The Wirecutter Show: Drink Less and Prosper – Episode Summary

Release Date: January 1, 2025

In the "Drink Less and Prosper" episode of The Wirecutter Show, co-hosts Christine Cyr Clisset and Kyra Blackwell, along with producer Rosie Guerin, delve into the complexities of alcohol consumption, its health impacts, and the burgeoning world of non-alcoholic beverages. This episode marries serious health discussions with a lighter exploration of non-alcoholic alternatives, providing listeners with both critical insights and practical solutions for those considering cutting back on alcohol.

1. Setting the Stage: New Year’s Resolutions and Alcohol Consumption

The episode kicks off with the hosts reflecting on New Year’s resolutions, particularly around the trend of Dry January—a commitment to abstain from alcohol for the month. Rosie Guerin remarks, “Dry January is something that a lot of folks are doing” (01:26), highlighting the growing awareness of alcohol’s health implications.

Christine Cyr Clisset shares her personal journey, stating, “I have gone on this whole kind of, if we can say, a journey over the last couple of years with alcohol” (02:00). This introspection sets the tone for the episode’s exploration of alcohol moderation and sobriety trends across different age groups.

2. The Health Impacts of Alcohol: Insights from Dana G. Smith

The core of the episode features an interview with Dana G. Smith, a health reporter from The New York Times, who provides an in-depth analysis of how alcohol affects our health.

a. Defining Moderate Drinking

Dana explains the variability in defining "moderate drinking," noting, “In the US, moderate drinking is one drink or less a day for women and two drinks or less per day for men” (07:16). She emphasizes that these guidelines can vary by country due to differing dietary recommendations and emerging research.

b. Alcohol’s Detrimental Effects

Smith delves into the biochemical repercussions of alcohol consumption, stating, “Alcohol is broken down in your liver into a chemical called acetaldehyde... It prevents the DNA from then repairing itself” (08:55). This breakdown underscores the myriad health risks associated with alcohol, including various cancers, high blood pressure, and liver disease.

c. The Myth of Red Wine’s Health Benefits

Addressing longstanding beliefs about red wine, Dana debunks the notion that it is beneficial for heart health. “The latest research has not backed that up,” she asserts (11:39). She explains that previous studies suggesting benefits were likely confounded by healthier lifestyles of moderate drinkers, such as increased exercise and better diets.

d. Strategies for Reducing Alcohol Intake

Dana advocates for informed moderation over complete abstinence. “You don't have to stop drinking. Just try and cut back a little bit” (14:30). She reassures listeners that moderate consumption, especially if balanced with other healthy behaviors, can suffice without necessitating total alcohol elimination.

3. The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Transitioning from health impacts, the episode explores the surge in popularity of non-alcoholic (NA) beverages.

a. Growth and Motivations

Dana highlights a significant trend: “Sales of NA beverages grew by over 30% between 2022 and 2023” (16:29). This growth is attributed to increased health consciousness and advancements in the taste and quality of NA options.

b. NA Beverages as Moderation Tools

She notes that approximately 80% of NA drinkers also consume alcohol, suggesting that these beverages are often used to moderate intake rather than as a complete substitute (18:19). This dual consumption indicates a balanced approach to alcohol consumption rather than a strict transition away from it.

c. Considerations for Alcohol Use Disorder

Dana touches on the nuanced impact of NA beverages on individuals with alcohol use disorders. “There is a concern that if someone is abstaining because they have an alcohol use disorder, that an NA beverage could be kind of like a trigger” (19:57). However, she also mentions potential benefits, such as aiding those trying to cut back, though she calls for more research in this area.

4. Exploring Non-Alcoholic Alternatives with Marguerite Preston

The latter half of the episode features Marguerite Preston, Wirecutter’s Senior Kitchen Editor, who shares her expertise on non-alcoholic spirits and beverages.

a. Building a Non-Alcoholic Bar Cart

Marguerite offers practical advice on curating a satisfying NA bar cart, recommending essentials like seltzers, tonics, ginger beers, and complex flavored NA spirits. “We were looking for things with flavors that were complex enough that they would light up your brain a little bit” (30:17), she explains, emphasizing the importance of creating an engaging and enjoyable drinking experience without alcohol.

b. Taste Tests and Recommendations

The hosts engage in a playful taste test of various NA spirits. For instance, they sample "Pentire," an herbaceous NA spirit with notes of sage and rosemary (31:28). While reactions vary, the hosts appreciate the complexity and potential of these beverages to mimic traditional cocktails without the alcohol.

Marguerite also discusses the high cost of NA spirits, attributing it to the specialized ingredients and small-scale production. “A lot of them have a lot of ingredients to make them taste complex and interesting” (27:04), she notes, suggesting that the pricing reflects the quality and craftsmanship behind these drinks.

c. Avoiding Pitfalls in NA Beverages

Marguerite advises caution regarding NA drinks containing artificial sweeteners and medicinal flavors, which can detract from the overall taste experience. “We dislike across the board is sugar alternatives... they just can be really cloying” (26:50), she shares, guiding listeners toward more natural and balanced flavor profiles.

5. Final Thoughts and Takeaways

As the episode concludes, the hosts reflect on the discussions:

• Christine expresses a sense of empowerment, stating, “It feels like I'm actually drinking within the moderate amount... you don't have to be afraid of living your life a little bit and having a glass of wine, a couple” (39:06).

• Rosey acknowledges the elevated perspective on pricing NA beverages, understanding them as quality products akin to their alcoholic counterparts (40:21).

• Kyra feels reassured about moderating her alcohol intake, inspired by the insights shared (38:26).

Notable Quotes

• Rosie Guerin (01:26): “Dry January is something that a lot of folks are doing.”

• Christine Cyr Clisset (02:00): “I've gone through lots of phases over the last few years of completely cutting alcohol out... it's like such a bummer.”

• Dana G. Smith (07:16): “In the US, moderate drinking is one drink or less a day for women and two drinks or less per day for men.”

• Dana G. Smith (11:39): “The latest research has not backed that up [red wine’s health benefits].”

• Dana G. Smith (14:30): “You don’t have to stop drinking. Just try and cut back a little bit.”

• Dana G. Smith (16:29): “Sales of NA beverages grew by over 30% between 2022 and 2023.”

• Marguerite Preston (27:04): “A lot of them have a lot of ingredients to make them taste complex and interesting.”

Conclusion

"Drink Less and Prosper" offers a balanced exploration of alcohol consumption, its health risks, and the expanding landscape of non-alcoholic beverages. By intertwining expert health insights with practical advice on enjoying NA alternatives, The Wirecutter Show provides listeners with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their drinking habits. Whether considering a full abstinence or simply moderating intake, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of alcohol consumption in 2025.