Gen Z's Shift in Drinking Culture: The Zebra Striping Trend
Could Zebra Stripe Pattern Aid in Moderation of Alcohol Intake?
Every generation brings its own twist to the drinking game, and Gen Z is no exception. Surprisingly, this generation is sipping less booze than their predecessors. A recent Gallup Poll in 2023 revealed that 38% of adults under 35 no longer drink, a 10% increase from two decades ago[1]. This trend has sparked a new appreciation for non-alcoholic drinks and mocktails, now gracing the menus of the hippest cocktail bars.
Xander Jones, manager of Etch in Nashville, Tennessee, has noticed a significant shift. "A couple of years ago, I'd get a handful of guests asking for non-alcoholic beers every few months, but now it's practically expected you have a few on your menu, and many guests are seekin' de-alcoholized wines and whacky 'fauxtails'!" he says[2].
This mix of drinking habits is all about cutting back, and they've coined it "zebra striping." You're prob'ly thinkin', "Eh, what's that got to do with stripes?" It's like this - people alternate drinkin' alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages when hangin' out. It's a sneaky way to keep an eye on how much they're poundin' back without seemin' like a buzzkill[1][2].
Dietitian Carolina Schneider, MS, RD, puts it this way: "It appears to be gainin' popularity, particularly among younger generations, who seem more concerned about their booze intake and overall health[2]."
MariElena Raya, co-owner of cocktail mixer brand Bittermilk Bottling Co., agrees. "There's an increasing demand for healthy, creative, and flavorful non-alcoholic options that fit into this lifestyle," she says[3].
So, how does it go down? Most folks follow a 1:1 ratio - one alcoholic drink, followed by a non-alcoholic drink (mocktails, sparkling water, NA beer, you name it). This can also help keep ya hydrated and avoid that awful hangover the next day[2].
"I think of it as a more enduring successor to the 'sober curious' movement; it doesn't prescribe total abstinence, but encourages guests to be more conscious of how much they're consumin'," says Jones[2].
There are plenty of benefits to this trendy approach. "While it's possible to enjoy alcohol in moderation and still maintain good health, it's common knowledge that alcohol ain't exactly beneficial[2]," says Schneider. Zebra striping can help reduce your booze intake, improve hydration, and lessen or avoid those mornings when you can't even handle the sunlight[1][2].
"Non-alcoholic drinks provide an opportunity to experiment with flavors that can complement or cleanse the palate between more intense alcoholic beverages," says Raya[3].
If you're down to give zebra striping a go, legends like Raya and Jones recommend bridging your drink choices, connectin' the flavors between the bevvies[3]. Here are a few wacky pairin' recommendations:* Gin and tonic, followed by an NA cucumber mojito* Manhattan, followed by a cranberry juice, lime, and sparkling water cocktail* White negroni, followed by an NA version using an NA amaro instead of Campari[3]
However, this trend ain't for everyone[1]. Abstinence remains the best bet for individuals with liver disease or a history of alcohol use disorder. "But for social or moderate drinkers lookin' to cut back without feelin' like they're missin' out, it's a practical and sustainable option[2]," says Schneider.
Enrichment Data:
- Zebra Striping is a trend among younger drinkers where they alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during social gatherings to control their alcohol intake.
- Alcohol affects the health of the liver and, if overconsumed, can lead to liver disease. For individuals with liver disease or a history of alcohol use disorder, abstinence remains the best option.
- Many bars and restaurants offer a wide variety of non-alcoholic drinks, such as mocktails, sodas, and "NA" beers.
- Non-alcoholic drinks can be just as flavorful as their boozy counterparts, and experimenting with different flavors can enhance the overall drinking experience.
- Moderate drinking can be enjoyed in small amounts, but it's recommended to be mindful of alcohol intake and pay attention to personal health and wellbeing.
- This trend among younger drinkers, known as "zebra striping," involves alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to maintain control over alcohol intake, supporting a focus on health and wellness.
- Dietitian Carolina Schneider emphasizes the increasing popularity of this approach, particularly among younger generations who seem to prioritize their booze intake and overall health.
- The "zebra striping" approach can offer various benefits, including reduced alcohol consumption, improved hydration, and the opportunity to explore creative and flavorful non-alcoholic options in the realm of fitness and exercise, nutrition, and health-and-wellness.
- While abstinence may be necessary for individuals with liver disease or a history of alcohol use disorder, moderate drinkers looking to cut back without compromising their social life can find "zebra striping" a practical and sustainable option to ensure their overall health.
