Balancing Coffee and Alcohol with Water: How Much Should You Drink?

Coffee and alcohol are a regular part of many people’s lives throughout the world. Whether it's coffee for a morning pick-me-up or a drink to unwind with friends, both affect your body. So, how much water should you drink before or after drinking coffee or alcohol?

The Morning Wake Up With Coffee

If you need your cup of coffee in the morning, you’re not alone. Millions of people need their caffeine fix before their daily life can begin. But, does your morning coffee routine dehydrate you? According to the Mayo Clinic, the answer is no, not really. If you don’t drink that much caffeine, then it won’t hurt you even though it does have a mild diuretic effect. To be safe, drink a glass of water before your coffee and always drink water throughout the day.

What About Alcohol?

Unlike your coffee habit, alcohol is a diuretic and can cause dehydration if you’re not careful. Before you crack your beer or mix a cocktail, make a plan to include water throughout your night. If not, you could be in for a bad hangover in the form of a big headache or other symptoms. So, how much water should you drink when you’re drinking alcohol? The rule of thumb is to have at least one 16-ounce glass of water with every 12-ounce beer. If you like the hard stuff, drink 16-ounces of water for every four to six ounces of liquor. This will help replenish your body and avoid a hangover.