Xe54 Wine & Cocktail Lounge in Fox Crossing has a special 'Dry January' mocktail. Jan. 2, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online
FOX VALLEY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Fewer young Americans are drinking alcohol these days, and many who do are kicking off 2026 with “Dry January” — a month of alcohol abstinence — even in one of the drunkest cities in America.
“I have done Dry January myself,” said Eric Riggers, who was drinking a non-alcoholic beer at McFleshman’s Bar in Appleton Friday afternoon. “I think it’s great that people do that as part of a broader community.”
Riggers is fully sober now, but he’ll head to the bar sometimes and opt for a non-alcoholic drink.
“It’s just nice when places are not only accepting, but have some options on the menu for you,” said Riggers.
McFleshman’s is one of the many Appleton bars with non-alcoholic and mocktail options.
“NA sales do go up a little bit in January,” said McFleshman’s office manager Danielle Kramer. “Regular alcohol sales across the state have a tendency to drop in January these days, the last couple of years. It’s really been a bigger push as people become a lot more health conscious and are trying to do better things to their bodies, which do better things to their minds.”
In Fox Crossing, Xe54 even has a specific “Dry January” mocktail.
“There are a lot of people that choose to not drink, but still want to go out and be social,” said bartender Caelyn Schulz. “So, we try to embrace that, and that’s why we’re featuring one this month.”
Alcohol abstinence has well-documented health benefits as well.
“A lot of people in general, if they just get rid of alcohol for 30 days, would notice significantly improved sleep, which we know would help them have more energy,” said Green Bay-area registered dietitian Lindsay Fencl. “They would also generally have more focus and motivation throughout the day.”
The Free Market, an organic food store in Appleton, has a good selection of NA options.
“I do know year-round, it’s really a growing category for us,” said co-owner Kevin Hamm. “This way, you can enjoy something that’s refreshing, tastes like beer, but has no alcohol to it.”
Added Riggers, “I think it’s just fantastic. Have a non-alcoholic option when they’re out just like us, having fun in the afternoon. And we really don’t need alcohol.”
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