As the new year begins, many people choose to embark on a journey of personal growth and mindfulness. One popular initiative each January is Sober January—a month-long commitment to cutting out alcohol to reset and refresh. For those participating in this movement, this is an excellent time to explore delicious and nutritious alternative drinks.
In British Columbia, winter farmers’ markets are an abundant source of ingredients that can be used to create exciting, alcohol-free beverages. Even in winter, BC’s farmers’ markets offer a wide variety of ingredients—like honey, root vegetables, seasonal herbs, and jam—that are perfect for making invigorating and nourishing drinks to enjoy throughout the month.
In this story, we’ll dive into some of the fresh, seasonal ingredients you can find at your local BC winter farmers’ market and how to use them to craft alcohol-free alternatives to traditional cocktails and festive drinks.
Winter Ingredients to Use for Alternative Drinks
While BC’s winter farmers’ markets may not be brimming with bright summer fruits, they offer an abundance of nutrient-dense and flavourful products that can serve as the foundation for amazing alternative drinks. Here are some of the most common seasonal ingredients you can find and how to use them in your Sober January beverages:
Honey: Sweet, Local, and Nourishing
Honey is a staple in BC and can often be found at winter farmers’ markets, as it’s harvested locally and comes in many varieties. Whether it’s the floral sweetness of wildflower honey, or crowd favourite blueberry honey, this natural sweetener can add complexity and balance to your non-alcoholic drinks. In addition to its sweetness, honey has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which can support your immune system and digestion—ideal for staying healthy during the winter months.
Drink Idea: Honey & Root Veggie Infusion
Ingredients:
Fresh carrots or beets (you can find these in abundance during the winter months)
Local honey
Fresh ginger
Cinnamon stick
Hot water
Instructions:
Juice the carrots or beets, or blend them and strain if you don’t have a juicer.
Stir in a teaspoon of honey, a thumb-sized chunk of freshly grated ginger, and a cinnamon stick.
Add hot water and let it steep for a few minutes.
Remove the cinnamon stick and enjoy this warming, sweet, and earthy drink—perfect for cold winter days.
Root Vegetables: Earthy, Sweet, and Packed with Nutrients
Root vegetables are a true winter bounty in BC, offering natural sweetness and rich flavour. Carrots, beets, and parsnips are all in-season and make excellent bases for hearty, refreshing mocktails. Root vegetables are nutrient-dense and full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to nourish their body while avoiding alcohol.
Drink Idea: Carrot, Apple, and Ginger Cooler
Ingredients:
2 medium carrots
1 apple (available year-round at some BC farmers’ markets)
Fresh ginger (for an added zing)
Local honey
Sparkling water
Instructions:
Juice the carrots and apple, or blend them and strain.
Grate a small piece of fresh ginger and stir it into the juice for a spicy kick.
Sweeten with honey to taste.
Pour the juice into a glass filled with ice, top with sparkling water, and stir.
Garnish with a thin slice of apple or a sprig of mint for an extra burst of flavour.
This carrot-apple-ginger drink is both refreshing and satisfying, with just enough sweetness from the apple and honey to balance the earthy flavours of the carrots and the spiciness of the ginger.
Herbs and Spices: A Touch of Freshness and Warmth
Herbs are incredibly versatile and can be used in mocktails to create layered, aromatic drinks. Fresh rosemary, thyme, mint, and sage are just a few examples of herbs available to you. Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are perfect for adding warmth and complexity to your drinks, making them ideal for the winter months.
Drink Idea: Rosemary-Honey Lemonade
Ingredients:
Fresh rosemary
Local honey
Hot water
A squeeze or two of lemon
A splash of apple cider vinegar (optional for acidity – can be found at some BC Farmers’ Markets)
Instructions:
Boil a cup of water and pour it into a mug.
Add a sprig of fresh rosemary and let it steep for a few minutes.
Stir in honey and lemon to taste, and add a splash of apple cider vinegar if desired.
Enjoy this herbal, soothing drink that combines the sweetness of honey with the herbal depth of rosemary.
This herb-infused drink is both calming and revitalizing, and it’s perfect for a cozy evening by the fire.
Local Jam: A Sweet and Flavourful Addition
One thing in abundance at BC’s winter farmers’ markets is a wide selection of local jams. Made from seasonal fruits, local jams are a great way to introduce a burst of fruitiness and natural sweetness into your mocktails. Using jam is an easy and delightful way to add layers of flavour to your drinks without needing fresh fruit in large quantities.
Jam is especially great for creating vibrant, fruit-infused syrups or drink bases that pair well with the hearty flavours of root vegetables, spices, or herbs.
Drink Idea: Berry Jam Sparkler
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon of local berry jam (such as raspberry, blackberry, or strawberry)
Sparkling water or club soda
A squeeze of fresh lemon (optional)
Fresh mint or basil (optional)
Ice cubes
Instructions:
Stir the jam into a small amount of warm water to dissolve it into a syrup.
Fill a glass with ice and pour the syrup over the ice.
Top with sparkling water or club soda for a refreshing fizz.
Garnish with fresh mint or basil for a fragrant finish.
This drink offers a burst of fruity sweetness from the jam, paired with the refreshing bubbles of sparkling water. It’s simple to make but feels festive and celebratory.
In A Rush? Try Pre-made Non-Alcoholic Options at the Farmers’ Market
If you’re not in the mood to craft your own beverages but still want to enjoy non-alcoholic options, don’t forget about the ready-made drinks available at your local farmers’ market. Many farmers’ markets offer handcrafted, refreshing beverages such as kombucha, herbal teas, and fermented sodas. By purchasing these pre-made options, you can support local producers while still sticking to your Sober January goals. Try a bottle of locally brewed kombucha for a tangy, effervescent drink that’s packed with probiotics to keep your gut healthy!
Embrace the Flavours of Sober January with BC Winter Farmers’ Market Ingredients
Sober January doesn’t have to be dull or flavourless. With the incredible variety of ingredients available at BC’s winter farmers markets—like honey, root vegetables, fresh herbs, and jam —you can craft exciting and satisfying drinks that keep you refreshed and energized throughout the month. By choosing fresh, seasonal produce, you’re also supporting local farmers and contributing to the sustainability of the agricultural community. Here’s to a fresh start, full of flavourful, alcohol-free alternatives that support your well-being and connection to local food. Cheers to a new, sober year!