Get Your Bubbly Fix During Dry January With These Kombuchas

Sara Cagle

Dec 27, 2018

Welcome to our food series called Eat It Up, where we share the kitchen gadgets and foods that we can’t cook without.

If you’re feeling hungover from sugary party punch, thickly frosted Christmas cookies, and basically the entire month of December, here’s a fabulous reset idea: dry January. While 31 days without alcohol sounds radical, it’s an effective way to stay hydrated, sleep better, and master the art of the mocktail in the first month of the new year. We suggest coping with kombucha, a happy-hour-worthy beverage you can proudly drink before 5pm. The gut-healthy fermented tea in a wide variety of flavors has boomed in popularity over the last few years. So how do you decide which kombucha is right for you?

As with most health foods, it’s best to read the label first. “In the grocery store, make sure you look for a low sugar per serving amount and always read the ingredient list,” suggests Brew Dr. founder and CEO Matt Thomas. “If you see any additives, natural flavors, or the like, you’re likely buying a product that cuts corners in order to make claims.” He explains that sugar is a necessary part of the kombucha fermentation process, but some flavored brews have added fruit juice, which equals added sugar. And if you’re looking for a kombucha that’s as raw and pure as possible, keep an eye out for those that add lab-grown probiotics. Read on for four of our favorite widely available kombucha brands, so you can find the best fit for your nutrition goals and flavor preferences.

dependably delicious

GT’s Living Foods ($4 per bottle) is the OG of store-bought kombucha, and their 30 flavors of booch are top sellers for a reason. Whether you’re new to kombucha or are a diehard consumer of fermented tea, GT is a dependable brand for fizzy, well balanced, and robustly flavored brews. Our favorites: Trilogy (a blend of lemon, raspberry, and ginger that is strong on its own or in a kombucha mocktail), Strawberry Serenity (a sweeter brew flavored with strawberry purée), and Gingerade (a just-spicy-enough elixir that will knock you right out of a mid-afternoon funk).

smooth & unique

If you prefer your fizziness on the softer side, Brew Dr. ($3 per bottle) makes the booch for you. The brand’s dozen interesting flavors are bubbly, but not overly so. They also have positive, peaceful names (like “Uplift” and “Happiness”) and are usually flavored with herbs, roots, and spices instead of juice, so they’re subtle in sweetness and low in sugar. Try their green tea-based classic, Clear Mind, for a floral flavor from rosemary, mint, and dandelion root, or grab Spiced Apple for a cozy treat that tastes like apple pie filling. Keep an eye on their website for ever-changing seasonal flavors.

major flavor

With flavors like cayenne cleanse and beet-lime, Health-Ade ($4 per bottle) uses ingredients that pack a serious punch (Stay away from ginger-lemon unless you’re ready for some fire!). The creative, small-batch blends are made with cold-pressed organic juice, and no flavor exceeds seven grams of sugar per serving. If you are abstaining from alcohol this month, you’ll find no shortage of Health-Ade options to quell your temptations. California Grape is our favorite substitute for a light and summery white-wine sangria, while Jalapeño-Kiwi-Cucumber has a mighty convincing spicy margarita vibe.

sweet and juicy

Sweet and fruity, Humm ($3 per bottle) is for the juice lover who’s still coming around to kombucha’s vinegary taste. Most Humm flavors incorporate organic fruit juice, so each sip has a sweeter, less fermented taste than the average kombucha (but this also means more sugar). Try Lemon Ginger for a brew that tastes like lemonade with a smidge of fizzy ginger, or grab Blueberry Mint for the closest thing to a blueberry muffin in kombucha form. We’re also really into the Grapefruit Hops and Raspberry Hops for a very convincing beer substitute that’s like a cross between Hefeweizen and IPA.

For more healthy grocery tips, follow Brit + Co on Pinterest.

(Photos via Brew Dr., GT’s Living Foods, Health-Ade, and Humm)

The 8 Best Trader Joe's Wines Under $8, According To Shoppers

When it comes to inexpensive wine, Trader Joe’s selection truly reigns supreme. If you’re in the market for a good, soothingsip, but don’t know what to try first, I consulted three separate Reddit threadspacked with the best Trader Joe’sshopper recommendations.

Fromfavorite winesto more budget-friendly options, TJ’s bottles easily measure up to gourmet wines – all without the big price tag.

Scroll on for the 8 best Trader Joe's wines (all under $8!) recommended by wine-loving shoppers.

Trader Joe's

Maison Barboulot Cabernet Syrah

This red blend has the heart of one Redditor that noted it "drinks WAY more expensive than its $6.99 price tag. It’s a forever favorite for me. When I serve it at a dinner party, people always ask what it is.”

