I still remember my first big party in college. There were lights, music, and drinks everywhere. With absolutely no experience with alcohol, I was eager to have fun with my friends. However, I soon realized that without a plan, the fun can quickly go awry. Fast forward a few years, and I’ve learned how to have a fun night out without losing control. In our social culture, drinking is often associated with festivities and celebrations. But that doesn’t mean you should sacrifice your well-being or the safety of others. If you often end up having bad times instead of good times when you party, this guide is for you. Read on to learn seven tips on how to drink responsibly while still having fun.
Also read: 5 signs that your bartender isn’t making cocktails properly
Know your limits so you don’t faint.
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Here are 7 tips to keep in mind for fun and responsible drinking
1. Know your limits
Let’s face it, we all have that one friend who thinks they can drink more than they really can. However, it’s important to know your limits. Alcohol affects everyone differently depending on factors like weight and metabolism. To understand your tolerance, start by observing how your body reacts to alcohol. Maybe after two drinks, you start to feel too intoxicated. If this happens, it’s a sign you need to slow down. Keeping a mental and physical track of your drinking can help you stay in control. Remember, there’s no shame in not having any more drinks when you’ve reached your limit.
2. Eat before drinking
Here’s a great tip I wish I knew before: never drink alcohol on an empty stomach. When you don’t eat anything, your body absorbs alcohol faster, making you get drunk faster. Eating a solid meal before going out can slow down the absorption of alcohol. This helps you enjoy the night and not get drunk as quickly. Be sure to eat a nutritious meal before drinking. Plus, it will give you energy to dance the night away!
3. Stay hydrated
There’s a reason why your “more experienced” friends recommend drinking water while drinking. Wondering why? Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it makes you lose more water than usual. This is why you wake up thirsty in the middle of the night after drinking alcohol. To combat this, make it a habit to drink water in between drinks. A simple trick is to drink a glass of water in between each drink. This will keep you hydrated and also prevent you from getting that ruthless hangover the next morning.
4. Choose quality over quantity
The popular phrase “less is more” applies to drinking. Instead of indulging in cheap options and having multiple drinks, choose quality. Ask for well-crafted cocktails or fine wines. When you focus on the taste and experience, you automatically drink slowly and enjoy yourself more. Plus, high-quality drinks contain fewer impurities – which can make your hangover worse.
Be sure to plan your transportation before drinking.
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5. Plan your commute
It’s no big deal – don’t drink and drive! Always have a plan for how you’ll get home. Arrange for a drunk driver, use ride-sharing services or use public transportation. Knowing you have a safe way to return home without worrying about the consequences can help you relax and enjoy yourself more. So, before drinking, make sure your transportation is organized.
6. Take care of the mix
Ask anyone – friends, a seasoned veteran or even a bartender – and they will all suggest not mixing different drinks because you never know what the outcome will be. Stick to one type of drink throughout the night to better control your alcohol intake. Also, be mindful of mixers. High-sugar sodas and energy drinks can mask the taste of alcohol, making you drink more. If you like to mix your drinks, choose natural juices or low-sugar drinks.
7. Take care of your friends
Drinking responsibly isn’t just about you; it’s about taking care of your friends too. Keep an eye on your friends and make sure everyone is having a good time without drinking too much. If you see someone drinking too much, step in and help. Give them water, get them home safely, or just be there for them.
Also read: 5 low-sugar mocktails for the weekend that don’t compromise on taste
Do you have any other tips to keep in mind for drinking responsibly? Let us know in the comments below!
