Mariah Carey has defrosted. The lights are up. It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year. And with that comes long lunches, work parties, family drinks and the inevitable “just one more”. I’m not here to paint that negatively, I’m very much here for it. I love Christmas. (Two guesses who organised Christmas jumper day.)
There’s something genuinely warming about the way people come together at this time of year. But there is the age-old problem of sometimes… overdoing it.
Now more than ever, we’re living in a health-conscious society. We’re constantly searching for quick hangover hacks: hydration supplements, ginger shots before drinking, and that god-awful raw egg concoction your housemate swears by. But it doesn’t need to be that complicated.
There is a way to get all the enjoyment without suffering the consequences. Because sometimes, it’s not just about how much you drink, it’s about what you’re drinking too.
Why Are Hangovers Worse at Christmas?
You might be thinking: I’m fine all year round, but as soon as Christmas hits, my tolerance disappears.
If you break it down, it makes sense. We pack a lot into a very short amount of time:
- Drinking windows get longer (hello, day drinking)
- We’re drinking less water overall
- Festive food means more salt, sugar and rich meals
- The pace of drinking speeds up - “it’s Christmas” becomes a valid excuse
- And we’re often mixing drinks: beer, wine, cocktails, spirits
I’m not here to tell you to stop any of that - it’s part of the fun. But you don’t need to give anything up to survive the season either.
How does Small Beer help?
As Small Beer is brewed between 2-2.8%, it makes for the perfect drink to coast through the night. It’s light, refreshing, and still gives you that social buzz - just without falling over after a few pints. And flavour-wise, you’re not missing out. We brew to strength, so all the deliciousness is there in abundance.
But it’s not just about choosing a “lighter” beer. There’s actual science behind it. We’ll keep it simple.
The Science Bit (Made Simple)
Alcohol has a diuretic effect, meaning it increases urine output and contributes to dehydration. And dehydration is one of the major contributors to hangovers.
As our beers brewed under 3% ABV sit below the diuretic threshold, which means less fluid loss compared to standard beers, wine or spirits.
In simple terms:
- Increased urine output = dehydration
- Dehydration = headaches, fatigue and brain fog
By choosing our beer which is between 2-2.8%, you’re helping your body stay more hydrated throughout the night, which has a huge impact on how you feel the next day.
So if you’ve got a marathon of festive plans to get through, this is how you maintain your pace. Because Christmas drinking is a marathon, not a sprint.
Why Beer Choice Matters
Not all alcohol is equal. ABV, pace of drinking and hydration all play a role in how you feel during (and after) a night out.
One of the simplest hangover-prevention strategies is choosing drinks that work with your body, not against it. Switching to mid-strength beer lets you keep the same social ritual, with less physiological stress.
And as an added bonus: lower alcohol naturally means lower calories and less sugar. That little guilt tracker just dropped another notch!
Here's a quick run-down.
Top Tips for Drinking Smarter This Christmas
Tip 1: Start Low, Stay Low
Begin sessions with mid-strength beer and stick with it.
Tip 2: Pace the Day, Not the Drink
Long events need long-game choices.
Tip 3: Match Beer to the Moment
Lunches, work dos and early evenings are prime Small Beer territory.
Tip 4: Hydration Without the Hassle
Less dehydration means less “catch-up” water required.
Tip 5: Enjoy the Morning After
Christmas isn’t one night, it’s a season.
