Q. My favorite scene when drinking alcohol with friends is when the conversation gets lively with the first 1-2 drinks. But it (and us) usually goes a little downhill. Is there a way to keep the topic of the evening going all night without getting cluttered?
A. Did you drink a little too much at Christmas? A dry January is a good idea, but you’re far better off changing your years of drinking habits. We’ve all been there, and one too many drinks and everything starts to fall apart.
Do not drink on an empty stomach. Pretty dangerous. A full stomach slows down the absorption of alcohol, so eat a slice or two of bread before you leave the house, even if you’re heading out for dinner. Eat with a drink, but avoid salty snacks that make you thirsty.
drink lots of water. Reduce alcohol consumption and stay hydrated. If you’re sitting down to dinner, this should be easy.If you’re in a pub, alternate alcoholic beverages with water. If you feel embarrassed to order water (no reason to), go for a non-alcoholic beer. Most of them are very good and offer very enjoyable alternatives.
drink more slowly. We tend to drink too much when in company. Slow down and enjoy the (probably very expensive) drink you have in hand, even if it means missing the round.
Place a glass between sips. Standing in a crowded pub isn’t easy, but you can stop drinking without a break.
Be careful with cocktails. For some, the sweetness hides a strong alcoholic punch. Check the amount of alcohol it contains or avoid it altogether. A shot is definitely a bad idea.
Set the 10:30 p.m. rule. At some point in my life, I went from a pub to a party and realized I was drinking too much. I was still a little fussy, but I found myself enjoying the party more.