting this scene was easy because it was where my friends were—the connections, the camaraderie, the sheer energy of it all. Our crew grew, and we even nurtured a fun group of occasional guest contributors! All of it driven by that same core value HBG was built on: genuine, selfless support for our local beer community.

But, like all good things, you eventually reach a natural stopping point. Because after all, when you aren’t changing, you aren’t growing.

It’s time for a change.

The Clarity of the Clean Slate

If you remember, my last article was posted back in dry January. It’s been 310 days since my last drink, and that time has offered me a profound shift in perspective. There’s no easier way to explain the “why” than simply saying that life is changing without it. The mental clarity, focused energy, and re-connection with my true self was just the tip of the iceberg. What started as a simple “no-alcohol year” challenge now has 55 days remaining, and it has turned into a jump to an entirely new track in life.

To be honest, a lot of breweries just don’t have what I’m looking for anymore. Between taprooms being completely overrun by children or the service element just not being what it used to be, the experience often falls short. My future visits will be highly selective, focusing on venues that offer much more than just a pint. As a consumer, I need better choices in 0.0 beverages and spots that actively cultivate a chill, and comfortable atmosphere focused on genuine human connections. Any venue that has a stage for performing musicians is always a bonus! Locations that focus strictly on the “good beer sold here” concept simply don’t appeal to me anymore.

One Last Cheers: Pay It Forward with Operation Santa!

Before I completely sail off into my next adventure, I’ve got one very special event left, and I really hope you can be part of it.

We’re joining the Operation Santa initiative with the awesome folks at Sergeant Records —it’s our year-end toy drive to spread some serious cheer to veteran families and others struggling this holiday season. This cause is huge, and we’re proud to be joining forces with Toys For Tots, Combined Arms, and Anchor Point Teen Pregnancy Center to make sure these local families have a brighter Christmas. Let’s channel that community spirit and share some joy with these children of veteran families. Every single dollar helps us reach those families in need. 

How to Donate:

Drop off any new unwrapped toy of any value directly to Saloon Door West during normal business hours. Place it in the marked box in the taproom and have a drink and say hello if you have time.

Don’t have time to shop or prefer a cash donation? Send your cash donations directly to me by Venmo (@houstonbeermaiden) or Paypal (@syl2k). I’ll do the shopping for you. Shoot us a quick email and let us know you are donating so we can tag you in a special thank you post.

To top it off, the toy drive will end with a Christmas concert at Saloon Door West with a group of 10 amazing local artists including the Scotti Fraser Band playing original tunes from Noon to 5pm.

Passing the Torch: The Future of Houston Beer Guide

As any good Deadhead would agree, it has been truly “a long, strange trip.” But the best part of the whole journey? Meeting and making friends with all of you, our local readers, and building this platform together—that has been an absolute joy.

I am officially passing the torch to the brilliant hands of Ronnie and Jackie to lead the Houston Beer Guide going forward. I have complete confidence that they will passionately carry on the core mission we started together. The future is bright! The team is already planning a comprehensive beer guide directory, a new alternative beverage focus, and exciting new articles/events to bring you. Interested in joining the team and contributing to this new chapter? Email the team: Cheers@houstonbeerguide.com.

IG:

@mxc_ronnie

Click to view Ronnie’s contributions.

IG: @jackie_von_panda

Click to view Jackie’s contributions.

Thank you for the fun, the friendship, and for letting me be your guide. 

Cheers! 

Sylvia

@houstonbeermaiden

Follow Sylvia’s adventures on Instagram

The post Houston Beer scene is changing …and I’m part of the problem. first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Houston Beer scene is changing …and I’m part of the problem. appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

Big Owl is turning four, and they’re celebrating in a big way on September 6th from noon until 11 p.m.! It’s hard to believe it’s been four years since their grand opening. In that time, they’ve become a true community hub—a place where you can make new friends, discover amazing new beers, and share tons of laughs.

