A Zero-Deprivation Approach to Living Well

For many, Dry January is less about what we’re skipping and more about how we want to feel.

We know those who come to CIVANA appreciate elevated options that support mindful drinking or moderation without compromising flavor or the social experience. Many choose to “zebra stripe,” alternating between alcoholic and zero-proof drinks, which aligns naturally with CIVANA’s nonprescriptive approach to wellbeing. Our wellness and culinary philosophy is rooted in zero deprivation, putting enjoyment and balance at the center of everything we do.

This approach is one of the reasons CIVANA was recently featured in The New York Times as a destination for Dry January, highlighting our commitment to elevated zero-proof options that support how guests want to feel. Throughout the month, guests can take our Mindful Mixology: Zero-Proof class, a fun, structured introduction to new ingredients and techniques.

Try our Uplift Mocktail recipe that we teach in our Mindful Mixology class, designed to be simple enough to recreate at home.

 

Uplift Mocktail Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz Ritual Lavender Infused Gin
  • 1 oz Non-Alcoholic Elderflower Giffard
  • 1 oz Fresh cucumber juice
  • 1 oz Fresh ginger juice

To make:

  • Shake with ice and strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass. Garnish with a cucumber ribbon.

 

We hope this recipe gives you a way to enjoy something that feels special, whether it’s for an intentional pause this month or just a night you want to sip a little differently.

The new year comes with pressure—to set resolutions, move fast, and “get it right.”

But research shows most resolutions fade quickly. When change is driven by comparison or rigid rules, motivation drops and stress rises.

Intentions work differently.

By focusing on how you want to feel—not what you think you should fix—you can:
• Achieve greater follow-through
• Decrease burnout
• Increase wellbeing over time

Instead of asking, What should I change?
Intentions ask, How do I want to live?

Before you choose what’s next, reflect. Looking back helps create clarity, and clarity makes change easier to sustain.

You might start by asking:
• What brought me the most joy last year?
• When did I feel most like myself?
• What am I ready to release?
• What qualities would support a happier, healthier year ahead?

Be curious about what comes up in reflection, the well-known feelings and the surprising ones. Consider why certain emotions came up with each of the questions. This type of reflection will allow you to unlock more meaningful intentions.

Choosing your Intentions
An intention can be a word, a feeling, or a short phrase. It does not need to be ambitious or polished. Often, the most supportive intentions are the simplest ones.

Rather than asking what you want to achieve, try asking:
• How do I want to feel in my daily life?
• How do I want to show up when things feel busy or uncertain?
• What quality or talent of mine do I admire and want to grow?
• What would help me stay connected to what matters most?

Creating Space for Intention Setting
It’s not about a perfect environment or a long block of time. What matters most is creating space to have clarity and be open to what comes to you.

This might look like:
• Sitting quietly for a few minutes in the morning or evening this week with a journal
• Taking a walk outside without distractions
• Calling a friend to discuss your reflections and ideas for your intentions

Your intentions should feel grounded and uniquely you. It’s something you can come back to again and again, with ease and belief. If you’re feeling a little lost, the examples below offer simple ways in.

 

If you’re feeling:                                                          You might choose an intention like:

A desire for deeper connection with others. Choose presence over distraction.
Emotionally tired or depleted. Rest is productive.
A need for more play or lightness. Make room for joy.
Driven by stress and anxiety. Breathe before reacting.

 

Once your intentions feel clear, write them down in a way that feels natural to you.

Returning to Your Intention
An intention is not something you set once and forget- it is something you return to. You may revisit it when making decisions, during moments of stress, or when you feel disconnected from yourself. Over time, your intentions may shift. That is part of the practice.

At CIVANA, we create a pause for daily through our intention setting ritual. You can create a similar pause for yourself, allowing space to reflect, reset, and choose how you want to move forward with the day.

A small shift can change how the whole year feels. May this be a year you move with more intention and less pressure.

An Invitation to Slow Down

The winter solstice marks the longest night of the year and a natural turning point, when daylight begins its gradual return. The Hohokam people, ancient inhabitants of this land, were deeply attuned to the solstice. They built structures and carved petroglyphs aligned with solstice sunrises, holding elaborate ceremonies to mark the start of a new cycle. Across cultures, this moment has been honored as a time to pause, reflect, and realign with natural rhythms.

