Skip to content
Whether you're hosting a party, planning a dinner, or just looking to enjoy a weekend with balance, alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (what we like to call "zebra striping your sips") is a savvy and stylish approach to drinking well.
What Is Zebra Striping for Drinks?
Borrowed from design lingo, zebra striping refers to alternating elements to improve clarity and flow. In the world of beverages, it means intentionally rotating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout your event (or evening). This technique offers a mindful way to pace yourself, stay hydrated, and explore the full flavor spectrum.
Why Stripe Your Sips?
1. Better Balance, More Enjoyment
Alternating drinks helps you savor each one. It slows your pace, gives your body time to process, and keeps the vibes going longer.
2. Keep the Flavor Going
Today’s non-alcoholic drinks are crafted with just as much care and complexity as their boozy counterparts. Spritzes, aperitifs, botanical spirits, and zero-proof wines bring bold flavors to the table—no sacrifice needed.
3. Make Everyone Feel Included
When your cooler or bar cart includes options for every kind of drinker, everyone feels welcome. Your friends who are pregnant, sober-curious, driving, or just not drinking that night? They’re covered too.
4. Wake Up Feeling Great
Spoiler alert: you can enjoy the night and still wake up refreshed. That’s the real win.
Zebra Striping in Action: How to Do It
Here’s how to craft the ultimate zebra-striped drink menu for your next gathering:
|
Round |
Drink Type |
Inspiration |
|
1 |
🍸 Alcoholic |
Classic Gin & Tonic or Spicy Margarita |
|
2 |
🧉 Non-Alcoholic |
Lyre’s Amalfi Spritz or a De Soi Golden Hour |
|
3 |
🍷 Alcoholic |
Light-bodied Pinot Noir or chilled Rosé |
|
4 |
🍾 Non-Alcoholic |
Leitz Sparkling Riesling or French Bloom Blanc |
|
5 |
🍹 Alcoholic |
Mojito or Whiskey Sour |
|
6 |
🧊 Non-Alcoholic |
Pentire Coastal Spritz or Three Spirit Livener |
Tips for a Well-Striped Soirée
-
Label Your Bar: Use signage to distinguish NA from alcoholic drinks.
-
Use Matching Glassware: Elevate the non-alcoholic options with beautiful presentation.
-
Keep NA Options Chilled & Accessible: Ice buckets, coolers, and garnishes help them shine.
-
Encourage the Stripe: Make it a challenge or theme: "Every other round is zero-proof!"
Final Sip
Zebra striping your drinks is more than a smart drinking strategy—it’s a celebration of choice. With the rise of high-quality non-alcoholic options, it’s never been easier (or more delicious) to create a party where everyone can sip and feel good, no matter what’s in their glass.
So go ahead—pour, pause, repeat. And remember: balance looks good on everyone.