Since opening its doors, Big Owl has become a beloved fixture in the Houston craft beer scene. They offer a unique mix of traditional craft brews and special beers with Latin-inspired flavors. You’ll find a rotating selection of local and regional beers on tap, Mexican bottled beers for the non-craft crowd, and a wide variety of to-go options. Plus, any drink can be upgraded to a michelada.

What’s Planned for the Celebration?

The party is split into two parts so everyone can join in the fun.

• 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. (Family-Friendly Fun): Bring the whole family for face painting, Sweet Treats by Lily, and tasty paletas (popsicles) to keep the kids happy while you relax.
• 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. (Grown-Up Time): The evening kicks off with a DJ and door prizes given away every hour from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Confirmed sponsors include Galveston Island Brewing, Misfit Outpost, Great Heights, Louie Louie, Frost Town, Equal Parts, and Space City Snax, with more to be announced!

Of course, the celebration wouldn’t be complete without beers from their in-house brewery, Turkey Forrest Brewing, which will have several options on tap.

Don’t drink alcohol? No problem! Alcohol-free and THC options will also be available.

See You There!

I can’t wait to celebrate with good friends and the incredible community of beer lovers that Big Owl has built. Big Owl always goes all out for its events, and this will be no exception. As an early bird rather than a night owl (see what I did there?), I’ll be sure to get there early to support the friends I’ve made over the years. I’ll never forget when Al from Big Owl caught me secretly writing a review for Turkey Forrest Brewing, after I snuck in an article on Big Owl without them knowing who I was. Now, whenever they see me with my beer notebook, they know exactly what’s coming!

Which part of the celebration are you most looking forward to?

The post Celebrating Four Years of Big Owl! first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Celebrating Four Years of Big Owl! appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

Few weeks ago when I saw that Backpew was releasing a Kolsch, I knew I had to rush to the taproom to check it out. A Kolsch is such an easy-drinking beer that I was certain I was in for a pleasant treat. This style is often overlooked in breweries, yet it’s so perfect for the Houston heat. I always make an effort to find new ones to try.

This Kolsch was everything you could ask for in a true-to-style brew. While the nose was mild, the taste packed a punch. It poured a beautiful golden hay color with a pillowy white head that perfectly laced the glass as I sipped. I noticed a hint of lemon up front, followed by a mild yet balanced hop bite reminiscent of an orange. This mouthwatering and refreshing blend of lemon and orange allowed me to savor each sip before going back for another. Backpew’s Kolsch was smooth and crisp, with a sweet finish that perfectly balanced the mild hop bite. If you’re a fan of being able to crush multiple easy-drinking beers, this was definitely the one to try.

While this beer may no longer be on tap (Bobby, please brew more!), you can still go check out Back Pew’s other solid lineup of crushable beers.

Oh, and that 5K I teased? It’s taking place on November 15th, and you can find all the details here:

LINK TO SIGN UP: https://runintexas.redpodium.com/back-pew-brewing-co-5k-beer-run-2025

Join me in running a 5K (3.1 miles) and having some beers afterward! Maybe by then, I’ll be close to losing 175 pounds, and we can make this fun event a huge celebration! Who’s with me?

Back Pew Brewing Co 5K Beer Run

The 5K starts and finishes at Back Pew Brewery, running on shady and beautiful neighborhood streets. Upon finishing, runners will receive four 8oz craft beers, a custom finisher pint glass, and a nice tech shirt with the event logo. Food will be on-site, but it is not included in the entry fee. Strollers are welcome!

Event Details:

• Location: 26452 Sorters McClellan Rd, Porter, TX 77365
• Date & Time: Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 8:00 AM

Packet Pick-up:

• Friday Race Week: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Back Pew Brewing Co.
• Saturday Race Day: 6:30 AM – 7:45 AM at Back Pew Brewing Co.