Today, it serves as a powerful reminder during the holiday season that stillness and reflection is not stagnation. It is restoration.

Here are a few ways to create space for winter solstice rituals:

Bring light into your home
Light candles or soften your environment to honor the gradual return of daylight.

Release and realign
Reflect on what the past season has revealed and set intentions rooted in clarity, rest, and renewal.

Slow down and connect
Step out of urgency and allow the day to unfold with fewer plans, fewer expectations, and more presence with those around you.

Support the body with warmth
Choose warming foods, gentle movement, or restorative practices that help bring energy during the darkest day of year.

Spend time in nature
A sunset walk offers a moment to observe the solstice as it happens and reconnect with natural rhythms.

 

Start planning your 2026 reset.

A Spa-Worthy Sip: CIVANA-Inspired Hydration You Can Make at Home.

Some rituals are too good to leave behind. That was the experience for wellness creator Joslyn Kramer, who joined us for a day of rest and rejuvenation through our Day Pass. Known for her playful, functional hydration recipes, Joslyn left inspired—not just by the beauty of the desert, but by the stillness, the spa, and a slow day spent by our mineral saline pool.

The result? A desert-honoring, deeply hydrating water cocktail—crafted to capture the grounded calm she felt while here.

This one’s for post-sauna resets, slow summer mornings, and anyone craving a little CIVANA in their glass.

 

The CIVANA-Inspired Water Ritual

What’s in it (and why):

  • Cold brew lemon mint tea – for relaxation and digestive ease
  • Cactus water – rich in electrolytes and a nod to the Sonoran landscape
  • Citrus slices – a visual and aromatic spa ritual staple
  • A pinch of mineral-rich salt – to replenish trace minerals, inspired by our mineral saline spa pool

You’ll need:

  • 2 lemon mint tea bags or 2 Tbsp loose leaf tea
  • 2.5 cups filtered water
  • ½ cup cactus water (unsweetened)
  • Citrus slices (lemon, lime, grapefruit)
  • A small pinch of mineral-rich salt (like Celtic or pink salt)
  • Mason jar or carafe
  • Ice (optional)

To make:

  • Cold brew the tea in 2.5 cups of filtered water. Refrigerate 12–24 hours.
  • Remove tea bags or strain loose tea. Add ½ cup cactus water.
  • Add citrus and salt. Stir gently.
  • Serve chilled or over ice. Optional: Garnish with fresh mint.

 

Sip slowly. Breathe deeply. Repeat.

Follow Joslyn at @joslynkramer for more functional, feel-good inspiration.

CIVANA’s zero deprivation approach to mixology, utilizing Southwestern inspired, sustainable, and local produce to craft delicious cocktails. Through juicing, natural sweeteners, herbs, and spirits, we create unique mindful cocktails. Prefer alcohol free? Simply use a zero proof liquor alternative.

Nourish Cocktail

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Butterfly pea flower infused gin
  • 3/4 oz Lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz Agave tea
  • 1/2 oz Basil hibiscus tea (brew hibiscus tea with hot water and add basil leaves)
  • 1/2 oz of Coconut water
  • Serve in coupe glass
  • Micro flower, dehydrated lemon wheel, and sprig of fresh thyme for garnishing

Directions:

  1. Start by removing your julep strainer from the glass and set it aside. Next grab your jigger and hold it parallel above your mixing glass.
  2. Using the big side of the jigger, which is the 2 oz side, pour the butterfly pea flower infused gin to the top. Hold the pour spout but don’t block the air hole. Once you’ve poured to the top, we will pour that into our mixing glass.
  3. Flip your jigger to the 3/4 oz small side and fill it to the top line with the lemon juice. Add that to your mixing glass and you will notice that the gin changed from purple to pink from the citrus.
  4. Next add a ½ oz of agave tea which is actually only 1/4 oz of sugar, to the mixing glass.
  5. Then add 1 oz of basil hibiscus tea and coconut water.
  6. Once you’ve added your ingredients, add a bit of ice. Using a lot of ice is important in preventing dilution.
  7. Now grab your spoon and hold it 3/4 quarters the way up, put your spoon in the mixing glass by keeping it at the wall of the glass to prevent making noise and diluting the cocktail. Everything will circulate together and after 25 stirs we will have the perfect dilution in our cocktail.
  8. Next, add your julep strainer into the mixing glass, angling it toward the coupe glass. Holding the julep strainer, you will pour your cocktail into the coupe glass.
  9. Finally, garnish your cocktail with edible micro flowers, a dehydrated lemon wheel, and a sprig of fresh thyme.

