Hot Weather Makes Brits Drink More Alcohol, Claims Study

While the country basks in the sunshine, people don't just overdose on ice cream, but knock back more alcohol too.

According to a recent study by Opinium, when the weather heats up, Brits gain a thirst for alcohol and guzzle around 33m more pints of beer and over 67m more litres of wine over the summer months.

Just over half of Brits of the population admit to drinking alcohol once a week. But when the sun comes out, 27% of people admit to drinking almost every day of the week.

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But Brits reportedly don't drink 'to get drunk'.

Only 6% say they reach for a beer with that intention, with the majority revealing they enjoy a drink in the sunshine to compliment their food (26%), a further 21% admitting it ‘helps relieve stress’ and 36% saying they ‘just like the taste’.

The top five reasons why people claim to drink more in the warmer months are:

The evenings are lighter (54%)

Wanting to make the most of the weather (46%)

There are more events in the summer, such as weddings and festivals (47%)

To enjoy drinking in the warmer weather (46%)

Getting together with friends or family are more likely to be suggested in the warmer weather (43%)

Have you overdone the alcohol it in the sun? Take a look at how the world cures their hangovers…

Plus, hangover cures you can actually try!

Hangover Cures

Before You Start: Bowl Of Pasta(01 of08)

The idea of "lining your stomach" before a night on the booze is not just an old wives' tale. Drinking on an empty stomach can cause a build-up of acid and damage the stomach lining. Eating a substantial carb-based meal will help reduce excess acid as well as preventing blood sugar levels dipping during the evening. (credit:Alamy)

Before You Start: Milk Thistle Supplement(02 of08)

A hangover is a your body's way of telling you that your liver can't cope with the toxins you've inflicted upon it. Milk Thistle is a herbal supplement that boosts liver function and helps it to process alcohol faster. Take it in liquid or tablet form before you go out and again the next morning. (credit:Alamy)

On The Night: Carbonated Water(03 of08)

It's long been understood that drinking a glass of water between each alcoholic drink will help stave off dehydration and prevent hangover headaches the following morning. But the NHS suggests optimising the effect by drinking carbonated water - whether it's soda or sparkling mineral water - to help speed up the absorption of alcohol into your system. (credit:Alamy)

On The Night: Avoid Dark Drinks(04 of08)

Researchers at Brown University, New England, found the severity of a hangover is affected by the colour of the alcohol being drunk, with darker drinks the worst offenders thanks to the high number of chemicals they contain. If in doubt, opt for white wine or vodka over red wine or bourbon. (credit:Alamy)

Before Bed: Large Glass Of Water(05 of08)

We all know we're supposed to drink a huge glass of water before we hit the sack but when there's a half-empty bottle of wine sitting in the fridge it can be all too easy to get distracted. Water is essential to prevent that morning-after dehydration migraine so put a bottle of water by your bed (or on your pillow if that's what it takes) to avoid that morning-after regret. (credit:Alamy)

Before Bed: Crackers(06 of08)

When your body starts pulling you towards the nearest kebab shop at 2am, it probably has a point. Going to bed with a stomach full of nothing but alcohol is not going to do you any favours when you wake up in the morning. But a greasy kebab or burger will only exacerbate nausea. Eat something plain such as cream crackers or toast to soak up any excess stomach acid. (credit:Alamy)

The Morning After: Bacon Sandwich(07 of08)

Good news - that juicy bacon sandwich you've been dreaming about all morning is scientifically proven to alleviate your hangover. A study at Newcastle University's Centre for Life found that bacon contains aminos, which help to top up the neurotransmitters that are depleted by alcohol consumption. (credit:Alamy)

The Morning After: Hangover Pill(08 of08)

The 'blowfish' hangover pill promises to eradicate all the symptoms of a hangover in just 15 minutes. The brainchild of ex-financier Brendna Haysom, the £1.90 pill claims to "restore mental alertness or wakefulness when experiencing fatigue or drowsiness associated with a hangover". (credit:Alamy)

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