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January 08, 2026

If you’re taking a break from alcohol this month, you don’t have to settle for plain seltzer or sugar-loaded drinks that leave you feeling sluggish. The right mocktails can be as satisfying as any drink during Dry January, but without all the downsides.

“These drinks prove you don’t need alcohol to enjoy something special,” says Elizabeth Barclay, RD, a registered dietitian with Hartford HealthCare.

Here are five healthy and creative mocktails that bring a little fun to your Dry January lineup.

1. Lavender orange spritz

This lavender orange spritz feels fancy without being heavy. Blood orange juice adds bright citrus flavor and antioxidants, while a touch of lavender syrup brings a calming note that makes the drink feel indulgent.

“Lavender has compounds that may help promote relaxation, and citrus provides vitamin C for immune support,” Barclay says. “It’s a great option when you want something refreshing that still feels elevated.”

And that pinch of chili powder adds just enough warmth to keep each sip interesting.

> Get the recipe: Lavender Orange Spritz

2. Hibiscus lime kombucha spritz

This spritz layers floral hibiscus, fresh lime and fizzy kombucha for a drink you won’t want to miss.

“Kombucha contains live cultures that help support healthy digestion, while hibiscus offers antioxidants and antibacterial properties,” Barclay notes. “It’s a smart swap for sugary mixers.”

Finished with fresh herbs and a light salt rim, it feels complex without being too heavy.

> Get the recipe: Hibiscus Lime Kombucha Spritz

3. Iced pear and thyme spritz

This cozy spritz pairs juicy pear with citrus and herbal thyme for a drink that’s both soothing and sophisticated.

“Pears provide fiber that supports digestion, and thyme contains phytonutrients along with vitamins A and B6,” Barclay says. “It’s a great example of how simple ingredients can offer both flavor and nutrition.”

The honey thyme syrup adds gentle sweetness without overpowering the drink.

> Get the recipe: Iced Pear and Thyme Spritz

4. Turmeric sunrise

The turmeric sunrise is gorgeous, but it comes with serious health perks. Carrot juice and orange juice provide vitamin A and C, while turmeric brings anti-inflammatory benefits.

“Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties,” says Barclay. “Adding black pepper helps your body absorb those nutrients more effectively.”

Finished with sparkling water, it’s energizing without caffeine or alcohol.

> Get the recipe: Turmeric Sunrise

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TRENTON, N.J. (January 8, 2026) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology (CSIT) today announced that it has awarded approximately $1.3 million in grants to 17 startups through the fourth round of its Clean Tech Research & Development Seed Grant Program. The awards will help young companies accelerate development of their technologies and transform their discoveries from the research stage into commercially viable products and services. Since 2020, CSIT has approved 150 awards totaling $13 million to New Jersey companies working in the clean tech sector.

“Funding New Jersey startups through grant programs like the Clean Tech Research & Development Seed Grant helps build a stronger economy for the future,” said CSIT Executive Director Judith Sheft. “Cultivating companies within our state during their formative years helps them establish roots in New Jersey and position them for future financial growth, sustainability, and economic mobility for years to come.”

The Clean Tech Research & Development Seed Grant Program, which was jointly developed by CSIT and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), provides grants of up to $75,000 for R&D activities to very early-stage, New Jersey-based clean technology companies that will help them advance their development on products and services to a point where they can more readily appeal to outside investors and, in some cases, begin to generate revenue. 13 awardees (72%) have five or fewer employees, and 10 awardees (58%) are certified as either minority- or women-owned.

“New Jersey’s startups are among the very best in the nation and truly place the State at the forefront of innovation,” said CSIT Chair and BioNJ Founding President and CEO Debbie Hart. “The Clean Tech Research & Development Seed Grant Program reinforces the State’s commitment to its small businesses and nurtures advancements across a range of innovation areas aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We have seen early-stage companies leverage CSIT funding 15X in follow-on funding and accelerate their development trajectory.”

“Governor Murphy has invested robust resources to create a strong innovation ecosystem, making New Jersey a top state in the nation to grow and scale a startup,” said NJEDA Acting Chief Executive Officer Mary Maples. “CSIT’s Clean Tech Research & Development Seed Grant program helps entrepreneurs secure funding for vitally important research and new technologies that create new high-paying jobs, grow our economy, and solidify New Jersey’s reputation as a leader in equitable, diverse, and transformative innovation.”

The funding for the Clean Tech Seed Grant Program, which is being provided through the New Jersey Board of Public Utility’s (NJBPU) Clean Energy Program, will advance innovation that will help the state achieve clean energy goals as outlined in New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan. The plan, created in 2019 and updated in 2024, puts New Jersey on a path toward 100 percent clean energy by 2035.

“New Jersey’s legacy as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurial excellence continues to thrive through initiatives like the Clean Tech Seed Grant Program,” said NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy. “Our collaboration with NJEDA and CSIT reflects a strategic, cross-agency commitment to fostering transformative technologies that strengthen our clean energy ecosystem and drive sustainable economic growth across the state.”

The companies awarded funding work in a range of technology areas including fusion, innovative solar technology, microgrids, fuel cells, and advanced materials and recycling.

A list of all awardees can be found below:

• Canyon Magnet Energy Inc. – $75,000 (Newark)
• CarbonDots, LLC – $75,000 (Lawrence Township)
• Cecilia Energy, Inc – $75,000 (Newark)
• Cero NJ LLC – $75,000 (Edgewater)
• Coherent Photonics LLC – $75,000 (Plainsboro Township)
• CURBON LLC – $ $74,480 (Princeton)
• EV Buddy Inc. – $75,000 (Edison)
• Fundamental Carbon Co – $75,000 (Piscataway)
• Metal Light Inc. – $ 74,370 (Newark)
• NanoSepex Inc. – $75,000 (Bridgewater)
• Noble Geofurnace – $75,000 (Keyport)
• Novtech – $75,000 (Bridgewater)
• PFASolve Inc. – $75,000 (Jersey City)
• Queens Carbon, Inc. – $74,999 (Montville)
• SingletO2 Therapeutics LLC – $75,000 (Summit)
• Skyraptor LLC – $74,014 (Moorestown)
• Zaic Design LLC – $75,000 (Princeton)

About CSIT
In August 2018, Governor Murphy signed legislation re-establishing the former New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology as the CSIT. Comprised of representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as academia, the Commission is tasked with leading the way in promoting the state as a home for academic and technological research, development, and commercialization.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about state resources available to New Jersey entrepreneurs and early-stage companies, visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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