Spicy Tequila Tincture

Ingredients:

  • 250ml Mijenta tequila
  • 3 Serrano peppers

Directions:

Most bars will slice, muddle, or shake peppers into each cocktail as they make it, which does not provide consistency with the level of spice and flavor. At CIVANA, we infuse the peppers in large batches.

We use serrano peppers, as this specific pepper provides the most consistent spice level and flavor year- round.

  1. To start we cut the pepper in half leaving the seeds and veins in as they contain most of the spice.
  2. We pour 1/3 of the bottle of tequila (250ml) over the peppers and let it infuse for 5 days to get to the perfect level of spice. After 5 days, strain the liquid, removing all the peppers and seeds, and we like to make sure to label this portion of the tequila “spicy”.
  3. We use a tequila called Mijenta. Mijenta is a sustainable, 100% agave tequila and the first B-corp tequila in the world.
  4. For each cocktail that uses this tincture, we will use 1 oz of our non-infused Mijenta and ½ oz of our spiced infused Mijenta and shake it into the cocktail. You may notice a similarity with how the spice doesn’t linger. It’s similar to a wasabi where the spice is there but it’s quickly gone. This is because the tequila is infused and you’re not directly ingesting the peppers.

Natural House-Made Sweetener

Ingredients:

  • 4oz Maple syrup
  • 5oz Filtered water
  • 1oz Vanilla bean paste

Directions:

  • For the maple vanilla syrup, whisk the ingredients together, then pour into a bottle.
  • Our in-house natural sweetener is made of 50% filtered water, 40% Canadian maple syrup (straight from the source), and 10% vanilla bean paste. We typically only use ¼ of an oz of our maple vanilla blend when making our “Newly Fashioned” at CIVANA, which is half the amount of sugar in a classic Old Fashion. Not only are natural sweeteners better for you, but they also have more flavor.


Suggested Use

  • Start by setting an intention for your treatment.
  • Then apply a thin layer of oil to clean skin, on your face and neck.
  • Work bottom to top to reinforce lifting action. You can perform passes in an upward direction on the front of the neck, however all passes on the side of the neck should always be down towards your clavicle (collar bone) area beginning directly below the earlobe.
  • Use 3-5 Gua Sha strokes on each area.
  • Use tool at a 30 degree angle to skin, with medium pressure. The flatter the gua sha tool is to the skin, the more contact the stones surface has on the skin, which will increase the benefits.
  • Don’t force your way through the tissue, allow the tissue to glide you through each section. Use light pressure on the delicate skin around eyes.
  • Use your free hand to gently secure the skin in the opposite direction that the tool is moving.
  • Safe for daily use, however it is suggested to use ~15 minutes or less.
  • Wash tool with hot soapy water after use.

 

Notes

  • When time allows and for best practice. Begin by using light pressure for opening lymph areas, then medium to firm pressure for lifting and contouring and then ending again with light pressure to stimulate lymph drainage.
    • Light-medium pressure= Enhancing lymphatic drainage
    • Medium-firm pressure= Lifting, contouring, and minimizing facial tension and tight fascia
  • The most important thing to note when working with lymphatic system is to always open the channels to increase flow before sending more fluid towards that area. Always start below and work your way up.
  • Our main collection areas, the site where we work on moving waste to be eliminated, when working on the face will be to first open the décolleté area, by lightly gliding from midline of the body out to under arm area. 3-6 passes.
  • Next, open the neck by working down the side of the neck, starting right below the ear lobe, sending fluid down towards the clavicle area (collar bone). Repeat 3-6 passes.
  • Once the décolleté and neck are opened on both sides you can begin working up the face. Starting again, midline of the face, always sliding tool outwards towards ear. Lastly, working upward and then out on forehead. Generally, 3-6 passes in each area is good practice.
  • If you would like to then focus on lifting and contouring, you can now repeat those steps using more of a medium to firm pressure. Starting in the middle of the faces, working out towards ear, following the natural contours of the face with a little hold and jiggle at the end of each pass.

