Let Gigli Elevate Your Dry January

With a new year brings a fresh Dry January, the tradition that challenges drinkers to put the pint down for the first month of the year to exercise a bit of discipline – or start with a clean slate. What began as a personal challenge for Emily Robinson, a U.K. resident in 2011, has snowballed into a global phenomenon. 

“Robinson wondered what would happen if she had a whole month not drinking and how it could benefit her running,” says Richard Piper, CEO of Alcohol Change UK, about his deputy CEO to NPR. “Spoiler alert: It really improved her running performance, but she gained other benefits as well.” The organization trademarked the challenge in 2013 and the rest is history. Still, if you’re a Dry January enthusiast, don’t let the lack of alcohol translate to any less fun. In fact, what if your Dry January could be elevated to a whole new level? Even a recent article in the Washington Post spells out the key for a fun-filled Dry January: “find your favorite non-alcoholic alternatives.”

Gigli, a new brand of THC-infused cocktails and goodies, is the perfect alternative, offering oh-so delicious drinks that will send you into fits of laughter and bursts of joy. These feel-good cocktails are made with the perfect mix of real ingredients and low sugar that come in flavors you can’t resist like cherry limeade and strawberry cosmo. And with a brand ethos that emphasizes healthy minds and bodies, Gigli pairs well with Saturday nights out with friends, cozy Sundays in with takeout, and all the first-of-the-year moments in between. 

“We wanted the drinks to be good for you: all natural, real juices, low carbs,” says Gigli brand founder Kam Talebi. “We really listened to the market and heard what people were saying. The customer feedback [has been] great so we are going to keep going.” Say goodbye to pesky hangovers. And so long to New Years resolutions because you’ve got a Dry January that's just been elevated to platinum status. 

Don’t believe me about Gigli being the optimal alternative to alcohol? “We just passed selling north of 5 million cans,” said Talebi in a recent interview about the brand’s meteoric success. “We’re in grocery and liquor stores, Total Wine, and even Circle K – all across 15 states. But 20% of our sales are through our website – we can mail it directly to you almost anywhere in the United States.” The brand even won the ‘Best Non-Alcoholic Beverage of the Year’ award at last year’s International Non-Alcoholic Competition. 

And perhaps the best part of making Gigli a huge part of your Dry January – and far beyond the first 31 days of the year – is that the benefits of swapping alcoholic drinks for Giglis come in the mirror. Skin experts and dermatologists argue the reprieve you give your skin while abstaining from alcohol during challenges like Dry January can be dramatic. “Alcohol’s significant effects on hydration, inflammation, sleep quality, and the skin barrier…collectively dictate our skin’s appearance as we age,” writes Lara Owen for a recent article in The Independent. 

“When people stop drinking, hydration levels improve, and the skin barrier is better able to retain moisture,” says consultant dermatologist Dr. Conal Perrett for the article. “A stronger barrier reduces sensitivity, flakiness and irritation, which in turn leads to smooth texture and healthier-looking complexion.” 

But don’t let the end of Dry January mean alcohol comes to destroy all the work you’ve done to really let your beautiful mug shine. Gigli fans are known to keep the cocktails flowing long after the trend ends, a delightful treat that keeps the hangovers at bay and the sun-kissed skin showing all year long. In fact, holding on to the trend after January is when you really get to see the benefits across your whole complexion. 

“A month after giving up alcohol is really when you notice the difference,” explains skin care specialist Gina Baker. “Eyes become less puffy and dark. The cheekbone and the jawline become more defined due to the lack of puffiness. The face becomes dewy and glowing.” 

Even sleep plays a huge role in how you look and feel. “Quality sleep is vital for skin health,” says Baker. “If you take the alcohol away, regeneration and renewal are increased. Over time this improves how the skin ages.” Skin and sleep – essential to a person’s overall health – are often overlooked when witnessing the improvements seen in giving up alcohol for challenges like Dry January. But pair your Dry January challenge with an alcohol-alternative like Gigli and watch your wellbeing elevate to a whole new level this year.

If you’re headlong into a Dry January – or sober curious looking for healthy alternatives – crack open a chilled Gigli with your friends. The fizzy and flirtatious cocktails are all natural and taste great. Your glowing skin will love you and your soothing sleep will thank you. The fun times and healthy benefits don’t have to end with January – consider the alternative and make Gigli the one you reach for all year long.