The holiday season - it’s been coined as “the most wonderful time of the year” certainly for a reason! Between holiday parties, toasting festive cocktails, time off work, and the overall stress of the season, many people find themselves indulging in more alcohol than normal due to this sudden lack of routine. With the average American drinking 27% more during the holidays, there is also an increase in the risk of getting your drink spiked…whether you are drinking alcohol or not! Unfortunately, 35% of women will have a drink spiked in their life, and these numbers are drastically underreported.
As a drink safety advocate and founder of NightCap, I’ve dedicated my career to preventing spiking and educating others on the dangers of the season. NightCap is an innovative drink protection brand providing education + accessories (like scrunchies, keychains, and more) to prevent spiking. I started the brand when I was just 16, after a close friend had fallen victim to spiking. Since then, we’ve helped over half a million people protect their drinks and prevent spiking.
As the holiday season approaches and we let our guard down to spend time with loved ones, friends, and celebrate - it’s important to stay vigilant. In fact, a majority of spiking incidents happen between the victim and someone they know.
The most wonderful time of year can quickly turn into a nightmare with how fast your drink can be spiked, if you’re not careful! Drink spiking can happen at any time and any place - walking by a group of people, saying hello to a friend, or simply any few seconds you are not paying attention!
Five Tips To Prevent Spiking This Holiday Season
Here are some of my best tips and tricks for staying safe during the holidays while still participating in the party scene…just with some additional peace of mind!
1. USE A DRINK COVER
Using a product like NightCap can protect not only your drink but also your life! They come in cute and innovative packaging including scrunchies, keychains, koozies, and more that are super discreet AND practical for daily use!
2. KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN
The holidays are often a time of reunion between old friends and family - while it is important to embrace and cherish these fun-loving moments with the people you care about, it is also important to keep your guard up and your eyes open for any suspicious activity. Go out with friends or someone you trust and look out for each other!
3. DON'T ACCEPT DRINK FROM STRANGERS + WATCH THE BARTENDER MAKE YOUR DRINK
While inherently, this may seem like a nice gesture, the saying ‘stranger danger’ that was ingrained into our heads at a young age should also be applied here! The truth is, we never know a stranger's intentions and it is always better to be safe than sorry. Watch the bartender make your drink!
4. TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS
If something doesn’t feel right in your gut…odds are you are probably right, and you should never ignore it! If your drink tastes, smells, or looks off, stop drinking it immediately. It is better to spend a little extra cash on a new, safe drink than the alternative!
5. ORDER AN ANGEL SHOT
Knowing what to order at the bar can literally save your life! If you ever feel a sense of danger or discomfort around certain guests, you can ask the bartender for an “angel shot” which discreetly lets them know of the situation and that you need help! This universal term can be used ANYWHERE, and is intended to keep the customers safe!
The holidays should be a time to celebrate your loved ones, your culture, and enjoy some time off to relax and reset for the New Year - not a time that should be spent worrying about your health and safety. Be proactive and protect yourself (and your drink) with NightCap, and enjoy the holidays to their fullest potential! You can follow NightCap on socials at @shirahbenarde or @nightcapit to keep up with other safety tips + more!
Cheers to a safe and happy holiday season!
Shirah Benarde
Co-Founder and CEO of NightCap