You know the "4:00 PM Slump," right? That moment where the sun’s blazing, your feet are sore, and suddenly half the group is either flagging… or accidentally going way too hard.

Zebra Striping is the simple hack that keeps you feeling good and keeps the party rolling.

It sounds like a fashion trend, but it’s actually one of the smartest festival drinking habits from the last couple of years—especially if you want to make it to the headline act without wobbling off for a lie-down.

So, what exactly is Zebra Striping?

In the world of mindful drinking, Zebra Striping is the practice of alternating between an alcoholic drink and a non-alcoholic one throughout the night (or day).

Think of it like the stripes on a zebra:

• Black Stripe: A Canvino (10.5% ABV Italian Sparkling Wine).
• White Stripe: An alc-free wine/beer, soft drink or water
• Repeat.

For you, it’s dead simple: you pace yourself, stay hydrated without thinking about it, and keep that fun, buzzy “sweet spot” going for longer. No peaking at 5:00 PM and missing the best set because you’ve hit the wall.

Why it works so well at festivals

Festivals are basically a perfect storm—heat, dancing, long queues, and that classic “shall we just get another?” energy. Zebra Striping cuts through the chaos.

And here’s the clever bit: if your “white stripe” is something that still feels like a proper drink (not a sugary fizz or sad tap water), it’s easier to stick with. Pick a great alternative to your usual tipple if it's available from the bar.

The stamina move: last longer without the drama

Zebra Striping is basically a stamina cheat code.

What you get:

1. More energy: Less of that sudden “why do I feel awful?” crash.
2. Fewer regrets: You’re far less likely to tip over the edge by accident.
3. More festival for your money: You actually make it to the headline, the encore… the whole shabang.

And if summer makes an appearance again this year (miracles happen), this becomes even more of a no-brainer.

Cans = less faff (and a quiet eco win)

Let’s be real—glass at festivals is a nightmare. Cans are just easier. They’re lighter to carry, chill quicker, and you’re not constantly doing that “please don’t drop it” dance in a crowd.

Plus, they’re infinitely recyclable, which—given the global warming crisis—is a handy bonus without making it a whole lecture. Good for you, good for the bins. Job done.

How to do Zebra Striping today (no admin required)

Don’t overthink it. Just make your next round a stripe.

1) Pick your stripes
Go alcoholic, then 0%, then alcoholic… you get the idea.

2) Use the queue as your cue
If you’re already waiting ages for a drink, that’s a perfect moment to grab a 0% and reset.

3) Get your mate involved
Make it a group thing. One person goes “white stripe” and suddenly everyone’s like… actually, yeah. That sounds smart.

The bottom line

Zebra Striping isn’t about being boring. It’s about staying upright, feeling good, and squeezing every last bit out of the day you paid for.

So next time you’re at a festival, try it:
Black stripe. White stripe. Repeat.

Don’t peak early. Give yourself the stripes you need to make it to the final encore.