There’s a reason why drinking alcohol in the heat feels more intense than drinking in cooler temperatures. It’s because alcohol’s effects are more intense in the heat. 

Here’s a short explanation of why that is: When it’s hot outside, you sweat more. As you sweat, fluid leaves your body. If you aren’t replacing this fluid, you can become dehydrated, which can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. As you drink and the alcohol enters your bloodstream, it acts as a diuretic. This makes you urinate more, which causes even more fluid to leave your body…leaving you feeling hot and dried-out.

That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy boozy drinks this summer. Just like balancing alcohol with your fitness goals, understanding the science of what’s happening in your body when you drink is key to feeling great without sacrificing fun with friends. 

What Happens When you Drink Alcohol on Hot Days?

On hot days, your body experiences the same things you’d experience when drinking in cooler temperatures. One of these is lowered vasopressin production. Vasopressin, your body’s antidiuretic hormone, is the hormone that tells your kidneys to retain water. With lower vasopressin levels, you pee more. This has a compounding effect on your body’s natural cooling strategies. 

When your internal temperature rises, often due to being exposed to heat, you sweat. This is a cooling mechanism, as the liquid sweat releases body heat through evaporation. Another natural cooling mechanism is the dilation of your blood vessels, which allows a higher amount of blood than usual to travel away from your core, bringing the heat to your skin so it can radiate out. The trade-off here is that when your blood vessels dilate, your blood pressure can drop, which can increase your risk of fainting. Continually urinating and losing fluid exacerbates these processes, which can make alcohol’s effects feel more severe. 

Hydration is Key When you’re Drinking Alcohol in the Heat

Because your body’s responses to the heat can make alcohol hit you harder, it’s important to plan ahead and mitigate these effects. The best way to do this is to stay hydrated. 

There are a few ways to stay hydrated on hot summer days. One is to increase the amount of water you drink. Generally, drinking one eight-ounce glass of water for each alcoholic drink you consume is an effective way to stay hydrated. Other strategies to keep yourself hydrated on hot days include:

• Eating hydrating foods like cucumbers, cantaloupe, and watermelon

• Opting for mixed drinks that contain ice and seltzer, rather than sodas

• Taking breaks from the heat by moving indoors, into the shade, or taking a dip in the pool

In addition to staying hydrated, you can mitigate alcohol’s impact on your body by optimizing how you process it. As part of your wellness routine, BuzzClear delivers a balanced ratio of ADH and ALDH enzymes. These enzymes may aid in breaking down acetaldehyde before it accumulates in your bloodstream, helping you feel clear, focused and energized the next day. 

What are the Best Alcoholic Drinks for Summer?

Generally, the best alcoholic drinks for hot weather are drinks that can help keep you hydrated. Keep this in mind as you decide what to drink at your next BBQ, sporting event, or summertime dinner with friends. 

Anything mixed with soda water and served with ice is a better choice than a drink served neat because this puts water back into your body. 

Lemon, lime, and orange are popular flavors and garnishes for summertime drinks because citrus fruits have a high water content and vitamin C can help protect your body from heat’s stressful effects. 

Looking for drinks that will help you stay hydrated? Opt for drinks with sparkling water or tonic in them, like a Hugo spritz or gin and tonic. 

Here are a few of our summertime faves: 

• Gin & tonic

• Spritzes like Aperol or  Campari

• Moscow Mule

• Mint Julep

• Mojito

Save heavier drinks like high-ABV beers, anything milk-based, dessert wines, and drinks served without ice for cooler weather. 

Make Hydration Part of your Summer Wellness Regimen

This summer, make hydration part of your day-to-day wellness ritual. Carry a water bottle with you, get your electrolytes in, and include BuzzClear in your routine. By supporting your body’s ability to metabolize alcohol, you can take the edge off the heat before you hit the bar or backyard bbq. 

Interested in trying BuzzClear? Try it now.