SKïP for Sober Months: Why People Are Reaching for Cold-Pressed CBD in January and October

Deciding to take a month away from alcohol is often the easy part.

The part that usually takes a little longer is working out what to drink instead.

For many people, it is not simply about removing alcohol. It is about still having something cold to open on a Friday evening, something to pour into a glass when friends come round or something that still feels like part of the occasion.

That is one of the reasons we created SKïP.

We never set out to make a drink that felt like a compromise. We wanted something people would happily choose because it tastes good, whether or not alcohol was involved.

Our cold-pressed CBD range is lightly sparkling, made with real fruit juices, contains no added sugar and comes in three flavours: Lemon & Basil, Elderflower & Mint and Peach & Ginger.

That matters because sober months are becoming part of more people's routines. According to the latest Alcohol Change UK research, around one in three UK adults planned to take part in Dry January, making it one of the country's best-known health challenges.

Whether you are trying Dry January, Sober October, or simply taking a break from alcohol at another time of year, the drink you reach for still matters.

We simply wanted to create a drink that still felt worth choosing.

Key Takeaways

• SKïP was created to be a drink people genuinely enjoy, whether they are drinking alcohol or not.

• SKïP fits naturally into dinners, evenings at home and social occasions during a sober month.

• SKïP uses cold-pressed CBD rather than CBD isolate.

• Subscriptions and mixed cases offer different ways to order SKïP throughout the month.

• Plenty of people continue drinking SKïP after a sober month simply because they enjoy the flavours.

Is SKïP Good for Dry January or Sober October?

We think it fits naturally into both.

Not because Dry January or Sober October require a particular drink.

• Simply because people often want something they still enjoy opening.

• Some people miss the ritual of pouring a drink into a glass.

• Others simply want something different from water or another fizzy drink when everyone else is having a beer or a glass of wine.

SKïP can sit comfortably in those everyday and social moments.

The only difference is that alcohol is no longer part of it.

Research from Alcohol Change UK has also shown that many people who complete Dry January report feeling more in control of their drinking afterwards.

It is something quite a few customers have told us too. People may first buy SKïP because they are taking a break from alcohol, but quite a few continue buying it because they enjoy drinking it.

Why Do People Choose SKïP During a Sober Month?

Everyone has their own reason for taking a break from alcohol.

For some people, it is about seeing how they feel after a month without drinking.

Others like resetting their routine after Christmas or giving themselves a challenge during October.

Whatever the reason, one thing tends to stay the same.

People still have occasions where they want something a little different from ordinary soft drinks.

• That could be dinner with friends.

• A Friday evening.

• Watching a film.

• Sitting in the garden.

• Meeting family.

• Or simply finishing work.

Those moments do not disappear because someone decides to avoid alcohol for a few weeks.

The drink simply changes. 

That's where many people tell us SKïP fits naturally.

Not because it tries to copy wine or beer. Not because it promises to recreate drinking alcohol.

We wanted SKïP to be something people looked forward to drinking, rather than something they felt they had to choose because they were avoiding alcohol.

That is why flavour came first.

• Lemon & Basil is bright and refreshing.

• Elderflower & Mint is light and floral.

• Peach & Ginger brings gentle sweetness with a little warmth from the ginger.

All three use the same cold-pressed CBD, so choosing between them comes down to taste rather than the CBD itself.

Some people keep a few cans chilled for the weekend.

Others open one with dinner, enjoy one after work, or take them to social occasions, so there’s a viable option that doesn’t feel second best.

There is no single right routine. SKïP simply fits around yours.

When People Often Reach for SKïP During a Sober Month

Should I Bulk-Buy SKïP for a Sober Month?

If you're planning to take part in Dry January, Sober October or your own alcohol-free month, it can be worth thinking about how you normally buy drinks.

Many people do one larger food shop each week rather than popping into a shop every couple of days. Having a few cans already in the fridge means there is usually something ready when you want it.

That is one of the reasons we offer different case sizes and subscriptions.

Some people know exactly which flavour they enjoy most and order a larger case.

