Zebra Striping and Other Sneaky Ways to Stay Sober-ish
Move over, binge drinking—there’s a new party trend in town: zebra striping! This oh-so-sensible drinking strategy involves alternating alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks when you’re out. Think of it as the hydration station for grown-ups who want to remember their night and their dignity.
A recent survey shows nearly 25% of Brits are now proud zebra stripers. Among the 18- to 24-year-olds, the number jumps to a whopping 78%! Apparently, the younger generation has cracked the code on enjoying a good time without the next-day shame spiral.
Why Zebra Striping?
First, it cuts your alcohol intake in half. That means fewer cringe-worthy karaoke moments or accidentally telling your boss what you really think of their leadership skills. It’s also a wallet-saver—swap a pricey cocktail for a lime and soda, and suddenly, affording groceries next week feels doable.
And let’s not forget the pubs! Fewer drunk spills mean less money spent on cleaning supplies and mop replacement. Everyone wins.
Other Tricks to Stay “Sober-ish”
Not sold on zebra striping? No problem. Here are a few more ways to party smarter:
- Go Low: Stick to low-alcohol drinks all night. Think spritzers, session beers, or those fancy low-ABV cocktails that make you feel classy without the hangover.
- Bookending: Start and end the night with a non-alcoholic drink. It’s basically zebra striping’s posh cousin.
- Pace Yourself: Channel your inner tortoise. Slow sipping wins the race, keeps your head clear, and lets you dodge that one guy’s endless conspiracy theories.
- Be the Designated Driver: This is the ultimate power move. Not only are you sober, but you also get to lord it over everyone else the next morning.
So this holiday season, channel your inner zebra—or turtle, or responsible adult—and try one of these strategies. Your liver, wallet, and HR department will thank you.
