Gen Z are widely known as the “sober curious” generation. According to a Mintel study, around a third of 18 to 24 year olds have shunned alcohol entirely, while those who do drink are more likely to moderate their alcohol intake. A survey done by KAM insights and alcohol free beer brand Lucky Saint found that 78% of Gen Z combine alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on nights out, compared with two-thirds of adults.
Around 25% of adults follow the even more disciplined practice of “zebra striping”, where they alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in a single session. It’s a way to moderate booze consumption and stay hydrated, giving the liver more of a chance to process alcohol and potentially reducing the odds of a terrible hangover the following morning.
With Christmas party season upon us, zebra striping is set to have a moment in the sun. It follows the old custom of having a glass of water for every alcoholic drink, but allows for soft drinks and no or lo alcohol alternatives. It’s also a boon in a cost of living crisis, where you’re hard pressed to find a pint in a London pub for less than £7.
As a geriatric Gen Z I can’t claim to be a devout zebra striper, and part of me thinks there’s not much point if you’re having something like a Coke as the alcohol alternative – especially in the Christmas period when sugary drinks like mulled wine and Bailey’s are already on the line up. But I have a favourite booze free tipple, which I’ll order as often as I think of it: soda water with lots of fresh lime and Angostura bitters.
It ticks all the boxes: there’s no sugar or calories and it keeps you hydrated, while the bitters add a zesty kick and tint the drink orange, making it look like a cocktail. Drinking pints of tap water in the pub gets a bit depressing, whereas I always get an “ooh, that looks fancy” for my soda lime and bitters. It’s actually the opposite of fancy – most decent pubs will give it to you for free, or no more than a pound or two. Bitters technically contain alcohol but there’s only a dash in there, so think of it as a microdose.
In the month of back to back Christmas shindigs, having an alcohol alternative up your sleeve will leave you with a clearer head, heavier pockets and (in my experience) less feelings of existential yuletide dread. What better way to ease yourself into Dry January than with Zebra Striping December?