Others prefer a mixed case so they can switch between flavours depending on the day.

It comes back to how you already shop and how often you think you'll be reaching for a SKïP.

Choosing the Option That Fits Your Month

The aim isn't to fill the fridge for the sake of it.

It's simply to make sure the drink you want is already there when the moment comes.

Will SKïP Keep Me Motivated Through Dry January?

Everyone’s motivation is different.

Some people enjoy setting themselves a challenge.

Others are simply curious to see how they feel after a month without alcohol.

We would not describe SKïP as something that keeps people motivated.

That is personal. What we do think helps is having an option you actually look forward to.

If none of the alcohol-free options appeal to you, it can be harder to look forward to those social moments.

Having something already chilled that feels like part of the occasion can make the choice feel much more straightforward.

Can I Do My Own Sober Month Any Time of Year?

Absolutely. Dry January and Sober October are well known because lots of people take part together, but an alcohol-free month can begin whenever it suits you.

Some people choose February after a busy start to the year. Others take a break before a holiday, after a run of celebrations or simply when the timing feels right.

The calendar is not the important part. What matters is finding an approach that works for your routine.

There does not need to be a badge or an official challenge attached to it. Sometimes it is simply about trying something different for a while.

What If I Want to Keep Drinking SKïP After a Sober Month?

Quite a few people do. Some first discover SKïP during Dry January or Sober October and then realise they enjoy having it at other times of the year too.

That does not necessarily mean replacing every alcoholic drink.

For many people, SKïP simply becomes another option.

You might still enjoy a glass of wine at the weekend. You might choose SKïP during the week. Or you may simply drink whatever feels right for the occasion.

We have never believed drinks need to sit in strict categories.

Some days call for one thing. Some days call for another.

That kind of flexibility is becoming increasingly common. KAM’s 2025 research found that 76% of UK adults who drink alcohol were actively moderating their intake, showing that drinking differently is no longer limited to January or October.

Dry January and Sober October may be the reason someone first reaches for SKïP, but the drinks were never designed for only one month of the year.

They were made to be enjoyed whenever the flavour, occasion or moment feels right.

FAQs

Is SKïP Cheaper Than Buying Alcohol for the Month?

That depends entirely on what you would usually buy. Someone replacing a nightly bottle of wine will spend differently from someone who only drinks socially at weekends. Rather than comparing products directly, we think it's more useful to decide whether SKïP fits naturally into the occasions where you'd like an alcohol-free drink.

Can I Have One Cheat Drink During a Sober Month?

That's completely your decision. Some people treat Dry January or Sober October as a strict challenge, while others simply use the month to drink less often. The important thing is choosing an approach that feels realistic and works for you.

Is the SKïP Subscription a Good Fit for Sober Months?

It can be if you think you'll be drinking SKïP regularly throughout the month. A subscription means your favourite flavours arrive automatically, while a one-off case or mixed case may suit someone who wants to explore the range before deciding on a favourite.

How Do I Tell Friends I'm Doing Dry January?

Most people find that simply saying, “I’m taking a month off alcohol,” is enough. Having a drink you’re happy with in your hand often means the conversation moves on very quickly and can even open up a new conversation about functional drinks.

Are There Other Sober Challenges SKïP Suits?

Yes. Some people choose a month without alcohol, while others simply build more alcohol-free days into their week. SKÏP fits naturally into either approach because it was designed to be enjoyed whenever the moment feels right.

What's the Best SKïP Flavour for Sober Months?

There isn't a single best choice. If you enjoy something fresh and citrusy, you might naturally reach for Lemon & Basil. If you prefer something lighter, Elderflower & Mint is a popular choice, while Peach & Ginger offers a little more warmth. It really comes down to the flavours you already enjoy drinking.

Can I Drink SKïP at a Wedding During a Sober Month?

Absolutely. Weddings, birthdays and family celebrations are exactly the sort of occasions where people tell us they enjoy having SKïP. Choosing not to drink alcohol shouldn't mean feeling left out. You should still have something you'd be happy to raise a glass with.