 

Benefits

  • Helps clear, smooth, plump, tighten and rejuvenate skin.
  • Stimulates circulation, bringing a rosy pink glow to the skin.
  • Reduces under-eye circles and puffiness.
  • Works with the muscle fascia and lymphatic system to encourage circulation and detoxification.

 

Spring is a time for renewal – a time to prep your face for sunnier days ahead with a shift in our daily skincare routine.

Warmer temperatures increase our oil production, which naturally increases our moisture levels in our skin. This is a great time to look at our skincare routine and possibly switch from layering rich creams to serums, facial oils, and water creams. Spring also means more time outside enjoying the elements, which means paying extra attention to any resurfacing or sun-sensitizing products you may be using. It also continues to be equally important to ensure you’re applying a daily SPF.

Below are some of our Esthetician’s favorite products and tips for brightening the complexion and getting healthy, gorgeous skin just in time for the season. From vitamin c and daily SPF to a powerful anti-aging serum, these exquisite essentials will leave your skin renewed and replenished.

 

Brightening & Resurfacing

  • Sweet Cherry Enzyme Peel by Naturopathica – A blend of AHA’s, enzymes, and sweet cherry which is rich in antioxidants like Vitamin C and Resveratrol. It provides an amazing glow, helps resurface dead skin build-up, brighten the complexion, and improves appearance of sun damage and pigmentation. Recommended use: 1-2x’s per week; great to apply in the shower for 3-5 min.
  • Glyco Pads by Spa Technologies – A peel pad for weekly home use that consists of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids, plus mineral rich water and seaweed extracts to minimize dryness and help balance the skin. This product is great for smoothing the texture, deep cleansing, pore minimizing, exfoliating, and clarifying. Recommended use: 1-2x’s per week in the evening after cleansing. Follow with nightly routine.

 

Antioxidant Protection, Hydration, & Glow Factor

  • Vitamin C Advanced Wrinkle Repair Remedy Serum by Naturopathica – This serum has a powerful blend of 15% L-ascorbic acid, Vitamin E, and Oat beta-gluten. Great for brightening the skin’s complexion and evening out skin tone and pigmentation. Hyaluronic acid helps increase hydration and calm the skin. Pro tip: For sensitive skin, try mixing with your facial oil to minimize sensitivity or limit use to every other day.
  • Oxygenated Renewal Complex By Spa Technologies – 100% active ingredients! This anti-aging serum provides a powerful punch with the use of pharmaceutical liquid oxygen, hyaluronic acid, mineral rich seaweeds, Vitamin C esters, and Astaxanthin. Clinical studies show that with a continued 90-day use, you could see a 33% increase in collagen & elastin, as well as an immediate 15% increase in volume upon application. Pro tip: Shake before each use and can be used all over the eyes and lips as well.
  • Plant Stem Cell Serum by Naturopathica – This powerful treatment serum helps to smooth the appearance of fine lines and rejuvenates the skin. It’s recommended to use every evening for 30 days and repeat every 90 days. Echinacea, butterfly bush, and helichrysum help to fortify the skin, provide soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, increase hydration, and protect skin from photo-aging. Clinical studies show an 88% increase in hydration in just four weeks.

 