Pricing:

• 5K Entry:
  • $60 through October 15
  • $65 through November 1
  • $70 after that
  • $75 on race day
• Minor / Non-Alcohol Entry:
  • $45 through October 15
  • $50 through November 1
  • $55 after that
  • $60 on race day
• Discounts: Military, Police, and Fire receive a $5 discount. Email info@runintexas.com for the code, and have your ID handy at packet pick-up. Thanks for your service!

The post Ready to Run for a Beer? Join Me at the Backpew 5K! first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Ready to Run for a Beer? Join Me at the Backpew 5K! appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

Tucked in the Hardy Yards neighborhood just north of Downtown, Gristworkz stands out as a true neighborhood hub, where bold flavors and community vibes come together in an industrial-style taproom. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by vibrant murals, soaring ceilings with exposed beams, and garage-style doors that open to a breezy, dog-friendly patio. It’s casual and welcoming—whether you’re rolling post-ride, flying solo, or catching up with friends.

Behind the bar, co-owner Dave Sorrell, a Certified Cicerone and longtime force in Houston’s cocktail scene, is making sure the beer lineup stays both approachable and thoughtful. Recent releases include Corn Star, a clean and crisp American Lager that clocks in at 5.2% and practically begs to be enjoyed on the patio; Flip Flop Cowboy, a malt-rich Amber Ale with backbone and balance; La Llorona, a 4.7% Mexican-style lager with a subtle bite; and Side Gig, their ever-changing seasonal sour that brings funk and fruit in all the right ways. 

Chef Bobby Mireles runs the revamped kitchen, serving up dishes that go far beyond your standard bar fare. Think rotating monthly pizzas and burgers, crispy Smoked-Then-Fried Wangz with juicy, smoky interiors, and addictive Brussels sprouts tossed in Szechuan sauce. The Chicken Tikka pizza is a standout, and The Champ—a one-time special turned permanent menu item—is a fan favorite for good reason.

Gristworkz also keeps things exciting with weekly specials that hit the sweet spot between value and creativity. Mondays feature the playful “Drink Like a Cornstar” deal—Corn Star Lager, a corndog, and a shot of Mellowcorn for just $10. Tuesdays are all-day happy hour, Wednesdays offer Prime Ribeye Steak Night with half-off wine, and Thursdays are built for casual dates with a pizza and two-house pints for $22. The weekend brunch, running from 11AM to 3PM, strikes the perfect balance between laid-back and lively.

More than just a brewery, Gristworkz is a gathering place for all kinds of people. The full cocktail bar caters to non-beer drinkers, and just outside, the Palo Santo coffee truck brings even more community energy. Run by couple Mikky and Meka, Palo Santo opens early Tuesday through Sunday—offering an eclectic lineup of coffees, house specialties, non-coffee drinks, and even light bites. Open even when the brewery is closed, it’s become a morning staple for locals looking for great coffee and good vibes.

Gristworkz also serves as a clubhouse of sorts for local bike crews and F1 fans, who regularly pack the taproom for spirited race watch parties. It’s a place where good beer, good food, and good people come together—with intention, and with heart.

Gristworkz is located at 1504 Chapman Street, 77079. Find them on social media too – @gristworkz(IG) @palosantohtx(IG) or website – gristworkz.com

All photos by and used with permission of Steve Fraga. 

The post Beyond the Brews: Discover Gristworkz first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Beyond the Brews: Discover Gristworkz appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

Like many Americans, I can’t help but notice the effects of weekly—or daily—alcohol consumption on my body and mind. According to research by The New Consumer/Coefficient, nearly a third of Americans planned to participate in some form of Dry January in 2025, either by cutting down or eliminating alcohol for the month. Among Gen Z and millennial drinkers, that number jumps to 49%. Call me sober-curious, I’ve never been one to just tiptoe into a goal—I go all in. Truth be told, I didn’t actually start the challenge until middle of first week of January after a much-needed winter vacation in Tennessee. I wasn’t about to skip out on the booze there—haha. Sorry, not sorry.

