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It's officially hot. The temperature rose enough last weekend for the Met Office to issue an official heat warning and everywhere you look are sun-worshippers with lobster sunburn, streaky fake tan and skimpy shorts.

In this country we respond to the first glimmer of sunshine by doing what we do so well: going down the pub.

If we're not all standing on a postage-stamp sized terrace soaking up the rays, then we're in the garden drinking Pimm's and having a party.

While your default reaction may be to offer guests an ice-cold cocktail or a glass of white wine, you may find yourself even more hot and bothered after a few glasses.

Alcohol's diuretic effects encourage the loss of fluid from the body - so if you're standing outside sweating and drinking, you could be heading for dehydration and a sore head.

Serve up Virgin Mary cocktails at your party, instead of the alcoholic version. Shake a glass of tomato juice with a squeeze of lemon, salt and pepper, a dash each of Worcestershire and Tabasco sauce, and serve over ice cubes with a stalk of celery.

Grape juice mocktails go beautifully with falafels, pasta, kebabs and salads. Mix a small glass of grape juice with some crushed raspberries and top with sparkling apple juice.

If you don't want to stay off the booze completely while you celebrate, try gin and coconut water. Coconut water is high in potassium, which helps your body to replenish the electrolytes it loses in sweat. Alternate each drink with a pint of water and you'll stay hydrated despite the heat!