However, it can also feel like a huge comedown after a diary filled with sparkling and glittery pre-Christmas social events. At times like this, you might want a little motivation to keep going.
The health benefits, such as a clearer mind, better sleep and a break for your liver, are well documented. But have you ever considered the effect of Dry January on your finances?
We’ve crunched the numbers and worked out the average person could save at least £400 by changing their drinking habits. And if you’re thinking more ‘dry-er’ than a complete desert, you’ll be pleased to know that there are still savings to be had, thanks to HyperJar cashback.
The cost of a night out
Let’s start with the obvious: drinking when you’re out-out in the UK can be pricey.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the average pint of beer costs around £4.57, with prices significantly higher in London. Cocktails and larger glasses of wine can set you back anywhere from £4.00 to £12.00 in many urban bars.
If you’re someone who goes out for drinks once a week and has 3-4 drinks per outing, your monthly spend could easily reach £50.00-£100.00 (or more).
Want a more personalised estimate? We’ve found a Dry January Calculator online. All you have to do is add in what you usually drink each week and it will tell you what you could save if you cut it all out.
Average savings: £75.00
Drinking at Home
Alcohol consumption at home is another significant expense for many.
A decent bottle of wine in the UK averages around £6.00-£8.00, while spirits can range from £15.00 to £30.00 per bottle.
If you’re accustomed to having a glass of wine with dinner most nights, that habit could cost upwards of £60.00 a month. Have a few more glasses on a Friday night or a Sunday afternoon and the cost goes up even more.
Social savings
The savings from Dry January don’t stop at the cost of drinks. A night out often comes with additional expenses: transport, takeaway food on the way home, as well as entry fees to venues. If you’re planning a special night out, you might even buy a new outfit for the occasion.
For example, a Friday night out in a UK city might look like this:
- Taxi or rideshare: £20
- New clothes/accessory: £30
- Late-night food: £10
That’s £60 for one evening - before you’ve even bought a drink! Multiply that by four weekends in January, and you could save around £240 just by staying alcohol-free and adjusting your social plans
How to have a night out for less, with HyperJar
If the thought of staying in feels too bleak and you’re craving a catch up with friends, there are ways to do it on a budget.
With HyperJar, you can enjoy cashback at popular spots like O’Neill’s, Harvester and All Bar One, making every pound you spend work harder.
Simply open the app to buy Cashback Vouchers and the money or future discount will land back in your account instantly.
You can also create shared Jars with friends in advance, each paying in an equal amount to contribute to the cost of your night out. That way, nobody will be left out of pocket after a round. And by setting a budget for your night out, you’re less likely to overindulge or overspend.
How to save money on alcohol-free alternatives
If you’re used to wine or spirits, switching to water will be a shock. But alcohol-free or low-alcohol swaps are still a lot better value than the alcoholic alternatives.
This is how much money you could save:
One pint of Guinness vs One Pint of Zero Guinness in Wetherspoons = £6.00 vs £1.49
Bottle of Gordon’s Pink Gin vs Gordon’s Zero Pink Gin = £20.00 vs £13.50
Bottle of Sipsmith London Dry Gin vs Sipsmith Alcohol Free Freeglider = £30.00 vs £18.00
Bottle of Kylie Minogue Rose Prosecco vs Kylie Minogue Zero Sparkling Rose = £13.00 vs £5.00
4 Cans of Heineken vs 4 Cans of Heineken Zero = £5.50 vs £4.00
As you can see, the non-alcoholic drinks are all significantly cheaper - especially if you’re a gin or Guinness drinker.
Plus, you can increase the savings if you use HyperJar cashback. You could do that in supermarkets like Sainsbury’s, M&S and Asda, online shopping orders at Morrisons.com, as well as in pubs and restaurants. Open your Cashback tab in the app for a full list of retailers and venues.
What are the total savings for the average person in Dry January?
If you add up the money for drinks at home, drinks out and associated costs with a night out, your savings could be as high as £400.00.
However, these can be amplified if you sip soft drinks in a venue like All Bar One or Harvester. And don’t forget the cashback: if you and your friends spend £50.00 at All Bar One, you’ll get £5.25 back to spend there next time, bringing down the cost of your fun even more.
Making savings last beyond January
- Set a budget: Once you’ve calculated your Dry January savings, set a realistic monthly alcohol budget moving forward. This might involve drinking only on weekends or opting for lower-cost options.
- Plan ahead: If social events frequently lead to overspending, decide in advance how much you’re willing to spend and stick to it. It’s easier to stick to a limit by setting money aside in one of the app’s digital jars - because just like cash, when it’s gone, it’s gone!
- Continue experimenting: Try alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks or introduce regular alcohol-free weeks to maintain both financial and health benefits for the rest of the year.
- Give your pounds a purpose: Rather than letting saved money blend into general spending, consider directing it toward a specific goal, such as paying off debt, building an emergency fund, or treating yourself to something meaningful.
Read more about giving your pounds a purpose in the HyperJar Moneyfesto
If you liked reading these, check out these blog posts:
How to spend smartly in 2025
50:30:20 budgeting rule
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