11 Products For Dry January and Beyond, According to the Founder of Sober(ish)
The Expert Edit features interviews with specialists about the products they swear by in their chosen field. For the latest installment, we spoke to Kim Gamez, founder of non-alcoholic marketplace Sober(ish), about her top product recommendations for self-care and living a Sober(ish) lifestyle.
Kim Gamez is an entrepreneur and mom of five who launched her non-alcoholic marketplace, Sober(ish), by happenstance. "My mom and I started sharing our reviews of non-alcoholic alternatives online just for fun. We never imagined it would spark a movement or turn into a thriving company," she says, continuing, "Now, Sober(ish) is empowering people to embrace a more mindful approach to drinking, and we're shocked to report that we are on track to hit $1 million in sales within our first year." It's the perfect time for a company like Gamez's to thrive — what with the sober curious movement going strong, especially amid Dry January, and increasing reports on the severe health risks of drinking alcohol, according to The New York Times.
Sober(ish) offers a line of drops and shots that consist of a balanced ratio of Delta-9 THC and CBD to help users achieve a "wine-like buzz without the hangover," according to the brand. The retail site is also stocked with everything from mocktail mixers and beverage enhancers to energy gummies. Having launched in 2023, Sober(ish) has grown organically by maintaining authenticity and relatability through all marketing — and Gamez is as the heart of that. "[We're] simply being ourselves on social media – bloopers, swearing, tears, and all! I've learned that people connect with genuine, unfiltered content. This has impacted how I approach other areas of my life, encouraging me to embrace vulnerability and authenticity in all my interactions," she says.
In the spirit of keeping it candid, she's also provided PS with her top product recommendations for a Sober(ish) lifestyle — from her favorite food and beverage staples and cooking gadgets to a fitness tracker and wardrobe essential. Click through to shop her must haves and learn how she uses each of them.
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Sober(ish) Drops
Sober(ish) Drops ($25, originally $30)
Sober(ish) drops can be added to any drink for quick, wine-like buzz. In just five to 10 minutes, the effects of a perfectly balanced 2mg THC and 4mg CBD kicks in. While this item has zero taste, there are plenty of shot options ($16, originally $20) with delicious flavors to help you concoct your desired recipe. Sober(ish) drops come in two different sizes — with either 15 servings or 30 servings — and you can read countless customer reviews that vouch for the quality.
"Honestly, seeing the impact Sober(ish) has had on people blows me away," Gamez says of the product she created. "Hearing stories of better sleep, weight loss, and even those finally feeling good about their relationship with alcohol – that's the real win. Plus, showing my kids that you can make a difference, even from a small town like ours, feels pretty darn fun."
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ChatGPT
ChatGPT OpenAI App ($0)
"This AI is a lifesaver! It helps with everything from brainstorming recipes and editing emails to creating fun, custom bedtime stories for my kids," Gamez says. While it's free to download, you can upgrade to Plus or Pro for $20 and $200, respectively. The more you chat, the more familiar the intelligence becomes, syncing to your history and delivering fast responses for your daily needs or questions.
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Quality T-Shirts
Hanes Essentials T-Shirt ($9, originally $11)
Gamez appreciates a good T-shirt, and don't we all? No matter what brand you prefer, we can all agree with her mentality on the wardrobe basic: "Simple, versatile, and easy to replace – they're the foundation of any effortless wardrobe." You can pick up a classic Hanes on Amazon in sizes XS-XXL and five different neutral shades.
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Personalized Bracelet
Sober(ish) You Got This Bracelet ($13, originally $25)
"My 9-year-old daughter, Gabi, once gave me a bracelet that simply said 'You Got This.' It meant so much to me that I decided to create a similar bracelet for our Sober(ish) customers as a reminder, regardless of what they were going through," Gamez explains. "It's amazing to see how this simple gesture has become a source of motivation for so many of our customers." You can shop the beaded charm jewelry in sets of three or five, too.
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Diet Coke
Diet Coke (Pack of 24) ($15)
"Do I need to say more?" Gamez says of the beverage, which can be used to craft a mixed drink using the Sober(ish) drops. This Amazon deal includes two packs of 12 12-ounce cans. If you're looking for Diet Coke alternatives that taste similar, we have plenty of editor-tested recommendations.
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Flavored Coffee Creamer
Nutpods Variety Pack Coffee Creamer ($15)
"Nut Pods are my current obsession! They elevate my coffee, of course, but I also love using them to create delicious Sober(ish) espresso martinis – they're the perfect blend of coffee and creamy goodness for a buzz without the booze," Gamez says. This three-pack, featuring Vanilla Caramel, Cookie Butter, and Sweet Crème, is sweetened with organic cane sugar and made from almonds and coconuts. The mix-in product is gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, and kosher.
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Fresca
Fresca Citrus Soda (Pack of 12) ($17)
"This unsung hero deserves more recognition!" Gamez says of Fresca. "It's incredibly refreshing on its own, and it's the perfect base for countless mocktail creations." Fresca is caffeine-free, allergen-free, and has a delicious citrus-meets-grapefruit taste. "I even enjoy it in a wine glass with a Sober(ish) Berry Shot for a little extra fun. It's my go-to when I'm craving that 'something special' feeling," she says.
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Decorative Glasses
Hlukana Vintage Hobnail Drinking Glasses Set of 8 ($25)
"Let's be honest, drinking anything feels more special from a beautiful glass. Whether it's sparkling water, a mocktail, or even just plain water, a nice glass elevates the experience," Gamez says. This set of eight from Amazon includes 12- and 10-ounce cocktail glasses that are clear and insulated with an embossed texture. They're dishwasher-safe and lead-free.
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Electric Tortilla Press
Uno Casa Cast Iron 10 Inch Tortilla Press ($50)
"A family tradition in the making! This handy tool saves time and makes cooking fun with the kids. Plus, it keeps my husband's culinary heritage alive," Gamez says. This model is super-sized and heavy-duty, measuring 12.5 x 10 x 3 inches, and it's crafted from wood pulp. Gamez considers family time one of her small joys, which is how she practices self-care: "Enough sleep to actually enjoy my kids' craziness, cooking something delicious, and cherishing time with my family, especially my amazing Mexican hubby. These moments fuel me."
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Apple Watch
Apple Watch Series 10 ($329, originally $399)
Gamez relies on her Apple Watch daily for monitoring her health. "It's like a friendly competition with myself! Tracking my steps and sleep keeps me motivated and helps me stay active," she says. The Series 10 is water resistant and comes with a 42mm case. You can shop it in various sizes, including s/m or m/l, and a range of band colors and fabrics.
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Swim Spa
Intex PureSpa Plus Bubble Massage Spa Set ($680, originally $798)
Gamez calls her family's at-home swim spa "pure bliss," and this PVC version comes with an energy efficient cover, contoured headrest, and LED light. "It's the perfect place to unwind after a long day, enjoy a Sober(ish) cocktail, and create lasting memories with the family," she says. Intex's structure measures 85"L x 85"W x 28"H and has a built-in hard water treatment system and heated air bubble technology for ultimate enjoyment.
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Sarah Wasilak (she/her) is the associate director of Shopping at PS. With plenty of experience in the commerce market, a keen interest in SEO, and 10 years as an editor at the brand, she enjoys writing across the lifestyle and health-and-fitness categories. She has bylines at PS, InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit and aims to amplify minority voices in all her work.