3 Tips for Responsible Drinking This Holiday Season

From hot buttered rum to eggnog to peppermint schnapps — the holidays are home to dozens of tasty alcoholic beverages to help you stave off the winter chill. That said, with all of the delicious and festive options to choose from and festive spirit in the air, responsible drinking practices can sometimes get left out in the cold.

Ready to start rockin’ around the Christmas tree in a more responsible way? We’re here to help.

Here are three helpful tips on how you can enjoy your favorite festive beverages more responsibly this holiday season.

1. Quality Over Quantity

Just like with presents, when it comes to drinking, quality is more important than quantity. With so many rich and flavorful drink options at your disposal, why waste your time chugging a tub of low-grade liquor?

Two of the best ways to make sure you don’t drink too much during a holiday party are to set a drink limit and to savor your drinks slowly.

Setting a drink limit ahead of time will help you keep track of how much you’ve had and steer you toward higher quality, tastier drinks. Sipping and savoring your drinks will make them last longer, so you’ll feel like you’ve had a lot when you’ve only had a few.

Another way to help limit and control your alcohol intake is by having a glass of water in between drinks.

2. Don’t Forget the Fruitcake!

While you don’t have to choke down a few slices of fruitcake throughout the evening, if you’re planning on drinking, you should try to eat something.

Eating while you drink helps your body process the alcohol you put in your system, so you won’t wind up getting too drunk, super fast. So, before you dip into the hot buttered rum, scarf down a few gingerbread men, or something a bit more substantial — either way, your body will thank you in the morning.

3. Put Your DD on the ‘Nice’ List

Here’s a fun festive fact: an OWI will put you on the naughty list for life, and that’s not the worst outcome if driving after one too many mugs of mulled wine.

One of the best ways to ensure you get home safely while having a holly, jolly time is by coordinating a way to get home once the party winds down.

Set a designated driver at the start of the night, or coordinate to hire a rideshare service or taxi with a few friends to make sure everyone gets home safely. Whichever method you choose, try to show a little extra love to your driver by giving them a small Christmas present, like a gift card.

Not only will this act as an incentive for your designated driver to stay away from the eggnog, but it will also show them how much you appreciate them looking out for you.

Your Holiday Guide to Responsible Drinking

By following this handy guide to responsible drinking, you’ll be able to get in the spirit without overdoing it on the spirits.

Are you looking for more advice on how to make sure this holiday season is one for the books? We’ve got you covered. Check out the rest of our blog for more festive tips and tricks today! Happy holidays!