How do you answer questions about not drinking?

Hi gang. I’ve struggled recently in explaining my non-drinking and figuring out the language I want to use to prompt as few questions as possible.

I had always been known to drink. Last month when I or my partner mentioned I wasn’t drinking people we know had huge reactions to it. In January, it’s easy to say “I’m doing dry January”. Obviously in February that won’t stick…

I’m wondering how other people circumvent the drama? “I’m trying it out” and “I don’t feel like it” seem to elicit the same big responses and additional questions, and I just don’t want to have to explain myself to every single person.

Thanks for your advice!