The following was a letter printed in the Letter to the Editor section of the Hebrew Yated Ne'eman. We are not vouching for the accuracy.
On Purim many try to fulfill the mitzvah of lebesumei according to the straightforward meaning, yet among them a large proportion of drinkers don't know how to drink smart, turning their joy into sorrow. Therefore we endeavored to study the issue by consulting with experienced, knowledgeable drinkers, and hereby present our findings.
Preparation
1. One must be of sound health. In the event of sickness or weakness, one should forego the entire endeavor.
2. Heavy drinking should not be done on an empty stomach, therefore it is recommended one eat a good breakfast and some food during the course of the day.
3. Fatty foods should be avoided, including food made of pastry dough (batzek alim).
What to Drink
1. Stick with dry wine (or semi-dry). Sweet wine causes nausea and vomiting, though small amounts can be consumed early in the drinking. Beverages with light alcoholic content can be drunk, even if they are sweet.
2. The wine should be real wine rather than a mixture of substances, therefore cheap wines should be avoided. Prudent drinkers should invest in wine priced at NIS 20-30 or more.
3. Some recommend white wine over red wine.
4. Be sure not to switch from one type of drink to another. Be especially wary not to mix different types simultaneously, which magnifies the inebriation and can cause vomiting.
How to Drink
1. Drinking should be steady to take effect, but drinking one glass after the next is inadvisable. Instead, wait ten minutes between rounds (after the first one or two glasses).
2. Physical motion (dancing, etc.) enhances the effect of the wine, as opposed to sitting in place.
3. Be careful to avoid excess drinking (according to your individual body type), which will place a strain on the body, regardless of other factors.
4. Do not drink a lot of wine before eating, which tends to suppress the appetite.
General Remarks
1. To alleviate queasiness or dehydration, drink water. To neutralize and shake off the drunkenness, eat pickles.
2. The Mishnoh Berurah recommends reciting Bircas Hamozone before the alcohol takes hold, thereby avoiding doubts regarding the obligation to recite it (see 185:6).
3. Keep in mind the warning by the Mishnoh Berurah, citing the Chayei Odom: those who know they are liable to treat any of the mitzvas lightly, e.g. nettilas yodayim, brochos, Bircas Hamozone, skipping Minchah or Ma'ariv or behaving frivolously, are advised not to get drunk, for all of one's actions should be for the sake of Heaven (695, see Biyur Halacha).