TJ's says each sip of this red wine is "smooth and fruity" and contains "approachable" notes of cherry and vanilla.

Trader Joe's

Charles Shaw Cabernet Sauvignon

Oftentimes, $5 bottles of wine tend to disappoint. Not this one from Charles Shaw, though! It was mentioned as a favorite several times on the Trader Joe's Reddit for its impressively full flavors. With notes of blackberry and vanilla, it pairs really well with grilled steak, lamb, or even rich, cheesy pasta dishes.

Trader Joe's

Moon X Pinot Noir

This $7 was another frequently-mentioned pick. One Redditor noted that “it is easy drinking, a crowd pleaser, but not boring, and a great value." Per Trader Joe's, it carries a "bold plummy profile," plus notes of vanilla, oak, dark fruit, and warm spice.

Trader Joe's

Picton Bay Sauvignon Blanc

Hailing from a family-owned-and-operated winery, you'll instantly detect the love and care goes into making this $8 bottle upon first sip. Trader Joe's compares its punchy and crisp finish to that of a Granny Smith apple; one Reddit user agreed and said it's simply "very nice."

Trader Joe's

La Ferme Julien Rosé

For a “nice summer sipper,” you've gotta consult this fresh $7 rosé that also boasts an adorable illustration of a goat on the label. So cute!

Trader Joe's

Honey Moon Viognier

One Reddit user said that they enjoy this $6 wine because it's "medium-sweet and very flavorful.”

The "crisp, floral, phenomenally fruity" varietal white has plenty of fruity notes, which TJ's says pairs naturally with cheeses like brie, Manchego, and blue cheese.

Trader Joe's

Espiral Vinho Verde

The Vinho Verde region of northern Portugal is known for its sweet, fruity wines like this $5 option. It contains some delightful notes of green apple and melon, so it would make a great summer sipper.

One Redditor said that the “price point is unbelievable for how good it is IMO.” Now we've gotta try!

Trader Joe's

Charles Shaw Pinot Grigio

This $4 number is another cheap Trader Joe's wine you wouldn't expect to be so good. It's got notes of lemon zest, white peach, and. almond, all balanced by a "lively acidity" that levels out each sip.

One Redditor shared a tasty hack for this wine in particular: "Since its on the lighter side, I always had a few raspberries that I eat at the end of the glass or slices of jalapeño if I'm feeling spicy.”

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Millie Bobby Brown Just Revealed Her Most "Emotional" Moment From 'Stranger Things 5'

We're finally getting Stranger Things 5 this year, which will serve as the final installment of the hit Netflix show, and I'm feeling pretty emotional about it. Although, not as emotional as Millie Bobby Brown, who started filming the series at 11 years old and wrapped her final scene at 20. And, as the actress shared with Vanity Fair, she cried on set — which she never does.

Here's what Millie Bobby Brown said about filming the final season of Stranger Things — and how husband Jake Bongiovi helped her through it.

Millie Bobby Brown couldn't help but get emotional when she wrapped 'Stranger Things 5'

Millie Bobby Brown's Eleven is, without a doubt, one of Stranger Things' anchors. And it sounds like Millie is one of the cast's too.

As the show came to close, "it wasn’t hitting me this entire time—until yesterday,” Millie shares (Stranger Things wrapped in December of 2024). “I was on set, and I was like, ‘Well, I have one more day left.’ And I started crying. I don’t actually like to cry at work. I’m a really emotional person, but I try to stay super strong. It made me feel so uncomfortable."

But even though she didn't necessarily want to cry on set, husband Jake Bongiovi helped her. "Jake was like, ‘It’s good, you have to get it out!’ and I just started welling up.”

But she had just as many silly moments too!

But while there were some tears, there was plenty of joy to be had while filming! After Wicked came out in November 2024, self-proclaimed "big musical girl" couldn't help but try out the musical's biggest moment for herself (she was in a harness after all).

“She asked us to play 'Defying Gravity’ while she was hovering midair in a harness so she could pretend to fly like Elphaba,” co-creator Matt Duffer says. “Not just because she loves the song, but because she knows it drives us a little crazy.”

But, to no one's surprise, Millie's a certified pro, and "as soon as the camera rolls—barely a second before—that silliness vanishes and she just…transforms into Eleven.”

Can't wait to return to Hawkins? Check out why This Stranger Things 5 Spoiler Might Confirm Steve Harrington's Fate.

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When Does Easter Candy Come Out?

