Let’s be honest—many of us step into social situations with the best of intentions. But what starts with one casual drink can quickly spiral into rounds you didn’t plan for, a blurred ending, and a terrible morning after. It doesn't matter if you're sober curious, aiming to cut back, or just keen to feel better after a night out, because there are smarter, more enjoyable ways to pace yourself.

Here’s how to get the most out of your night—and your morning—minus the boozy sacrifices.

The Problem with the "One or Two That Turn Into Ten"

We’ve all been there. A quiet pint, a glass of wine, or a “just one” G&T that somehow ends in rounds of Jägerbomb’s and a bank statement full of regrets. Alcohol is moreish and it dissolves your willpower—meaning moderation often flies out the window once you start.

That’s where a more deliberate approach to social drinking can help. Planning ahead, choosing the right environment, and keeping smart alternatives in your glass can make the difference between a great night and a wasted one.

Five Strategies for a Better Night Out

1. Pre-game with a plan

Decide before you go out how many alcoholic drinks you want to have—and stick to it. If you’re hitting more than one venue, map out where and when you’ll switch to non-alcoholic alternatives. Keep a favourite in your back pocket (or your bag) so you're never caught short.

2. Pick the right venue

Where you go often determines how much you drink. Bars with no non-alcoholic options? You’re probably drinking booze. Louder places where you can't talk? You’ll likely reach for another to fill the silence. Look for spots that offer decent non-alcoholic menus—or BYOB venues where you can keep a functional alcohol alternative on hand.

Tip: More bars now allow you to bring your own non-alcoholic spirits like GABA Black or GABA Gold . Ask ahead.

3. Make your first drink functional

The first drink sets the tone for the night. So instead of diving straight into a pint, start with something that gives you a boost without the booze. GABA Black  contains Ginseng and Ginkgo for clarity and energy—perfect for kicking off with focus and presence.

4. Zebra Stripe your night

Zebra Striping means alternating alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout your night. It's a simple, subtle way to reduce total alcohol intake while keeping something social in hand. Choose options that keep the sensory experience high—like GABA Gold , whose warming, zesty profile brings the vibe without the drawbacks.

Alternating with functional drinks like those in the GABA range reduces your alcohol consumption, supports hydration, and can help you stay sharp and social for longer. It’s a great way to stay in control of your evening by pacing yourself.

5. End on a soft note

Finishing with something designed to wind you down is just as important as how you start. A small glass of GABA Red , packed with Passionflower, Ashwagandha and Magnolia Bark, helps you relax and lean into the mellow, social frisson of the after-hours—without waking up to groggy mornings after.

How Functional Drinks Fill the Gap

There’s a lot of talk about "alcohol-free"—but alcohol alternatives need to do more than just remove ethanol. They should offer the same complexity, sensory experience, and, ideally, functional effects.

The GABA range is crafted to enhance your brain’s natural GABA, promoting sociability and relaxation in a way alcohol does too—but without impairing memory, damaging sleep, or compromising your health. They’re ideal for:

• Social settings: Keep a glass in hand and stay in the flow.
• Work events: Focused, calm, and clear-headed throughout.
• Late nights: Enjoy the wind-down without wrecking your rest.

Each blend offers a specific functional profile:

• GABA Black – For energy, clarity and focus with Ginseng and Ginkgo.
• GABA Gold– Bright, citrusy lift mid-evening with Hops, Chamomile, and Schisandra.
• GABA Red – Wind-down without the wipe-out, thanks to Passionflower, Ashwagandha, and Magnolia Bark.

Alcohol Alternatives That Work With You, Not Against You

Moderating alcohol doesn’t have to mean compromising on experience. It’s about reclaiming control—whether you're doing it to protect your sleep, manage stress, or just get more out of your week.

Functional drinks like those in the GABA range are helping to redefine what a “drink” is. With the right strategy you can still go out, still enjoy the occasion, and remember the night, not the morning after.

You don’t have be drunk to be drinking. You just need to find what works with your body, not against it.