So, you’ve just turned 18 and are interested in having a taste of that one strong, bubbly tasting beverage that everyone around you has been having, maybe they’re having shots of vodka or completely downing a pint of beer. Whatever the case may be, you shouldn’t rush to the deep end just yet. Your alcoholic tolerance – though you may think that you can handle whatever foreign drink your friends are talking about – is non-existent and the effects of alcohol will be much greater on a first-timer such as yourself.
So here are some of the best tips that you need to take into account if it’s your first time going to a cocktail bar and trying an alcoholic beverage.
1. Eat before and during your time of alcoholic consumption
When your body is on an empty stomach, you can end up consuming more alcohol than intended and the alcohol you consume will be metabolised by the liver much faster. This in turn can lead to a bad experience with alcohol since it’ll lead you to vomit or faint due to rejection from your body.
Therefore, it’s always a good idea to eat high-protein foods or anything of your choosing that can help slow down the metabolism of alcohol and help regulate your intake of drinks. It’s important to eat a meal before and snack during your time of fun so that you can enjoy the most out of the occasion.
2. Set a limit and stick to it.
It can be easy to get carried away in the heat of the moment but if you want to avoid having an embarrassing or uneventful night, it’s important to set a limit on how much you’ll drink for your first night out and stick to it religiously.
Recommendations for first-time drinkers are to consume 1-1.5 drinks per hour. One drink is equivalent to a can of mid-strength beer, a 30ml shot of a spirit or a 100ml glass of wine. However, most restaurants serve drinks that often contain more than one standard drink so it’s wise to simply finish and stick to that one drink you bought, for about an hour, before moving onto buying another drink.
3. Don’t play any drinking games or take shots
Understandably, it’d be fun to join in and be a part of your group of friends who are taking shots of vodka one after another however it’s important to note that over time, they’ve developed a tolerance to alcohol whereas your body sees alcohol as a foreign substance. So, don’t try to fit in and keep up with your friends, no matter how tempting it may be.
Getting intoxicated fast is not drinking properly nor is it safe to do, so if you feel pressured to do so, simply say no and be a spectator.
All in all, your first time drinking is wholly dependent on how you approach your night-out with friends. If you decide to take in more than you can handle, you can expect some pretty drab results, however the opposite is also true, if you act responsibly and stay within your limits, you’ll most certainly have a very enjoyable experience and have fun while doing so.
So be sure to count your drinks and stay safe when dealing with alcohol.
