'Zebra striping' is new drinking method people are using to completely change their nights out

If you’ve got plans this weekend that revolve around alcohol, then you may want to try a new drinking method called ‘zebra stripping’ on for size.

Unfortunately, the only sure-fire way to avoid a hangover from hell is not to drink.

But if you’re determined to enjoy yourself, then there are various products on the market that promise to reverse effects in 30 minutes—but it is up to you if you want to chance it.

Prefer a more natural approach? Doctors have advised eating certain foods before hitting the bottle and have previously debated whether shotting olive oil can really prevent a hangover.

There’s another method you could use to dodge headaches, hangxiety and nausea - and it’s known as ‘zebra striping’.

The idea is that after guzzling a pint, you sip on a glass of water before returning for another alcoholic beverage.

By alternating your drinks, you could mitigate the risk of developing a severe hangover (Getty Stock Image)

Rinse and repeat this method all night long, and you will likely be able to enjoy a steady session without feeling as drunk as a skunk.

And while you may not be able to completely escape a hangover, you do have the chance of mitigating symptoms if you’re constantly chugging water between glasses of vino and bubbly.

Last year, it was reported that at least one in three trips to the pub involves alcohol, and that 2.6 million fewer adults were drinking on a weekly basis compared to levels in 2021.

A study, published by Kam Insight, also suggested that a quarter of Brits are already 'zebra striping', while two-thirds of drinkers had been fitting non-alcoholic drinks into their boozy sessions, even if they weren't always using this method.

Health experts have already recommended that you follow your drinks with water to stay hydrated, especially as the hot weather rolls around.

It also dovetails with evidence which indicates that younger generations are drinking less than their parents did, so 'zebra striping' may be the key to a long night out without actually consuming much alcohol.

Swapping your pint for a glass of water may seem like a bit of a buzzkill, but it could prolong your night (Getty Stock Image)

There are apparently some other benefits to switching your drinks, as a 'master mixologist' told the Metro that adding water makes a lot of cocktails taste better.

It turns out that bombarding your tongue with strong flavours can rob each one of its distinctiveness and make things less enjoyable.

Having some water between your drinks helps reset your palette and lets you better enjoy your tipple as you make the most of a night out.

This particularly helps if you're changing cocktails each time, as water between them allows you to better enjoy the radically different new taste landing on your tongue.

Perhaps in the future we'll all be 'zebra striping'.