Most people would rather watch Game of Thrones sex scenes with their parents in the room than talk about how much they drink.
There’s a fine line between social drinker and outright liability, and your public perception can quickly go from absolute legend to pitied problem child.
The brave people of Spill It, however, join our series to stick a big two fingers up to the secretive culture around drinking. Whether they feel good or bad about it, they lay bare every sambuca and sauvignon, so people reading can feel less alone.
This week, we spoke to 25-year-old SEO (it’s a Google thing) executive, Tara, who did her diary while on a fairly boozy holiday.
Thursday
I’m currently on holiday, which means the drinking habits you’re about to see (all inclusive) are wildly out of control. I promise I’m not normally a worrisome drinker.
This morning we’re on a catamaran cruise, and I have a bottle of Banks beer by the dock before we head off. Once we’re on the boat I have a mimosa followed by two rum punches. I’m drinking lots of water and eating in-between so don’t feel tipsy.
When we get back to the hotel I end up having three strawberry daiquiris by the beach before dinner. At dinner I have a rum punch that’s super strong, followed by a glass of wine. I can’t finish that, though, as I’m so full of delicious food.
Units: 14.4
Friday
Up at 5am for a breakfast party, where I watch the sun come up with a mimosa. Roughly five champagnes follow that – all before lunchtime.
I get back for a nap before we go to dinner, and when I get up we go for a walk around a local food and drink market where I have something called a tamarind ball and a beer. While we eat I have a half pint.
We’re taking part in a carnival tonight, which goes from 10.30pm to 8am. I would say I probably had around ten rums along the way. Ouch.
Units: 27
Saturday
I sleep for most of the day, but am aware I need a hair of the dog if I’m going to survive the night. I have three Banks’ over the course of the evening party we go to, but honestly I just want my bed at this point.
Units: 4.5
Sunday
Off for another morning party, which you can probably guess means more mimosas. These parties tend to be all inclusive so it feels rude not to. We decide to do two shots of vodka to perk us up, alongside around five glasses of champagne and orange.
At lunch I refrain from booze, but at the party later that night I have six glasses of champagne. This all sounds a lot, but it’s so warm and you sweat so much, none of us seem to be getting drunk. There’s also a whole load of food going around to soak things up.
Units: 18.5
Monday
It’s the final full day of our holiday, and we’re out and about for most of the day. I have another perk-me-up shot of coconut rum, but stick to beers for the rest of it. I have about five of those.
Back at the hotel I have a strawberry daiquiri, a rum and lemonade, and a glass of wine with dinner.
Units: 14.4
Tuesday
The vibe is considerably sadder as we’re leaving today, but the barman gives us goodbye shots with rum and Bailey’s in them.
Although the drinks are free on the plane, I’m at work as soon as I get home so I opt for softies instead.
Units: 2.3
Wednesday
Back to reality today, and although I load up with coffees, I steer clear of anything alcoholic. It’s all about rehydration and recovery right now.
Units: 0
Total units this week: 81.1
Total units in a week recommended by the NHS: 14 units (for anybody regardless of gender).
Spill It is a weekly series out every Friday. To get involved email [email protected].
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