The countdown to Easter has (somehow) already begun, and aside from cute pastel-colored outfits, lavish Easter dinners (or brunches!), and adorable bunny decorations, my personal favorite part about the holiday is indeed all the Easter candy.

Though grocery store aisles are currently packed with Valentine’s Day treats, it won’t be long before everyone’s gearing up for Easter. Since you obviously want to stuff your friend’s and family’sEaster baskets with the best candies around, we’ve got the scoop on when Easter candy will hit shelves this year!

When does Easter candy come out? Read on for the answer, plus some of my favorite sweets you need to try this year.

When does Easter candy come out?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

Good news for Easter candy fans: you can find a good selection on shelves right now. That’s right – popular Easter candy brands like Peeps and Cadbury notoriously release their seasonal goodies as early as January!

Things really ramp up after Valentine’s Day is all said and done, so you’ll start to see a wider selection post-February 14.

What are the most popular Easter candies?

Amazon

Per a study conducted by DoorDash last year, the “most popular” Easter candies include Reese’s Eggs, Cadbury Creme Eggs, Starburst Jelly Beans, Hershey’s Kisses, Lindt Milk Chocolate Bunnies, and Peeps, among others.

Where can I buy Easter candy?

Polina Zimmerman / PEXELS

You can buy Easter candy at most big grocery stores like Target, Costco, Sam's Club, Walmart, and Kroger, plus drug stores like CVS and Walgreens. Trader Joe's and Dollar General also sell some yummy Easter treats every year!

What is the #1selling candy at Easter?

Amazon

Per the same DoorDash study, Reese’s Eggs are the #1 selling candy at Easter – and I must agree! Aside from Cadbury Mini Eggs (the ones coated with a delicious candy shell) and Lindt bunnies (can you tell I'm a chocolate fiend?), Reese’s Eggs are my go-to Easter treat.

When does Easter candy go on sale?

Pavel Danilyuk / PEXELS

The day after Easter is typically when Easter candy goes on sale and you can buy it for a discounted price. This year, Easter falls on April 20, so you can expect Easter candy at your local grocery store to drop in price on April 21!

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Millie Bobby Brown Pulled Off The Most Epic Wedding Surprise With Hubby Jake Bongiovi

Remember when Stranger Things fans lost their marbles when Millie Bobby Brown announced she was engaged to Jake Bongiovi? It's us, we're fans because we grew to love the actress who stole our hearts as Eleven in a semi-dystopian series, and couldn't wait to hear all about her budding relationship. We took time to process the news and quickly warmed up to her nuptials because we realized Millie isn't a teenager with telekinetic powers. She's a real person who deserves to live life on her terms, including having a beautiful relationship (and wedding!).

For the first time ever, Millie's opened up about her special day and we're living for the special nugget she gushed about in her Vanity Fair cover feature.

Here's are all the sweet details Millie Bobby Brown shared about her wedding day!

Cindy Ord/Getty Images

According to The Sun, Millie and Jake said "I do" in a private ceremony last May before having a more publicized wedding in Italy (via Marie Claire). While their closest family and friends were in attendance, our jaws hit the floor when we learned Matthew Modine — "Papa" from Stranger Things officiated their gorgeous wedding.

The couple weren't shy about sharing a BTS look at their love-filled day, but we're living for the one thing she and Jake did.

Theo Wargo/Getty Images

In her Vanity Fair interview, Millie revealed she and Jake tapped into their inner musicians by singing and dancing to Grease songs! "It's a five-six-minute dance routine that we choreographed ourselves," she said. The songs in question were "Summer Nights," "You're the One That I Want," and "We Go Together," which is fitting for the love they have. But here's where it gets interesting: the couple changed 7 times! "I was in my Sandy jumpsuit, and he was in this cool T-shirt, pants, and really shiny shoes."

Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Matthew Modine even shared his thoughts about Millie and Jake's entertaining wedding day. He said, "It was absolutely sublime" before admitting he was "emotional...during the vows." His reasoning has everything to do with watching Millie blossom into the "beautiful and thoughtful adult" she is today.

"I was with her when she first met young Jake. And now she's beginning a whole new life with such a kind man."

Joe Maher/Getty Images

For Millie and Jake, being "united" has been pivotal for their union. "We talked about our political views, what kind of family we want to build, the kind of home we want to live in, the kind of relationship we're looking for, the kind of careers we want," the actress said. That's why she she and Jake didn't take their decision about marriage lightly. "...we wanted to make sure we were making the right one." She even shared Jake's "the first man" she's "been in love with."

Excuse us while we swoon over their wedding details — and sweet love for each other!

