Millie Mackintosh shares her ‘alcohol-free essentials’ for getting through Dry January

Former Made in Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh shared all of her go-to essentials you need to get through Dry January from alcohol-free drinks to helpful books

If you’ve decided to kick off your new year with a bit of a detox and are giving Dry January a try, firstly, kudos, secondly, you’re in good company, with plenty of people opting to ditch the booze for the new year. However, if you’re half way through and finding it a struggle to stay motivated, former Made in Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh has got some great items that’ll help you make it through the final stretch.

Millie has spoken openly about her sobriety over the last few years, and put together her “alcohol-free essentials” that helped her with going teetotal. She shared the list on her Like to Know page, and includes everything from useful books to delicious alcohol-free drinks.

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Alcohol-free drinks

One of the trickiest parts about giving up alcohol is not knowing what to drink instead. Whether you’re at a loss as to what to drink on a night out, have a party coming up and don’t know what to bring, or are simply used to a glass of wine at night and need something to replace it, Millie’s list included several great options.

If wine is your drink of choice, she recommends Wild Idol’s alcohol-free Brut giftbox, £30 at Selfridges. However this has proven so popular it’s currently sold out, but we’re also a big fan of Sea Change’s 0% Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine, which is currently £11.50 on Amazon.

If you love a cocktail, the Pentire Margarita Alcohol Free Ready To Drink Margarita, £18.83, is a great stand in. It’s completely natural and made native Cornish plants, with one shopper saying: “Tastes really fresh and zesty, perfect shaken over ice or with a bit of chilli added (like the Pentire Picantes sold at Soho House). Would definitely recommend!”

Other items on her alcohol-free drinks list were the Three Spirit Non-Alcoholic Alternative Spirits Starter Gift Set, £44.99, which acts as a great alternative to spirits, and Trip CBD Drinks, which are currently reduced from £18 to £13.50 for a 12 pack and help to lower anxiety and stress.

Books to help with giving up alcohol

Whether you’re only doing Dry January or are looking to give up alcohol more long term, finding some reading material can help remind you why you’re making the changes, or just to give you a little encouragement along the way.

Among the books Millie recommends is Love Life Sober: A 40-Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind, which you can pick up for £15.99 at Waterstones. The book has been written to help you reframe having fun and enjoying your life without needing alcohol.

Also on her list was The Little Book of Mocktails, £6.43, which is full of delicious drinks that you can make without booze. There’s all your favourite cocktails and mixed drinks included, as well as what to use as a replacement for each ingredient.

Finally, Millie couldn’t resist sneaking in the pre-order for her own book on sobriety, Bad Drunk, which launches on January 16. The book was written with NHS GP Dr Ellie Cannon and combines stories, practical advice and ideas that’ll help you get through Dry Jan – or a total lifestyle overhaul.