It’s that time of year again for all of us to say “I’m doing dry January” and then break by January 11. But this year will be different. (Right?) Because we’ve got some tips for making it through the month.

Try a mocktail (or several)
Cutting out alcohol for a month is one thing, cutting out drinking something with your meal for a month is another. But these days it’s easy to replace those sweet or savory flavors thanks to mocktails and non-alcoholic beers, wines and spirits.

If you’re dining out, check the restaurant menu for a mocktail section, they probably have a few options. And if you’re at home, stock your fridge with some ginger beer and your favorite juices to always have a quick mocktail on hand. If you want to feel extra fancy, keep garnishes like cinnamon sticks, mint or fresh cranberries around to finish off your glass.

Phone a friend
Everything’s easier with a buddy, right? Including not doing something. Find a friend who will help you stay accountable – and who you can help stay accountable – to make the month go by a little faster. Plus, you can even turn it into a fun experience by trading mocktail recipes or meeting up for a tea and having hangout or movie night with mocktails.

Don’t be too hard on yourself
Everybody makes mistakes (shout out Hannah Montana). But slipping up this month doesn’t have to be a disaster. Maybe you have a special celebration and want to have a glass of champagne. Maybe you realize that drinking after midnight on New Year’s Eve technically cuts into your dry January. It’s ok.

Make dry January your own instead of beating yourself up when you have that one drink. It’s not the end of the world. You just have to get back into focus, and you’ll be right back on track and on your way to a mostly-sober month.