Right, let’s be honest—January isn’t everyone’s favourite. You’ve just about peeled yourself off the sofa after a two-week mince pie marathon, the weather’s got all the charm of soggy toast, and your inbox is giving you the cold stare of a thousand unread emails.
And then along comes Blue Monday—officially dubbed the most miserable day of the year.
Only, according to Samaritans, that’s not really a thing.
Instead, they’ve flipped the script. Welcome to Brew Monday—a reminder that a chat over a hot drink can go a long way. Not just on some random Monday in January, but any day you fancy reaching out.
So What’s Brew Monday All About?
Put simply: it’s about connection. Making time to ask someone, “How are you really?” and properly listening to the answer.
On the drinks team at SENTIA we tinker with botanicals and brain chemistry—and in our sciencey little corner of the world, we get how important human connection is.
And honestly, I’ve seen first-hand how even the smallest act of checking in with someone can open the door to a much bigger conversation. It might be a mate who’s gone quiet in the WhatsApp group, or a colleague who’s been cancelling plans more than usual. Give them a nudge. Ask. Listen. You don’t have to fix anything—you just have to show up.
As Samaritans say: “There’s always time for a cuppa and a catch-up.”
“But I Don’t Know What to Say…”
You don’t need a speech prepared. Just reaching out—“Hey, I was thinking about you”—can make someone feel noticed and valued.
Top tip from Samaritans: Be a shush-level listener (yes, really—Show you care, Have patience, Use open questions, Say it back, and Have courage).
And if you want to create space for something more meaningful? Try having the chat while doing something else: walking the dog, making a brew, or whipping up something warming and alcohol-free, like the Pear Hot Toddy below.
(Scroll for that—promise it’s worth it.)
Brew Monday the SENTIA Way
We’re all about helping people unwind, open up, and feel connected—without the downsides of booze. And we know from plenty of conversations with our community that our drinks often become part of these catch-up moments.
Whether it’s a midweek phone call, a virtual tea break, or just checking in with someone who’s having a rough patch, our advice? Pop the kettle on. Take the pressure off. You’re not hosting a therapy session, you’re being a mate.
As for what’s in your mug? Why not give this a try…
CASK Pear Hot Toddy
Perfect for: Brew Monday catch-ups, chilly evenings, or anytime you fancy something warming without the booze-fog aftermath.
https://sentiaspirits.com/blogs/mocktail-recipes/pear-hot-toddy
Ingredients:
- 60ml CASK
- 25ml pear syrup
- 15ml lemon juice
- 120ml hot water
- Garnish: 1 pear, sliced
Directions:
- Mix all ingredients in your favourite mug and stir
- Add your sliced pear garnish
- Sit down, sip slowly, and check in with someone you care about
One Last Thought
We don’t always know what someone else is going through—but reaching out with warmth, humour, and a bit of human decency never goes out of style. This Brew Monday, we’re raising a mug to you, to connection, and to conversations that matter.
Let’s make January a little less blue, and a lot more brew.
Catch you for a cuppa?
– The SENTIA Team
