June 20th 2024.
There's been a recent increase in the number of people opting for a sober curious lifestyle, with more individuals choosing to zebra stripe on their nights out. From being mindful of their drinking to trying lo-booze cocktails, it seems like the Brits are exploring a new way of enjoying a night out without alcohol. In fact, this year alone, an estimated 8.5 million people took part in Dry January, and according to Alcohol Change UK, one in four adults are looking to reduce their alcohol intake.
This rise in the popularity of "zebra striping" suggests that more and more people are cutting back on their alcohol consumption. As stated in the Low & No 2024: Drinking Differently report, a quarter of individuals are now zebra striping on every night out. Essentially, this means alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the night. This number increases to two in three adults when looking at those who mix both types of drinks without specifically zebra striping.
While we've always been told to drink a glass of water for every glass of alcohol to avoid a hangover, the concept of zebra striping takes it a step further. According to Millie Gooch, founder of Sober Girl Society, switching between alcoholic and 0% alternatives can actually improve our relationship with alcohol. Millie, who gave up alcohol in September 2018 at the age of 26, understands the challenges of having a "tricky" relationship with booze. She has since become an advocate for sober lifestyles, proving that it's possible to have a great time without alcohol.
"Zebra striping is essentially a rebrand of the advice to drink water between alcoholic drinks that's been around for years," says Millie. "By opting for tasty non-alcoholic drinks, people are more likely to slow down on a night out. Often, individuals don't even wait to see how the previous drink makes them feel before moving on to the next one. Alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks allows them to be more aware of how alcohol is affecting them in the moment and make more conscious decisions about whether or not they need another drink."
Aside from helping individuals be more mindful of their alcohol consumption, zebra striping also has physical health benefits. As pharmacist Ian Budd from Chemist4U explains, alcohol is a diuretic, which leads to dehydration. By drinking water in between alcoholic drinks, one can replenish the fluids lost and alleviate hangover symptoms such as headaches, dry mouth, fatigue, and dizziness. Additionally, alternating with water also slows down the rate at which alcohol is consumed, giving the liver more time to process it and reducing the acute effects of alcohol.
But is zebra striping really better than having entirely alcohol-free nights? According to Ian, there's no clear evidence to suggest one is better than the other. Both strategies have their own benefits and can promote responsible alcohol consumption. On the other hand, taking breaks from alcohol completely can have physiological benefits, allowing the liver and other organs to recover and reducing the risk of developing chronic conditions.
Plus, mixing up your drinks can also enhance your overall drinking experience. Master mixologist Patrick Pistolesi from NIO Cocktails explains that drinking several cocktails with strong flavors can lead to "flavor fatigue," where your taste buds become overwhelmed and the taste won't be the same as the first sip. Sipping water in between drinks helps reset your taste buds, allowing you to fully enjoy each cocktail and appreciate the unique ingredients and craftsmanship that goes into each drink.
So the next time you're out for a night of drinks, consider zebra striping to be both a mindful and enjoyable option. And if you're still not convinced, just remember that even your favorite cocktails will taste better with a side of water. Cheers to making responsible and delicious drinking choices!
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