The question of whether the order of consuming alcoholic beverages affects intoxication or subsequent sickness has been the subject of widespread cultural debate. Many people believe a specific sequence of drinks can either mitigate or worsen the effects of a night of drinking. To understand this phenomenon, it is necessary to examine the physiological processes of how the body handles ethanol. This investigation focuses on the science of alcohol absorption, consumption behavior, and the factors that determine the severity of a hangover.
The Common Saying
The cultural belief regarding the mixing of alcohol is encapsulated in a memorable rhyme: “Beer before liquor, never been sicker; liquor before beer, you’re in the clear.” This adage suggests that starting with a lower alcohol content beverage and switching to a higher one leads to severe discomfort. Conversely, beginning with spirits and moving to beer is often touted as the safer route.
Alcohol Concentration and Absorption
The body’s reaction is determined by the concentration of ethanol in the stomach and bloodstream, not the source of the alcohol. Higher-concentration beverages, such as distilled spirits, typically have an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 40% or more. This high concentration causes ethanol to be absorbed into the bloodstream more rapidly than lower-ABV drinks like beer, which is generally around 5% ABV. Scientific studies confirm that consuming high-concentration alcohol leads to a significantly higher and faster peak Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). The body’s metabolism of the ethanol molecule remains the same regardless of whether it originated from a light beer or a strong liquor.
The Problem with Pacing and Volume
The perceived effect of the drinking order is primarily a result of failing to adjust consumption behavior when switching drinks. Beer is consumed in large volumes, typically 12 ounces, which naturally enforces a slower drinking pace. Switching from this slow pace to a much faster one for a small shot or mixed drink is the cause of sudden intoxication. When a person moves from beer to liquor, they often fail to reduce their drinking rate to account for the dramatically higher alcohol concentration. This rapid, unadjusted intake of high-ABV drinks leads to a sudden, sharp spike in BAC. Starting with spirits and then switching to beer naturally slows the rate of alcohol intake because of the sheer volume required to consume a full glass. The order is less of a factor than the consumer’s behavior and the resulting total alcohol units consumed in a short time.
Total Alcohol Intake and Hangovers
Research indicates that the severity of a hangover is not significantly affected by the order in which alcoholic beverages are consumed. The primary factor determining next-day sickness is the total amount of ethanol ingested over the drinking period. High BAC levels and the rate at which they are achieved are major physiological contributors to hangover symptoms. Dehydration is another major contributor to hangover severity, as alcohol acts as a diuretic, increasing fluid loss. Minor compounds called congeners, which are byproducts of fermentation and distillation, can also influence symptoms. Congeners are found in much higher concentrations in dark, aged liquors like bourbon and whiskey than in clear spirits like vodka.