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29 Pink Cocktails For Valentine's That'll Make Your Date Swoon

You've DIY'd their gift, picked out the perfect date night outfit, and now it's time to settle on a romantic, mouth-watering drink menu for Valentine's Day. We're here to report that pink cocktails are the perfect solution for Valentine's Day.

You don't have to be a master chef or cocktailextraordinaire to make these delicious pink cocktails. No matter what you indulge in, these pink drinks lend a festive air to your evening at home and taste pretty darn good, too! Keep reading to pick out your favorite pink cocktails for the holiday!

What is a good romantic drink?

While we'd consider anything shared with your partner to be a romantic drink, red wine is a great option since it's considered to be an aphrodisiac drink. If you're not into wine, pink cocktails will do!

What alcohol should I get for Valentine's Day?

If you're planning on making one of these pink cocktails, grab some fruit juice from the store or buy some fresh fruit as a mixer. Grapefruit juice, passion fruit juice, or blood orange juice are all great options. Here's the booze you can stock up on:

Gin
Vodka
Wine
Tequila
Mezcal
Champagne or sparkling wine

What is the most romantic cocktail?

Any cocktail with champagne in it is a great, romantic choice for a Valentine's Day drink.

What are the 5 most popular cocktails?

You can never go wrong with classic cocktails like Old Fashioneds, margaritas, martinis, Bloody Marys, and Palomas. Check out our Cocktails 101 guide for more sippable inspiration!

Delicious Pink Cocktails To Make This Valentine's Day

Citrus Mezcal Cocktail

Mezcal is a sister liquor to tequila, with a slightly smokier and more complex palette. There's nothing to not love about these refreshing and delicious Valentine's cocktails made with mezcal, grapefruit soda, rose, lime juice, and thyme! (via Brit + Co)

Strawberry Jalapeño Margaritas

It's getting hot in here! Spice things up this V-Day with these delish pink margs that also pack the heat. (via Brit + Co)

Strawberry Rhubarb Bellinis

For an elegant option, make sure that both of your primary ingredients are pink. This pink cocktail is sweet, bubbly, and exactly what we need this Valentine's. (via Brit + Co)

Rachel Green-Inspired Rose Gulab

To create this pretty pink drink, shake 1.5 oz Ketel One vodka, 0.75 oz pomegranate syrup, and 0.75 oz lemon juice, then strain into a glass. Top it with rose petals and some lemon zest to make it an extra fun drink. Once summer rolls around, swap the ice for ice cream for a sweet treat! (via Brit + Co/ Byblos Miami)

Honey Strawberry Basil Margarita

You don't have to wait for warm weather to whip this margarita up, and V-Day is the perfect excuse. With honey, basil, and strawberries, this is one pink cocktail that will surely dance across your tastebuds. (via Brit + Co)

Watermelon Jelly Margarita

This watermelon and lime tequila cocktail is the perfect combination of boozy fun and simple sweetness. It's an enticing hot pink shade for the holiday! (via Brit + Co)

Rose Gin + Tonic

This pink drink earns its colorful qualities from a splash of Glendalough Rose Gin. To make it, add 2 oz of the gin to a wine glass with ice. Finish the cocktail off with tonic water, a lime slice, and a sprig of mint for one of the best (and easiest) Valentine's cocktails out there! (via Glendalough Distillery)

Rosa Raspberry Chocatini

Any drink that has anything to do with chocolate is a hit in our books. To make this dessert-y drink, mix equal parts chilled Rosa Regale red wine and Stoli Chocolat Razberi vodka in a wine glass. Garnish with raspberries and shaved dark chocolate! (via Rosa Regale)

I've Got A Slush on You

This satisfyingly slushy pink cocktail is perfect for sharing over a V-Day pregame. Blend 2 oz Cutwater Hibiscus Vodka, 1oz Aperol, 2 oz strawberry syrup, 1 oz lemon juice, and a few drops of rosewater with ice and pour it up! (via Cutwater)

Blushing Kiss Martini

The hint of elderflower liqueur in this gin martini adds a floral element that can’t be beaten. Rim the glass with a slice of grapefruit and stir with a thyme stem for a subtle herbiness. (via Bakers Royale)

The Love Potion Cocktail

Sweeten up this pink Champagne cocktail with a blackberry simple syrup that adds a ton of flavor and turns it all a light shade of pink. (via Lark & Linen)

French Blonde

The French Blonde just so happens to be one of Taylor Swift's favorite cocktails, and even if you're not celebrating February 14 with a partner, this sip is one of the best Valentine's cocktails to enjoy with your gals for Galentine's!

