What Is Zebra Striping? Gen Z’s Drinking Hack for Hangover-Free Nights

Gen Z has a reputation for rewriting the rules—and nightlife is no exception. Enter Zebra Striping, the latest drinking trend taking over social media, promising better nights out and far less painful mornings.

So, what exactly is Zebra Striping?

Zebra Striping is a simple but effective approach to drinking alcohol: alternate every alcoholic drink with a non-alcoholic one. Picture the stripes of a zebra—one alcoholic drink, one non-alcoholic drink, repeated throughout the night.

Instead of ordering back-to-back cocktails or beers, Zebra Stripers might go for:

• A cocktail followed by a glass of water

• A beer followed by a soda or sparkling water

• A wine followed by a mocktail

The goal isn’t to stop drinking altogether—it’s to drink more intentionally.

Why Gen Z is embracing it

Unlike previous generations, Gen Z is far more health-conscious and mindful of how lifestyle choices affect their mental and physical wellbeing. Zebra Striping fits perfectly into that mindset.

Here’s why it works:

• Hydration stays higher: Alcohol dehydrates the body, which is a major contributor to hangovers. Water and other non-alcoholic drinks help balance that out.

• Slower alcohol intake: Alternating drinks naturally reduces how much alcohol you consume overall.

• Lower hangover risk: Fewer headaches, less nausea, and better sleep.

• Still social: You can stay out, keep the vibe, and avoid feeling like you’re missing out.

Start smart: the role of Pregame

Zebra Striping focuses on what you drink during a night out, but preparation also plays a role in how your body handles alcohol.

That’s where Capsulyte Pregame fits in. Taken before drinking, it’s formulated to support the body’s natural alcohol metabolism pathways before alcohol exposure begins—particularly in the liver and nervous system. By supporting glutathione production, acetaldehyde clearance, and neurological balance, Pregame helps set the stage for a more controlled night out.

Paired with Zebra Striping’s built-in hydration and pacing benefits, Pregame supports a proactive approach to drinking—one that prioritizes preparation rather than reacting the next morning.

Rather than damage control after the fact, Gen Z is leaning into smarter pregame routines that help them stay ahead of the night.

More than a trend—it’s a mindset

Zebra Striping isn’t about being anti-alcohol. It’s about being pro-choice with your energy, your health, and your next-day plans. For a generation juggling busy schedules, side hustles, fitness goals, and mental health, waking up functional matters.

It also aligns with the growing sober-curious movement, where people are questioning traditional binge-drinking culture without giving up nights out entirely.

The takeaway

Zebra Striping proves you don’t need extreme rules to make smarter choices. Sometimes, it’s as simple as reaching for a water between drinks. Your future self—the one without the hangover—will thank you.

Drink smarter. Stripe it right.