Buzz
Sunny days and alcoholic drinks are a natural pairing. Whether it's a beer on the beach, a mojito by the pool, or a discreet flask at a family event, daytime drinking offers a unique vibe compared to an evening glass of wine.
Let me say this in the healthiest way possible: I adore daytime drinking. We’ve previously explored the joys of using jam to make any drink suitable for morning, as well as crafting the ideal backyard cocktail. You never know when a relaxed outdoor gathering might turn into a lively “darty” (day + party). (This is not to be confused with the less appealing term “dage”; or day + rage.)
Day drinking, much like an endurance event, requires a solid strategy. My college-era approach of self-induced vomiting and then “rallying” is far from what experts would consider “sustainable,” “recommended,” or “wise.” Here are our top tips to ensure you stay safe and fully enjoy your sunny, boozy day.
Take it slow
Think of this as a marathon, not a sprint. The most crucial advice that underpins all the following tips is to moderate your drinking. Don’t assume that your ability to handle multiple drinks quickly at night will translate well to your neighbor’s daytime barbecue.
While we’ll discuss the importance of eating and drinking water during daytime drinking, it’s equally vital to be aware of the quantity and type of alcohol you’re consuming. Summer cocktails can be deceptively easy to drink—keep track of how much and how quickly you’re consuming them. (For better control, here’s a simple method to calculate your drink’s alcohol content.)
It’s common knowledge that sipping a beer or two over an hour is far more manageable than chugging from a margarita pitcher. A timeless strategy is to drink a glass of water between every alcoholic beverage. Speaking of which...
Replenish and hydrate
Alcohol causes dehydration, and this risk is heightened during summer days due to the sun. While you don’t need to stress about “breaking the seal,” drinking leads to more frequent urination, resulting in greater water loss than intake. Staying hydrated by drinking water alongside alcohol is always crucial, but it becomes even more essential on hot days.
Ideally, you’ve had a substantial breakfast and aren’t drinking on an empty stomach. Fortunately, one of the best parts of daytime drinking is the abundance of barbecue and cookout snacks. Food helps slow alcohol absorption, so snacking throughout the day is highly recommended.
Step away from the heat
Sun exposure worsens the dehydration caused by alcohol. As a safety measure, it’s wise to either avoid alcohol or limit its consumption on extremely hot days. Dehydration increases the risk of heat-related illnesses, which can be dangerous in severe cases.
Moreover, since alcohol affects your judgment, you’re more likely to end up with painful sunburns.
Exercise extra caution near water
If you’re on a boat, first, I envy you. Second: Stay vigilant. Drinking near water is risky because alcohol significantly raises the chances of drowning. In fact, as we’ve discussed before, 70 percent of drowning incidents during outdoor activities involve alcohol. Even experienced swimmers can be in danger if they fall or jump into the water while intoxicated. (A life jacket is a smart addition to any water-based day drinking event.)
Stay sharp
Daylight might trick you into thinking you’re more in control than when you’re in a dimly lit bar, but alcohol remains a sedative. It affects your judgment, balance, vision, and reaction time.
As you continue drinking throughout the day, late-night antics might start as early as 3 p.m. Keep your phone in a safe spot—away from water and out of reach to avoid sending regrettable messages that will seem far worse when you’re sober.
And if you had an absolutely fantastic time—which I truly hope you did—here are the most effective hangover remedies you can use.