To make it, shake 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur, 1 oz dry gin, 2 oz Lillet Blanc, 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice, and a few dashes of lemon bitters over ice and strain. Sip away! (via Lillet)

Haru’s Cherry Blossom Cocktail

Think outside the bar cart and combine some sake and cherry-flavored vodka in a shaker with peach puree and cranberry juice. It's like your new vodka cranberry! (viaPolka Dot Wedding)

Grapefruit Elderflower Spanish Gin + Tonics

Curl up on the couch with your love and this subtly pink drink, and you're in for some major cuddles. There's no shaker required, so refills are a cinch. (via Craft & Cocktails)

Cham-Bramble

This pink cocktail blends botanicals and the bright kick of lemon for a sweet V-Day sip. To make it, mix 1 oz gin, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 1 oz Chambord over ice, garnishing the drink with a lemon wedge. If you wanna get fancy, top this cocktail (or any of our Valentine's cocktails) off with a heart-shaped lollipop! (via Chambord Liqueur)

La Fleurette Cocktail

Serve this tasty pink cocktail in an elegant coupe class for that romantic old-Hollywood feel. (via Lulus)

Love Potion #9 Martini

This triple-berry martini is easy to make, easy on the eyes and really easy to drink. Give it a sultry feel with a few cubes of dry ice... your cocktail will be smokin’. (viaThe Cookie Rookie)

Mi Amor 24

Tequila, grapefruit soda, and rosé Prosecco form this fun twist on the classic French 75. Make this pink Valentine's Day cocktail even more romantic by garnishing with berries!

To make it, combine 1 oz tequila, 0.75 oz pomegranate juice, and 2 oz grapefruit soda in a chilled glass. Next, top the glass off with Josh Cellars Rose Prosecco. Enjoy! (via Josh Cellars)

Kir Royale

This fruity pink drink features champagne and creme de cassis, and if you want an extra pink look, swap the blackberries for raspberries. (via Culinary Hill)

Pink Señorita

Tequila is the way to just about anyone’s heart. Mix a couple of these sweet and sour Pink Señoritas to pair with your chips and guac this V-Day. (via Superman Cooks)

Rhubarb Bramble

This eye-catching pink cocktail is as fun to make as it is to sip on! To make it, shake 1.5 oz gin, 0.75 fresh lemon juice, and 0.75 oz simple syrup over ice until cold. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice. Finish it off with a drizzle of crème de cassis and a orange twist for garnish. (via Edinburgh Gin)

Pink Strawberry Sangria

If playing mixologist isn’t really your thing, a simple sangria will be the perfect pink cocktail for your Valentine’s Day celebrations. This one only requires strawberry vodka, pink Moscato, lemon-lime soda, and fresh strawberries. We're in love with fruity Valentine's cocktails like these! (viaSimply Whisked)

Strawberry Champagne Margarita

Pair these sweet and sparkling margs with your date’sfavorite tacos and they’ll never forget the sweet gesture. Don't have champagne? Swap it for sparkling wine instead. (via Pizzazzerie)

Pomegranate Rose Gin Fizz

Earthy gin pairs beautifully with the fruity pomegranate and rose water included in this Valentine's cocktail recipe for a truly botanical experience that anyone will be pleased with! (via Ahu Eats)

Raspberry Pink Champagne Floats

This desserty drink is the ultimate way to end the evening on V-Day. All it takes is a scoop of raspberry sorbet and a splash of pink Champagne! Easy Valentine's Day drinks for the win. (via The Cookie Rookie)

Berry Gin + Tonic

This is a super easy pink cocktail that you can make in a pinch! To make it, mix 2 oz Aviation American Gin and 4 oz Fever Tree Grapefruit Tonic Water in a glass before finishing it off with ice, a few raspberries, and a lemon wheel. (via Aviation American Gin)

Strawberry Cream Mimosa

The morning after Valentine's Day should be just as special as the night before. If your previous sentiments didn't solidify your love, breakfast in bed and this strawberry cream mimosa on Feb 15 totally will. (via Swanky Recipes)

Rosé, Gin and Pink Peppercorn Cocktail

If you’ve ever turned your nose up to boxed wine, prepare to change your opinion. All you have to do to make these Valentine's Day cocktails is add a few choice ingredients to boxed rosé, and it’s transformed into the pink cocktail of every foodie’s dream. (viaKitchn)

Rose Lemon Spritzer

Why give a bouquet of roses when you can make a rose cocktail? This spritzer is a refreshing, elegant and simple way to say, “I love you.” (via Half Baked Harvest)

What are your Valentine's Day plans this year? Share your pink cocktail recipes with us @BritandCo!

This article has been updated from a previous post.

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