This article shows which alcoholic beverages are most likely to cause a hangover and what you can do to prevent it.
Introduction
However, nothing like a pounding hangover headache dampens the start of the year.
Knowing which alcoholic beverages are likely to cause the worst hangovers—and how to prevent them—can help you wake up feeling refreshed instead of regretful.
Why Do Hangovers Happen?
Hangovers occur due to several factors:
Alcohol amount
The amount of alcohol you consume plays a major role in whether or not you’ll experience a hangover. While the type of alcohol and its congeners contribute to hangover severity, drinking in excess overwhelms your body’s ability to metabolize alcohol efficiently.
This leads to a buildup of acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism, which causes headaches, nausea, and fatigue.
Simply put, the more you drink, the higher your risk of waking up with a pounding headache—regardless of what you’re drinking.
Dehydration:
Alcohol acts as a diuretic, increasing urine production and causing dehydration, a major contributor to headaches.
Congeners:
These toxic byproducts of alcohol fermentation are more abundant in darker drinks like whiskey and red wine. Higher levels of congeners lead to more severe hangovers.
Blood Sugar Drops:
Alcohol can lower blood sugar, resulting in fatigue, headaches, and nausea.
Inflammatory Response:
Alcohol triggers an immune response that can lead to headaches, fatigue, and other symptoms.
Ranking Alcoholic Beverages by Hangover Potential
1. Whiskey (Especially Bourbon) – The Worst
- Why: Whiskey contains the highest levels of congeners, which give it a rich flavor and make it a hangover heavyweight.
- Hangover Symptoms: Severe headaches, nausea, and dehydration.
2. Dark Rum
- Why: Packed with congeners due to its production process, dark rum can leave you with a heavy head.
- Hangover Symptoms: Persistent headaches and dizziness.
3. Red Wine
- Why: Red wine’s tannins, congeners, and sulfites contribute to headaches. Histamines can also trigger allergic-like reactions in some people.
- Hangover Symptoms: Headaches, congestion, and fatigue.
4. Champagne and Sparkling Wines
- Why: The carbonation accelerates alcohol absorption, making you intoxicated faster and worsening hangovers.
- Hangover Symptoms: Headaches and nausea.
5. Sweetened Cocktails
- Why: Sugary mixers like syrups and sodas cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, amplifying hangover effects.
- Hangover Symptoms: Fatigue, nausea, and sugar crashes.
6. Cheap or Low-Quality Spirits
- Why: Impurities and congeners in poorly distilled alcohol contribute to hangover severity.
- Hangover Symptoms: Strong headaches and general discomfort.
7. White Wine
- Why: With fewer congeners than red wine, it’s a lighter option but still dehydrating.
- Hangover Symptoms: Mild headaches and dehydration.
8. Beer
- Why: Beer has lower alcohol content and fewer congeners, making it less likely to cause severe hangovers. However, carbonation can still lead to bloating.
- Hangover Symptoms: Mild headaches and bloating.
9. Clear Spirits (Vodka, Gin) – The Least Likely to Cause Hangovers
- Why: Clear spirits like vodka and gin have minimal congeners, making them the safest option for avoiding hangovers.
- Hangover Symptoms: Mild dehydration if overconsumed.
Darker Alcoholic Drinks Tend To Cause Worse Hangovers
How to Prevent Hangover Headaches
Before Drinking:
- Hydrate: Start the night with plenty of water to combat dehydration.
- Eat a Balanced Meal: Include fats, protein, and carbs to slow alcohol absorption and stabilize blood sugar.
- Choose Wisely: Stick to clear spirits or drinks with fewer congeners.
While Drinking:
- Drink moderately: Alcohol amount is the foremost determinant of hangover.
- Alternate with Water: Drink a glass of water between alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated.
- Avoid Sugary Mixers: Choose soda water, tonic, or natural juices instead of syrups or sodas.
- Drink Slowly: Sip your drinks to give your body time to process the alcohol.
After Drinking:
- Rehydrate: Drink water or an electrolyte solution before bed.
- Snack Smart: Bananas (potassium), eggs (cysteine), or toast (carbs) can replenish nutrients and stabilize blood sugar.
- Take B Vitamins: Alcohol depletes B vitamins, and replenishing them may reduce symptoms.
Takeaways for a Healthy New Year
With the New Year’s festivities around the corner, understanding which drinks cause the worst hangovers and how to prevent them is key to starting 2024 right.
Stick to lighter drinks like vodka or gin, stay hydrated, and enjoy responsibly. Cheers to a headache-free celebration and a joyful year ahead! 🥂
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Reference:
Rohsenow DJ, Howland J. The role of beverage congeners in hangover and other residual effects of alcohol intoxication: a review. Curr Drug Abuse Rev. 2010 Jun;3(2):76-9. doi: 10.2174/1874473711003020076. PMID: 20712591.
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