What a lucky year to have both St. Paddy’s and Cinco de Mayo on a Friday, eh?!

This holiday, often misidentified as Mexican Independence Day, celebrates the 1862 victory of Mexican freedom fighters over the French at the Battle of Puebla. It also celebrates the day that young Americans drown themselves in tequila and get into fights in bathroom lines. 

While you probably need no tips on how to have a good time tonight, you might be curious how to avoid the splitting headache and sloshy belly of a post-Cinco Saturday. Take notes and follow these tips and with any luck, you’ll be the obnoxious person at your own office with too much energy and no desire to vomit up salsa in your cubicle trash can.

1. Have a big Mexican meal to start What a perfect day to skip the granola and instead go with Mexican takeout for your desayuno? Start the day with a hearty, Mexican-inspired breakfast to protect your stomach from getting torn to pieces by alcohol. You could go with the classically fatty chorizo and eggs or machaca, or opt for a healthier (but still delicious) meal of Soyrizo, scrambled eggs, black beans and avocado wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla. Just make sure you don’t make the rookie mistake of having a drink before you eat, or you might find yourself passed out before lunch time.

2. Stick with beer

Yes, it’s tempting to skip the light drinks and go straight to margaritas and shots of tequila. But if you stick to Pacificos, Victorias, or Modelos instead, you’ll feel a trillion times better in the morning.  

3. Double fist

No, not with beer and a margarita – with a drink and WATER. By staying hydrated all day, you’re less likely to wake up with a raging headache. Plus, water will help keep you fuller, which means you’ll drink slower, which means you won’t end up slumped over the bar at Tio Leos before nightfall.

4. Consider skipping the booze altogether

I know, it may sound crazy. But in many states you could sub in some hangover-free Maria Jane for your normal Cinco de Drinko intake… no headaches, no bad decisions, and if you do end up in a bed that’s not yours, you’ll probably at least remember going home with them.

5. Prepare for the worst

There’s a good chance you won’t follow any of these tips, and will be tossing back shots of Patron at lunch today. Just in case this is the case, be prepared for a rough Friday by stocking your fridge and pantry with hangover-killing necessities: frozen breakfast burritos (fight fire with fire, right?), Gatorade, cold soda water (the bubbles will help the nausea), aspirin and ibuprofen, cold coffee drinks (like a Starbucks Double Shot), and hot sauce with which to DOUSE EVERYTHING. You’ll thank us tomorrow.