Does it really matter if you mix drinks? Debunking the age-old myths

Despite the enduring popularity of sayings like “beer before liquor, never been sicker,” the truth about mixing drinks is far more complex than a simple rhyme suggests. In reality, the impact of switching between different types of alcohol is a subject with more folklore than scientific backing, which raises the question: does it really matter if you mix drinks?

Quick Summary

It's a myth that combining different types of alcohol inherently makes you sicker; the total amount of ethanol consumed, the rate of consumption, and the presence of congeners are what truly matter. Perceptions of greater intoxication often arise from losing track of intake when switching from lower-proof drinks to higher-proof ones.

Key Points

• The culprit is quantity, not variety: The primary cause of a bad reaction is drinking too much alcohol, too quickly, not the combination of different types.

• Congeners matter: Darker alcohols (bourbon, red wine) contain higher levels of congeners, which can contribute to a more severe hangover than clear spirits (vodka, gin).

• Carbonation speeds absorption: Fizzy drinks and mixers can increase the rate at which your body absorbs alcohol, leading to a faster onset of intoxication.

• Mixing leads to overconsumption: Switching between different types of drinks can make it harder to track your total intake, leading you to accidentally drink more than intended.

• Hydrate to mitigate: Drinking water between alcoholic beverages and before bed helps combat dehydration, a key component of a hangover.

• Food slows absorption: Eating a meal with carbohydrates or fats before or while drinking can help slow the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream.

The Core Chemistry: Ethanol is Ethanol

All alcoholic beverages contain the same intoxicating compound: ethanol. Whether from wine, beer, or spirits, your body processes it similarly. The idea that simply mixing different types of drinks is uniquely harmful is a misconception; the effects are tied to the concentration of ethanol in your bloodstream, determined by the total amount consumed.

The Real Culprits: Quantity and Rate of Consumption

Feeling unwell after drinking is primarily due to how much and how quickly you drink, not the specific types of alcohol mixed.

• Total Alcohol Intake: Higher consumption increases blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and the risk of intoxication and severe hangovers.
• Consumption Speed: Drinking quickly overwhelms the liver, leading to a faster rise in BAC and more intense effects.
• Losing Track: Mixing drinks can lead to overconsumption as it becomes harder to track total intake, especially when switching to higher-proof options.

Congeners: The Dark Side of Your Drink

Alcoholic drinks contain congeners, byproducts of fermentation and aging. These can influence hangover severity.

How Congeners Affect Your Hangover

1. Irritation: Congeners can irritate the stomach and blood vessels, potentially worsening nausea and headaches.
2. Varying Levels: Darker drinks like bourbon and red wine typically have higher congener levels than clear ones like vodka.
3. Cumulative Effect: Mixing high-congener drinks may lead to a worse hangover due to the combined effect of these impurities.

The Deceptive Impact of Carbonation

Carbonated mixers can speed up alcohol absorption by increasing pressure in the stomach, moving alcohol to the small intestine faster. This can result in quicker intoxication regardless of whether different alcohols are mixed.

Best Practices for a Better Drinking Experience

Focus on responsible habits for safer consumption:

• Hydrate: Alternate alcoholic drinks with water to combat dehydration, a major cause of hangovers.
• Eat: Having food in your stomach slows alcohol absorption.
• Pace: Drink no more than one standard drink per hour to allow liver processing.
• Choose Lighter Drinks: If sensitive to congeners, opt for clear spirits or lighter beers.
• Know Your Limits: Determine and stick to your personal limits.

A Comparison of Congener Content

Beverage Type	Relative Congener Level	Example Drinks
High	Higher	Bourbon, Brandy, Red Wine
Medium	Variable	White Wine, Tequila, Gin
Low	Lowest	Vodka, Light Rum

The Final Verdict: It's All About the Quantity

Scientific evidence indicates that the total amount and rate of alcohol consumption, along with congener content, are the key factors determining how you feel after drinking. The idea that mixing different types of alcohol inherently causes worse effects is a myth. Responsible drinking habits are more important than avoiding mixed drinks. For more detailed information on alcohol and its effects on the body, refer to authoritative sources like the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the phrase 'beer before liquor, never been sicker' really true?

No, the phrase is a myth. The sequence in which you consume different types of alcohol does not inherently make you sicker. The belief likely stems from people drinking beer first, then switching to higher-proof liquor and rapidly overconsuming, leading to a nasty hangover.

What are congeners and how do they cause hangovers?

Congeners are chemical byproducts of fermentation that give alcoholic beverages their color and flavor. Darker drinks, like bourbon and red wine, have higher congener levels, which can irritate the stomach and blood vessels, potentially intensifying hangover symptoms.

Does mixing alcohol with energy drinks make you sicker?

Combining alcohol with energy drinks can be dangerous. Caffeine masks the depressant effects of alcohol, making you feel less intoxicated than you are, which can lead to excessive drinking and a higher risk of risky behaviors or alcohol poisoning.

Does mixing beer and wine cause a worse hangover?

Mixing beer and wine doesn't create a special type of hangover. The severity of the hangover depends on the total amount of alcohol consumed and the congener content of the drinks. Overconsumption, regardless of the drink type, is the real cause.

Does drinking on an empty stomach increase intoxication?

Yes, drinking alcohol on an empty stomach speeds up its absorption into the bloodstream, causing a faster and more intense spike in blood alcohol concentration. Eating food, particularly carbs and fats, slows this process down.

What's the best way to prevent a hangover?

The most effective way to prevent a hangover is to drink in moderation or not at all. Other strategies include staying hydrated, eating before drinking, pacing your consumption, and choosing lower-congener beverages.

Does a 'hair of the dog' cure a hangover?

No, drinking more alcohol the morning after will not cure a hangover. It simply delays the inevitable symptoms by introducing more ethanol into your system and can lead to a cycle of dependency. It is best to let your body recover.