TikTok’s Viral “Three Drink Theory” May Be the Key to Hacking Any Day

TikTok’s Viral “Three Drink Theory” May Be the Key to Hacking Any Day

Staying hydrated throughout the day is hard. So is working from home. On TikTok, users have been trying to find ways to make these tasks easier and more joyful. One such method that originated in 2019 is having a current resurgence: the three-drink theory. Here is everything you need to know about the trend and, most importantly, how to try it out for yourself.


What is the three-drink theory?


The three-drink theory is the idea that you should have three different beverages on your person—and particularly on your work desk—at all times. Each beverage in this trifecta serves a different purpose: “caffeinate, alleviate hydrate.” To that end, the constant beverage in this magical combination is always some form of water, the second beverage is some kind of energy booster, and the third is something that brings you a little joy—a work-time treat.


Who originated the three-drink theory?


Amanda Mull, a staff writer at Vanity Fair, seems to have been the first mainstream content creator to address the trend back in 2019 in an article called “Always Have Three Beverages.”


But the resurgence on TikTok is largely due to a video from Wilson Pendleton (@sophiawpendleton), a comedian who posted about this trend back in 2021. In their TikTok, they explain that “drinking three liquids at once” is the “height of luxury.” They continue, “In those moments I just feel like I have it all. I’m living large and I am a little prince.”



@sophiawpelton If u saw this as a tweet, it’s because that tweet was mine #fyp #viral #comedy #genz #millennial #TreatiestCupContest #ForYouPizza #meme #nyc #coffee #vodkaredbull #matcha #spindrift #bloodymary ♬ original sound – Soph




The three-drink trend has also gained momentum on TikTok thanks to Annika Hansteen-Izora (@annikaizora). In their video, they show themselves gathering a “small army of emotional support beverages.” Their video was created in 2022 and is largely credited with popularizing the cheeky term “emotional support beverages.”



@annikaizora gotta be surrounded by at least 3 different lukewarm drinks