Last Updated on October 5, 2023

With warmer months here, the season of sunshine, barbecues, beach parties, and an array of festivals and celebrations. It’s also the season of day drinking, a tradition that’s often synonymous with leisure and relaxation. 

Whether it’s toasting to a sunny long weekend, sipping mimosas at brunch on a sunny patio, or celebrating the various festivals that occur during the summer months.  

For many, there’s something uniquely delightful about enjoying a cold, refreshing drink in the broad daylight. However, as enticing as day drinking can be, it’s crucial to remember that it comes with its own set of challenges.

Day drinking, while often glamorized in popular culture can often lead to worse hangovers, less discipline and worse sleep in general. 

Starting to drink in the early afternoon, combined with the summer heat can often lead to excessive drinking, which is not only detrimental to your health but can also put a damper on the festive spirits. 

That’s why it’s crucial to adopt a mindful drinking approach if and when you choose to crack open a couple of brews in the park. 

We’re here to ensure your enjoyment is not at the expense of your wellbeing. We believe that, with the right strategies, you can indulge in day drinking responsibly, enjoying your favorite events and celebrations without the fear of a looming hangover. 

So here are our top ten day drinking tips to help you navigate the blissful summer days with grace and mindfulness.

10 Ways to Enjoy Day Drinking, Without Suffering The Hangover

Mindful day drinking is all about appreciating the moment, savoring your drink, and looking after your wellbeing. 

By following these tips, you can enjoy your summer parties, festivals, and brunches without the worry of adverse effects. 

So whether you’re cheering on a parade, relaxing on a sunny weekend, or toasting a barbecue, remember to drink responsibly and enjoy the day. Cheers to a fun-filled, mindful summer!

1) Prioritize Hydration

Day drinking in the sun can quickly lead to dehydration. Ensuring you keep hydrated not only helps avoid a hangover from day drinking, but it’s also essential for overall health. Swap in water or a non-alcoholic drink between your alcoholic beverages to maintain hydration.

2) Savor Slowly

Mindful drinking is all about appreciating the drink in your hand. Rather than racing to finish your drink, take your time. Experience the textures, aromas, and flavors. This approach will not only enhance your drinking experience but also help you drink less, reducing the risk of a hangover. One way to ensure you’re taking it slow is to keep track of your drinks as you’re having them. It will help you stay aware of what you’re consuming, and give you a better idea of how long it takes you to go from feeling pleasantly tipsy, to the dreaded feeling of spins and nausea. Use a mindful drinking app like Sunnyside to help stay accountable. 

3) Choose Wisely

The best drinks for day drinking aren’t necessarily the strongest ones. Opt for drinks with a lower alcohol content to pace yourself throughout the day. Light beers, spritzers, or cocktails with a healthy splash of soda water are excellent choices. For more ideas on low-calorie cocktails and lower carb drinks, check out this Periodic table of calories in alcohol. 

4) Listen to Your Body

Stay attuned to your body’s responses. If you feel dizzy or have a headache, it’s a clear sign to slow down or stop drinking altogether. Your body knows best; make sure to listen to it.

5) Plan Ahead

Day drinking often starts casually, but without a plan, it could lead to unexpected consequences. Determine your limits beforehand and stick to them. Remember, it’s not a race to see who can drink the most. Start by using Sunnyside’s weekly-planning feature to create a drinking target for the day so that you can stay accountable. If you don’t already have a personalized plan, just take the 3-minute quiz here to get started. 

6) Avoid Drinking on an Empty Stomach

Having a meal before you start day drinking can slow the absorption of alcohol. This practice also decreases the chances of nausea, dizziness, and other adverse effects. 

7) Take Breaks

Day drinking is a marathon, not a sprint. Consider taking breaks to enjoy other activities. A walk on the beach, a game of frisbee, or simply enjoying the summer scenery can give your body time to process the alcohol. And of course, bring lots of water to stay hydrated. Alcohol and heat can speed up dehydration and increase the risk of getting drunk too fast, which could lead to more concerning outcomes like alcohol blackouts. 

8) Be Mindful of the Heat

With summer day drinking, the heat can intensify the effects of alcohol. Try to stay in shaded areas, use sunscreen, and wear a hat to protect yourself. Use the 1 to 1 ratio rule of a glass of water for every alcoholic beverage you have. 

9) Know Your Limits

This tip is essential for any kind of drinking. Knowing your limits and sticking to them can greatly reduce your chances of getting a hangover from day drinking. Sunnyside makes it easier for you to keep track of your limits, and get better at building positive drinking habits. 

10) Choose Quality Over Quantity

Finally, it’s about the quality of your experience, not only the number of drinks consumed. Choosing a higher quality beverage and savoring it can make day drinking more enjoyable and less likely to result in a hangover.

So in conclusion, summer day drinking can be a delightful part of your vacation or weekend routine if done mindfully. By following the above day drinking tips, you will ensure a healthier, safer, and more enjoyable experience. 

Let’s make this summer not only fun but also responsible, cultivating a mindful approach to our drinking habits. Happy summer!