To Drink Or Not To Drink

To drink or not to drink? Is that question on your mind when you're invited to parties or get-togethers? Does the risk of allergens being present in your drink worry you?

Below are 4 tips that can help you safely navigate alcoholic beverages at social gatherings.

1️⃣ EDUCATE YOURSELF
This includes being aware of your triggers and researching allergy-friendly alcoholic beverages that you can safely consume. Gather as much information as you can about the alcoholic beverages and ingredients that can trigger your allergies. Next, familiarize yourself with alcohol brands that are safe for you.

2️⃣ COMMUNICATE CLEARLY
Ensure your hosts and bartenders know about your allergies. You will need to communicate to them that they use clean glasses and utensils to avoid cross-contact. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for ingredient lists or labels on alcoholic beverages. This is especially true for some cocktails and craft beers. They may contain unexpected ingredients.

3️⃣ BE CAUTIOUS WITH MIXED DRINKS
Try not to complicate the situation by consuming mixed cocktails. These drinks often involve several ingredients and can be very risky. It’s safer to stick to single-ingredient beverages such as wine or pure spirits. Garnishes, such as citrus slices or maraschino cherries, can also be troublesome. It is possible they might have been handled with utensils that touched allergenic substances.

4️⃣ HAVE A BACKUP PLAN
ALWAYS carry your epinephrine auto-injectors and antihistamines on you. If you are going with friends and close acquaintances, make sure they are familiar with your emergency plan and know how to administer epinephrine and other medication in case of an emergency. If you feel uncomfortable or uncertain about the drinks being served, you must absolutely not feel embarrassed to politely decline and consider leaving. It is better to leave than put your safety at risk.