How to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day Without Getting Drunk

It's St. Patrick's Day--a day of food, fun and drinking. With bars opening as early as laws allow (sometimes as early as 6 a.m.), and day-long drinking celebrations, it's very easy to overindulge and be drunk by lunchtime. Here's how to indulge in the annual holiday drinking tradition without making a fool out of yourself.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Volunteer to be the designated driver for your group of friends. If you are responsible for making sure others get home safely, you will be less likely to overindulge. Plus, you'll have a good time watching them make fools of themselves.

2. Drink lots of water. For every green beer (or other traditional Irish brew) you consume, follow it with a full glass of water. This will help keep you hydrated and also ensure you drink less alcohol.

3. Don't do shots (or bombs). St. Patrick's Day is a popular day for drinking Irish car bombs, but these drinks will get you drunk in a hurry. Stick to drinks that you don't need to guzzle.

4. Take cash to the bar. By taking a pre-determined amount of money--and sticking to your budget--you'll be forced to budget your spending throughout the day. If you know you only have so much money to spend, you'll be much less likely to drink consistently throughout the day.

Tips & Warnings

• As with any trip to the bar, you should be in the presence of friends you trust. If any of your friends look overly intoxicated or are acting out of control, it is in both yours and his best interest to end your celebration immediately.