Fall is here, which means sweater weather, changing leaves, and pumpkins. However, fall also means Oktoberfest celebrations – usually, that is. This year, Oktoberfest, as with most things, will look a bit different this year. Not only are most celebrations around the Charlotte area canceled, it is even canceled in Munich this year! However, that certainly will not stop people from still celebrating the event in their own way. Whether it is for this year or the future, it is good to know how to manage Oktoberfest drinking.
How-to Manage Oktoberfest Drinking: Celebrate Safely
Oktoberfest Beers
You may be wondering what makes a beer an Oktoberfest beer anyways. First off, typically they are all lagers. In Munich, there are only six local breweries that are allowed to serve on the premises. The breweries that are allowed in Munich for Oktoberfest drinking are Paulaner, Spaten, Hacker-Pschorr, Augustiner, Hofbrau and Lowenbrau. These beers are typically 6% ABV, which is on the higher side.
Know Your Tolerance
As with anytime you drink, make sure to know and be mindful of your tolerance level. This is especially the case when participating in Oktoberfest drinking, as these beers usually having higher alcohol volumes. Oktoberfest is a celebration that involves heavy drinking and even drinking games. Therefore, it is even more important to be mindful of your limits and how much you are drinking.
A good step is to slow down your drinking rate. For example, you can switch between beer and water to keep yourself hydrated and limit the number of beers you drink. Additionally, make sure that you eat a meal before drinking, and eat heavier foods while drinking. This should be easy during this celebration, as Germany foods are usually heavier in the first place.
Have a Game Plan
Make sure you have a game plan in place before starting your Oktoberfest drinking. Arrange a safe way to get home, whether it is a designated driver or a ride share. Have a buddy system in place so that you and a friend can look out for one another. Hopefully, this will keep you accountable as well. Make sure to also look out for each other’s drinks, making sure no one slips anything in your drinks without knowing.
While the Oktoberfest celebration may look different this year, there are still ways to enjoy the festivities. Although they canceled festivities around the world this year, you can still enjoy the season. Even if you just pick-up an Oktoberfest beer and spend time with some friends outside, or sip on one at home, it is still possible to celebrate. Whatever your plans are for Oktoberfest this year, drink responsibly and follow all social distancing and Covid-related rules.