If no one has told you before, this dry January stuff is hard. Really hard. Perhaps if you don’t work in the industry, you might find a way to avoid it completely which could make this easier on yourself.

Consciously, I never had doubts of my decisions to indulge (sometimes too much), and I never felt like I needed alcohol to function, focus or even deal with life’s problems. Between working for a large technology company, running micro side hustles, and raising a daughter, hear me when I say – I stay busy. I never really noticed the toll alcohol was taking on me but now I can see how much more I had to gain by stepping away from it.

Today, I’m already feeling the benefits. My energy levels have skyrocketed, the morning brain fog is gone, and honestly, I’m feeling better than ever—both physically and mentally. If I feel this great after a few weeks, what would happen if I did this for four months? What about nine months? A year?

Are You Sober-Curious?

I want to share a few things I’ve learned along the way and why I’m choosing to continue this journey of soberity. Will I never drink again? More than likely and honestly, I don’t consider “quitting” part of the goal. Maybe this experiment will permanently change my drinking habits but the goal is simply to explore life without alcohol and see what it does me.

Supporting Local Breweries Without Drinking

“This industry needs me, I gotta drink to support.”

You’re not wrong. They do, but you can still support local craft breweries and bars without drinking alcohol. Most respectable spots have crafted hop water, root beer, or soda on hand. Many others have crafted mocktails, N/A beers and found ways to be creative with mineral water. I found myself reaching for hop water 99% of the time or just sticking with filtered water since I’m not big on sugary sodas. Trivia nights, live music, and hanging out with your favorite bartenders are just as enjoyable without alcohol. Spindletap Brewery is working on a N/A hazy – which I am very much looking forward to. In the meantime, I will stick to Hop Quench from Spindletap and Hop Spring sparkling water from Saint Arnold Brewing Company.

If you’re looking for alternatives, hemp-based beverages are an option. THC Delta-9 is currently legal in Texas, and local breweries are experimenting with low-dose offerings. These drinks provide a mild buzz without the nasty hangovers. You can easily enjoy two 5mg can over a couple of hours and feel nice and relaxed. I actually find myself enjoying these more at home than out. Highly recommend dosed El Rancho Grande from Spindletap Brewery, in the form of a spicy michelada.

Socializing Without Alcohol

“I only drink to relax in social environments.”

I’ve discovered that I tend to drink more when I socialize. When the vibe is really vibing, it just feels right to knock back a few too many cold ones. Keep in mind, when you decide to go dry, your social life will be impacted and unless you have a group of like-minded friends doing this challenge with you, some of your drinking buddies will likely judge your choice—secretly or not-so-secretly. I find it disturbing how many people feel “weird” when someone hanging out isn’t drinking—almost like your sobriety threatens their fun. Wild.

Being around alcohol without drinking is a challenge in itself. Choosing to put yourself in those situations is a personal decision. Me? I make myself sit at the bar, staring down my favorite bourbon selections and beer taps. How satisfying to watch the temptations melt away when you leave without a drink.

There’s No “Right” Way to Explore Sobriety

“But I might want to have a drink again…?”

Whether you’re choosing to drink more mindfully or taking a more serious approach, this journey is yours to navigate at your own pace. If you want to take a few weeks off and then enjoy a beer on your birthday—go for it. There are no hard rules for how you take on this challenge.

For all these reasons, I’ve decided to keep going. I’m looking forward to a Dry February—maybe even a Dry 2025 as a whole. Let’s take it month by month.

In the meantime, let me know where you like to enjoy non-alcoholic beverages and which local breweries are embracing the sober community.

Are you on your path to changing your alcoholic consumption patterns? I want to hear your story. Email me at @HoustonBeerGuide.com.

The post Dry January and Beyond first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Dry January and Beyond appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.