'Tis the Season to be Jolly...and Responsible

ARLINGTON, Va. - Dec. 5, 2018 - PRLog -- Distilled Spirits Council Kicks-off Holiday Responsibility Initiative With Moderation Video and 5 Tips for Responsible Entertaining.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – News stations across the country are raising awareness of the U.S. Dietary Guidelines on moderate alcohol consumption and providing tips for hosting responsible holiday parties, as part of a responsibility initiative by the Distilled Spirits Council.

As part of the initiative, news station websites are running a news report, hosted by former American Medical Women's Association President Dr. Farzanna Haffizulla and produced by Mission Critical Health, which provides important science-based information on alcohol and health from the U.S. Dietary Guidelines and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. Haffizulla provides the Dietary Guidelines recommendation for alcohol consumption, which is: "If alcohol is consumed, it should be consumed in moderation."  The Dietary Guidelines define moderation as up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men – and only by adults of legal drinking age.

In addition, the news video educates viewers about the Guidelines' definition of a drink-equivalent: 12 fluid ounces of regular beer (5% alcohol), 5 fluid ounces of wine (12% alcohol) or 1.5 fluid ounces of 80 proof (40% alcohol) distilled spirits.  Dr. Haffizulla underscores that each of these drink-equivalents contain the same amount of alcohol, 0.6 fluid ounces, and each has the same effect on the body.
Accompanying the video is an article featuring tips for responsible holiday entertaining from the Distilled Spirits Council.

"As you gather this festive season with good friends and good cheer, remember it's also a time for good judgment," said Chris Swonger, President and CEO of Distilled Spirits Council and Responsibility.org.  "For adults who plan to celebrate the holidays with a glass of cheer, please do so responsibly and in moderation."

The Council offers the following five tips for responsible entertaining:

1.       Designate a bartender who can serve your guests and keep an eye on how much everyone is drinking. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans define moderate drinking as consuming up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.

2.       Remember, alcohol is alcohol. According to the Dietary Guidelines, a "drink-equivalent" is defined as 1.5 fluid ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits (40 percent alcohol) such as rum, vodka, gin and whiskey; 12 fluid ounces of regular beer (5 percent alcohol); or five fluid ounces of wine (12 percent alcohol).  One drink-equivalent contains 0.6 fluid ounces of alcohol.

3.       Provide food to complement your cocktails. Consider food pairings that enhance or contrast the flavor of the cocktails you're serving: fresh seafood accentuates vodka or gin cocktails; smoked meats and even pickled vegetables complement Scotch or Bourbon cocktails; and citrus-flavored dishes match well with Tequila or rum cocktails.

4.       Make available non-alcohol beverages for your guests. Always provide non-alcohol alternatives such as a festive punch for those guests who choose not to drink alcohol.

5.       Ensure your guests have a safe way home either through designated drivers, taxis or a car service. Have local taxi service numbers available or consider prearranging a car service or ride app credit for your guests.

For more information on responsible and moderate drinking visit http://www.DrinkinModeration.org and http://www.Responsibility.org