Moisturizing, Nourishing, & Protection

  • Argan & Peptide Advanced Wrinkle Remedy Water Cream – This anti-aging product has a nice lightweight feel, rich in repairing peptides, bioflavonoids, and argan to help smooth appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Oxygenated Marine Peptide Cream – This nourishing anti-aging cream helps repair and strengthen the skin. It’s light and fluffy, yet full of antioxidant rich seaweeds, liquid oxygen, repairing enzymes, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid. This cream also helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles, while calming, protecting, rejuvenating, brightening, and softening the skin texture and tone.
  • Sensitive Oil with CBD and Vitamin C&E by Spa Technologies – This is a great daily facial oil for balancing the skin and it’s beneficial for most skin types, especially sensitive, combination or for those that are prone to occasional breakouts. It’s also wonderful for regeneration, brightening, and collagen synthesis, while providing a great option for lightweight moisturizing. This oil is abundant in vitamins and mineral-rich plant oils. The essential oils of orange blossom, clary sage, lavender, and geranium along with 200 mgs of CBD oil, and Vitamin C & E provide a brilliant anti-inflammatory benefit. Pro tip: Facial oils are best applied to damp skin after facial mists and serums. This can also be used in place of a moisturizer or applied just before.
  • Eco Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 25 by Spa Technologies – This every day, lightweight moisturizer with a physical block SPF will be your new favorite! It absorbs quickly, doesn’t leave you looking opaque, and it smells great too! Rich in antioxidants, cooling, and soothing; it protects and nourishes the skin with ingredients like aloe vera, green tea, seaweed, comfrey, hyaluronic acid, and beta glucan.

Mornings can be a vulnerable time, nutrition-wise. Often time starved we all have days where we forgo a morning meal or grab something quick that doesn’t provide enough nourishment to benefit our body throughout the day. Having an array of easy, nutrition packed breakfast options ensures a fulfilling, nourishing foundation for your day. So our executive Chef, Scott Winegard, is sharing one of our guest favorite breakfast items, our Dream State Granola Bowl. Featuring our house-made hempseed + chia granola, anti-oxidant rich bee pollen, organic berries, & coconut yogurt. This breakfast bowl is packed with body-loving nutrition. Please note that this recipe does require a bit of forethought. We recommend making the granola on Sunday to power you through all week long.

Hemp + Chia Granola Ingredients:
• 4 cups Gluten Free Rolled Oats
• 1 cup Organic Hemp Seeds
• 1/4 cup Chia Seeds
• 1 teaspoon Himalayan Salt
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cardamom
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1/2 cup Cold Pressed Coconut Oil, melted
• 1/2 cup Maple Syrup
• 2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Instructions:
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, stir together the oats, hemp hearts, salt, and ground cinnamon and cardamom.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut oil, maple, and vanilla until combined.
• Pour the liquid ingredients over the dry. Stir until everything is moistened.
• Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared sheet pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven 15-18 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Granola will be brown when done.
• Cool on wire rack. Store in airtight container when completely cool.

To prepare your granola bowl, use unsweetened coconut yogurt with lemon zest, add fresh berries and banana, sliced and tossed in agave or maple syrup, then sprinkle bee pollen, chia, & hemp seeds to garnish.

A simple and refreshing smoothie to give your skin a glowing boost. Enjoy this Blueberry Basil Smoothie filled with power packed omega-3 fatty acids, collagen boosting nutrients, vitamin c, and more.

Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup coconut milk or coconut yogurt
• 7-10 raw, unsalted almonds
• 2 Tbs hemp hearts
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 handful of basil leaves

Instructions:
• Place all ingredients into a blender in the order listed. You can use frozen fruit if fresh is not available.
• Blend at 100% for 1 to 1.5 minutes.
• Enjoy immediately after blending.

Salad Ingredients:
• 4-5 cups Brussels sprouts, shredded in a food processor
• 2 cups lacinato kale, sliced into thin strips and chopped
• ¼ cup grated parmesan (vegan)
• 1 cup cooked rainbow quinoa
• ⅓ cup toasted pine nuts
• ¼ –⅓ cup no sugar added dried cranberries
• ¾ cup pomegranate seeds
• 1 green apple, diced*

Cranberry Vinaigrette Ingredients:
• 2 tbsp shallots, diced
• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup no sugar added cranberry juice
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1½ tbsp pure maple syrup
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley leaves
• ¾ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper

Instructions:
• Make the cranberry vinaigrette by whisking together all of the ingredients.
• Toss the Brussels sprouts, kale and quinoa in the vinaigrette and let sit for at least 10 minutes, preferably 30 minutes. Add parmesan, pine nuts, cranberries, pomegranate seeds and apple and toss with kale/brussels sprouts mixture. Taste and season with additional salt & pepper if needed.

Notes:
• This salad tastes better the longer it marinates in the dressing. We suggest prepping at least 30 minutes before eating.
• Add the apple right before serving to avoid browning.