Parties have become like a rite of passage for young adults in India, it’s an imperative social event. There’s a lot more exposure of people at parties and gatherings lately for the sake of socializing. And most of these places involve alcohol. Having fun is surely important, but that should be accompanied with learning how to drink smart and tips for going out safely, so you can have a good time without regrets. So here’s our guide for drinking and partying smarter while enjoying your parties to the fullest.
Tips for Going Out & Drinking Smart
1. Eat well before and during the party. Foods like protein, fats, and carbs take longer to digest. So have a quick meal before the party to slow down the rate of alcohol absorption, taking longer for you to get drunk. Also make sure to keep eating during the party to slow down absorption then too.
2. Stay hydrated throughout the night, especially in between drinks. Alternate drinks with a glass of water so you don’t get dehydrated, because that increases the risk of hangovers.
3. Know your limits. Pace your drinking and avoid peer pressure. Many people feel like they need to “keep up”, but don’t fall for that voice in your head. It’s more important to stay safe and healthy.
4. Look out for your friends and for yourself. We all know how unsafe some party environments can be, especially for women. So look out for your friends, especially the girls in your group, to make sure they aren’t approached inappropriately. And never leave your drinks unattended, to make sure they aren’t being spiked.
5. Avoid binge drinking as it’s linked to accidents and long-term health impacts. Try to be more level-headed and know when to stop or slow down your drinking.
6. Plan your transport before you even get to the party. Making sure you have a safe ride back home if you plan on drinking is extremely important. Do not drive under influence, opt for public transport or taking a cab. If possible, the best solution is car-pooling with your friends. This way, you even make sure that you’re all getting home safe.
Low-Calorie & Lower Risk Drink Choices
If you’re at a party, there are some fairly healthy alcohol drinks that you can opt for that might be lower in calories and sugar:
• Light beer or craft beers: Generally lower alcohol and carbs than regular beers.
• Wine: Red or white wines in moderation can have fewer calories; red wine contains antioxidants.
• Whiskey or vodka with soda or soda water and fresh lime: Avoid sugary mixers like cola or sodas.
• Cocktails with fresh ingredients: Try mojitos or gin and tonic with fresh herbs, mint, and lime. Avoid heavy creamy cocktails.
• Screwdriver (vodka and fresh orange juice): A simple and better alternative to sugary cocktails.
House Parties: Cosy Alternative to Going Out
Want a fun, relaxed way to socialise without the noise, unwanted crowds, and heavy expenses of clubs or bars? Host a house party! It’s the best alternative to going out but still letting loose and partying with your friends. You get to enjoy:
• Your own personal space, whether the host is you or a friend. You still get to be in a much more comfortable environment where the host controls the vibe – whether it’s the music, the food, or dance mode.
• A budget-friendly party experience. No need for expensive cover charges or overpriced drinks with minimal food. You can have guests bring their own food and beverages (BYOB might be the greatest invention for house parties) and serve light homemade snacks through the night. This way, you also make sure everyone’s getting some food in throughout the night – one of the important parts of drinking smart. The only cost to really bear is for the drinks and the travel to get there.
• Comfort and convenience of a familiar space. No need for dress codes, no queues, just the freedom to relax at your own pace. You can move around, mingle, or just chill in the comfort of a familiar living room. And if you’re the host, there’s also no trouble of “getting home”!
• Safer and more controlled environment. Hosts can control the number of guests and alcohol consumption, creating a safer space than club or bar scenes where you can’t predict or control the situation. It’s also safer this way to avoid strangers – you get to be in your own space with your own people.
Tips to Avoid Hangovers
Since we’re exploring tips for going out safely while still having fun, let’s also look at some ways to avoid that dreaded next day’s hangover.
1. Stay Hydrated: Water really is the solution for everything. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after drinks so you don’t end up dehydrated by the end of your night.
2. Eat Well Before Drinking: As we said before, having a quick meal before going out to drink will slow down alcohol absorption, thus reducing the hangover risk.
3. Choose Drinks Wisely: Go for lighter alcoholic beverages with fewer congeners, such as vodka, gin, or rum. And avoid darker liquors like whiskey or tequila because these tend to cause worse hangovers.
4. Pace Your Drinks: Limit yourself to only one drink per hour and try to avoid binge drinking. Space out alcoholic drinks with water or herbal teas.
5. Avoid Mixing Liquors: Stick to one type of alcohol per occasion to reduce the risk of more severe hangovers.
These simple tips can help you enjoy the party without worrying about the chances of a severe hangover the next day.
Final Thoughts
Party culture is a part of the youth’s lifestyles now, so responsible drinking and safety awareness go a long way in keeping those nights memorable for the right reasons. Just make smart drinking choices, pace yourself, know your limits, and always prioritise health and safety. The best party memories come from your friends, laughter, and good vibes – not just alcohol.
FAQs
Q1. What are safe partying tips?
Go with people you know and trust, be aware of your surroundings, don’t leave your drinks unattended, and always look out for your friends too. Make sure you have a safe transport home before even leaving the house.
Q2. What is the 1/2/3 rule of drinking?
The 1/2/3 rule of drinking means you should space out your alcoholic drinks by having just one drink per hour, not more than two drinks per occasion, and having three alcohol-free days per week.
Q3. How to drink alcohol smartly?
Make sure to eat some protein or carbs before drinking and throughout the night, keep hydrating yourself with water in between drinks, choose low-alcohol or healthier mixers, and know your limits to avoid overconsumption.