No one understands the love of a great drink like we do: a crisp beer on draft, a cocktail that perfectly blends your favorite flavors (or kombuchas), or the thrill of taking a shot with a friend. A drink (or two) shared over riveting conversation can fill your cup, literally and figuratively.
But sometimes, it’s okay to take a break. A few weeks without alcohol can do wonders for a reset. Many people start the year with Dry January: a resolution and a dream, or just hoping to recover from holiday indulgences, but there’s a new reset month in town: Sober October.
What is Sober October?
Sober October is a month-long challenge where participants take a break from alcohol to reset both body and mind. It’s an opportunity to focus on wellness, improve sleep, boost energy, gain clarity, and reflect on your relationship with alcohol — all while celebrating life without the buzz.
Originally launched in the United Kingdom to raise money for cancer research, Sober October has grown into a popular wellness challenge, giving people the perfect excuse to step back from alcohol in the fall. Here in Salt Lake City, HK Brewing Co. Taproom & Bar is proud to be a hub for Sober October, offering craft mocktails, kombucha, and more.
Why Try Sober October?
According to Healthline, taking a break from alcohol has many benefits for both your body and mind. While the effects can vary from person to person, research shows several benefits that are nearly universal:
- Better sleep: Alcohol can disrupt rest; taking a break can help improve your sleep quality.
- More energy: Without alcohol’s depressant effects, you may find yourself feeling much more alert and active.
- Mental clarity: Move over brain fog. Pausing drinking can help you reflect on habits and improve your daily abilities to focus.
- Healthier liver: A month off gives your liver and your body the time it needs to rejuvenate and recover .
- Improved mood: Reducing your alcohol intake can help stabilize emotions and even lower stress.
Sober October isn’t about restriction. It’s about experiencing life, habits, and social activities in a new way. Can we let you in on a little secret? The drink is secondary. However, we understand how having something delicious to sip on can help anyone feel more comfortable in social settings. Good thing, in 2025 we are seeing the rise of so many awesome alcoholic beverage alternatives so you don’t have to rely on a sugary soda or a boring tap water.
What options do you have?
Want to participate in Sober October, but don’t want to give up the social aspect? HK Brewing Co Taproom & Bar has you covered!!
Voted Salt Lake City’s best non-alcoholic cocktails, our bartenders mix up creative zero-proof mocktails alongside crisp N/A beers, ciders, and Han’s Kombucha on tap. Whether you’re with friends who are drinking or not, our warm, welcoming space makes it easy to relax, sip something delicious, and stay social — no booze required.
- Try a Mocktail: Bartenders are just as creative when it comes to discovering the alchemy of flavorful drinks that don’t compromise on taste AND are alcohol-free.
- Non-alcoholic beers and ciders: The rise of NA beers and ciders are skyrocketing. Most major beer and cider brands make their own 0% version too!
- Kombucha: Delicious and refreshing, endless opportunities with flavor, low sugar and caffeine with the added bonus of probiotics! Good thing we know a gal! (Looking at you Han’s!)
Taking a month off from drinking can feel daunting, but it doesn’t mean sacrificing fun. Whether you’re aiming for a full month or just a weekend reset, there are plenty of ways to enjoy yourself and plenty of non-alcoholic options to keep your cup full.
Sober October is about celebrating your choices, discovering new favorites, and enjoying the company of friends, all while giving your body and mind a much-needed reset.
