6 Ways to Stay Hydrated After A Night Out

It’s Saint Patrick’s Day weekend and the streets of your city are filled with excitement and a sea of green. You and your friends are bouncing from bar to bar raising pints of Guinness to celebrate. You’re at your favorite Irish pub surrounded by laughter, shots, and some slightly questionable dance moves, when a mild headache creeps in reminding you that it may be a good idea to grab a drink of water. 

Staying hydrated while drinking, isn’t just about dodging the “Sunday Scaries”; it’s about feeling your best while you’re out and about. 

Here’s how to skip dehydration and prevail with celebration, to have the best time and not accidentally Irish exit or wake up regretting your decisions.

Before you bar hop with your friends, make sure to eat a protein-rich meal. Protein takes longer to digest, slowing the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream and preventing you from feeling tipsy too quickly. Some great options are grilled chicken, fish, Greek yogurt and eggs. Additionally, consuming protein helps your body hold on to fluids to keep you hydrated.

While you are getting ready for the fun night ahead, make sure to drink at least 16 – 20oz of water, but we would recommend opting for more. You will want to get a head start and prep your body for the day ahead. Some of our favorite bottles to help stay hydrated are the 30oz Groove Tumbler and the 40oz Leisure Tumbler, both stainless steel bottles with a protective non-leak lid that allows you to hit your water intake goals.

While the pints are flowing and strangers are offering Jameson shots, it is ideal to follow the golden rule. If you haven’t heard of the golden rule, it recommends having one glass of water for every alcoholic drink you have. Therefore, alternate between water and your drink of choice to avoid dehydration. If you are able to bring a water tumbler with you while you celebrate, we highly recommend the 32oz Powel Bottle. It comes with an easy to carry handle and a flip-up straw.

As tasty as a cosmopolitan or rum and coke is, the sugar is not helping you stay hydrated. The combination of sugar and alcohol can accelerate the rate of dehydration. Instead of a sugary cocktail opt for mixers such as soda water, tonic, or fresh lemon or lime juice.

Have electrolytes for hydration! Keep an electrolyte packet or two on hand throughout the night. If you are not up for carrying a purse, we highly recommend The Agenda, a 40oz tumbler with a detachable pocket for all of your essentials, including your electrolyte packets. Electrolytes can help replenish minerals lost while drinking, especially if it is paired with dancing and sweating. 

Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium are essential for balancing the fluids in your body — something plain water alone may not achieve. If you don’t have any electrolyte packets on deck, you can opt for a natural electrolyte by adding a pinch of salt to your water to help give your body what it needs to stay hydrated.

Your last drink of the night should be water. Ditch the nightcap and opt for a glass of plain crisp ice water (or room temperature water if that’s what you prefer). But of course, don’t just have a sip. We would fill a 32oz or larger tumbler, drink at least 16oz before bed and keep the rest on the nightstand to finish before waking up. Double the points, if you add electrolytes or salt to it!

Whether it’s a holiday, a birthday, or just a nonchalant get-together, hydration can be easily overlooked, especially when your favorite cocktail is involved. However, it is important to stay hydrated while having a fun night out to decrease hangover symptoms, maintain energy, and help your body process alcohol more efficiently. So, next time you raise a glass, make sure you are raising a water bottle too!