It’s the first week of Dry July - I won’t drink to that!

Simply Central is a home and lifestyle series for your Sundays. We take a look at what’s hot, what’s not, and everything lifestyle.

The campaign that challenges Kiwis to give up alcohol for the month of July, for themselves, for a mate or to raise funds for people affected by cancer, is underway for another year. Are you going dry for July?

Going alcohol free for a month is a small sacrifice to help improve the lives of people affected by cancer - but it’s a sacrifice 44,000 Kiwis have been inspired to make since 2012 when the Dry July campaign first arrived here. Since then, Kiwis have raised over $6 million to support cancer patients, their families and carers.

CEO of Dry July NZ Trust Katie Evans says being dry for the month of July doesn’t mean you have to miss out on social events - quite the opposite, in fact.

“Hence our 2021 catch phrase, ‘I won’t drink to that!’

“We want to highlight that people are allowed to not drink, while continuing to give them a way to celebrate and say ‘Cheers!’”

Katie says although Dry July participation is primarily about helping others, the individual health benefits can’t be ignored.

“Increased energy levels, weight loss, a better night’s sleep, more productivity and a clearer head are just a few of the positive results you might see throughout the month.”

Having a team to support and encourage you during Dry July makes all the difference, Katie says.

“So, reach out to your friends, family, colleagues and neighbours and join a Dry July team together, or fly solo with an individual campaign.”

The Central App will be with you every step of the way through Dry July, with information and hints to help you through.

One of my favourite non-alcoholic drinks is a ginger blackcurrant mocktail.

It’s simple: add ice to your glass, pour some blackcurrant fruit syrup over the ice and top up with your favourite ginger ale. Cut a wedge of lime, squeeze the juice over the drink, then put the wedge into the glass as a garnish.

Go extra fancy with a slice of lime on the edge.

Simple and delicious!