Gen Z's Zebra Striping drinking hack is key to going out without hangovers

Dry January might be coming to an end but it's likely that some of you have enjoyed the last few weeks without hangovers so much that you want to make it a more regular thing.

Well, do I have a drinking hack for you. We've all known about the various health problems associated with alcohol for a long time now but that doesn't do much to dissuade folks that it's the best way to spend their weekends.

Although more and more people are embracing the idea of going sober full time, Dry January is a great time to test out nights out without a drink in hand, especially after the overindulgence we often experience during the chaotic Christmas period.

But, you could also make the argument that everyone is stuck inside sad about the weather in January, which naturally lowers the amount of social drinks you have anyway, and we will naturally start to go out more when the seemingly endless first month of the year if finally over and done with.

So, if you are getting to the age where hangovers hit a lot harder than they did at university, but you still want to drink when you go out, then a Gen Z tactic known as Zebra Striping might just be the best lifestyle choice for you.

Zebra Striping is a great way of avoiding a hangover (Getty Stock)

What is the Zebra Striping method?

Essentially, it sees you create a pattern on your night out where you alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, which work in several different ways to keep you from waking up feeling horrible the next morning.

One of the main reasons for feeling hungover is dehydration and if you're having a water, juice or mocktail in between your pints or cocktails, then your body will naturally be more hydrated.

You'll also drink less without even thinking about it and probably save yourself some money too, particularly if you go for the cheaper non-alcoholic options.

The only danger is if you do so much Zebra Striping that the black and white lines become blurred somewhat and you forget which one you're supposed to be on next, but then again, anyone that drinks that excessively probably wouldn't try the tactic in the first place.

Tom Holland designed an alcohol-free beer to help those in social situations (Tristan Fewings/Getty Images)

A 'redefined drinking culture'

John Herman, CEO and Co-Founder of BERO, the alcohol-free beer designed by Tom Holland, said: “This new data shows how Gen Z is redefining drinking culture.

"Rather than opting out entirely, they want the freedom to move between alcoholic and non-alcoholic options in a way that still fits around their social lives.

"Dry January is becoming less about strict rules and more about balance, a lifestyle that we are particularly attuned to at BERO.”

Research from the company suggests that one in 11 are already practicing Zebra Striping, while 32 per cent believe switching between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks is the most realistic way to cut back.

Although there's only a few days left of Dry January now, this looks like a great tactic for future nights out if you want to enjoy your Sunday mornings as much as you enjoy your Saturday nights.