You can also take a small sip of the chaser before you take your shot and hold it in your mouth. Drink the shot, and then swallow the chaser and the shot at the same time. Once you have swallowed, take another sip of the chaser. Depending on the shot (i. e. tequila) you are taking, you may need to get your lemon, lime, or salt ready before you take the shot. Beer is the most commonly used chaser. Tequila can be chased with a light lager such as Tecate, Corona, or Pacifico. Bourbon pairs well with an imperial stout beer. [1] X Research source Chase with any beer that you like or ask the bartender for a suggestion. If you are drinking whiskey, try using pickle juice as a chaser. [2] X Research source
Be careful not to tilt your head too far back. You do not want to choke on the liquor. Make sure you tilt both your head and the shot glass. Titling only one of these can result in a mess. For example, if you tilt the glass but do not tilt your head back, you may spill the shot on your clothes.
Avoid breathing through your nose during the shot taking process. Breathing through your nose intensifies the taste of the shot. Remember to inhale before you take the shot. Inhaling while you take the shot will cause you to inhale fumes and cough.
Prolonging the shot can also cause the liquor to go down the wrong pipe. Keep your jaw and your throat relaxed as you swallow.
Higher quality spirits not only taste better, but they also decrease your risk of a hangover. Opt for premium liquor when possible. Dark liquors (e. g. rum, whiskey, bourbon) contain larger amounts of congeners. The increased amount of these congeners can make you have a more severe hangover. [8] X Research source Dark liquors tend to have a stronger flavor compared to light liquors. If you do not have a preference, you may want to take a shot of a clear liquor.
If you do not have measuring spoons, you can use a Solo brand cup. The bottom line of the Solo cup is 1 fl oz (30 mL). A small medicine cup that comes with a bottle of cough syrup can also be used. These cups are usually 1–2 fl oz (30–59 mL) and have measurement lines on them.
Make a toast and have everyone raise their glasses. If you are drinking with other people, do not feel pressure to drink as much as they do or pressure others to drink more.
Alcohol causes you to become dehydrated. Avoid eating salty food while drinking. [11] X Research source
Alcohol slows down your reaction time, changes your vision, and makes it more difficult for you to process information. [12] X Research source This increases your chances of getting into a wreck when you are driving. If you plan to drive home, have a drink with your meal and do not consume more than 1 glass of wine, beer, mixed drink, or shot in an hour. Again, it is best not to drink if you plan to drive.
Try not to have more than 1 drink (i. e. 5 fl oz (150 mL) of wine, 12 fl oz (350 mL) of beer, 1 mixed drink, or 1. 5 fl oz (44 mL) of hard liquor) per hour. Alternating drinks is another method you can use to pace yourself. Drink 1 cup of water or another non-alcoholic beverage for every alcoholic drink that you have.
If you or anyone you know has a drinking problem call 1-800-662-HELP to get some help. Excessive drinking is associated with many health problems including cancer, high blood pressure, and unintentional injuries. If you are pregnant, do not drink. Alcohol can be harmful to your fetus.
