Placeholder. Nearly 8 in 10 Gen Z drinkers now deliberately alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks across a single night out — not to avoid drinking, but specifically to stay out longer without the physical toll — a behavior pattern the industry has named the 'Zebra Striper' and is now actively designing products around.
What we've found so far: 78% of Gen Z reportedly alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic rounds in one night specifically to pace themselves; brands are responding by prioritizing complex, 'adult' flavor profiles over sweet mocktail-style substitutes to keep these drinkers engaged.
Open research: Find the original source study behind the 78% figure to verify methodology and sample size; interview a bartender or venue owner on whether they've observed this pattern directly.