Avoiding The Alcohol Smell: Tips For The Next Day

Drinking alcohol can leave an odour on your breath and body that may linger until the alcohol is metabolised and eliminated from your body. While there are many temporary remedies to mask the smell, the only surefire way to avoid alcohol odour is to prevent it before it occurs. This can be done by drinking in moderation, staying hydrated, and maintaining good dental and oral hygiene.

How to Avoid Smelling of Alcohol the Next Day

Drink coffee, green tea, or water

Drinking coffee is a well-known trick to mask alcohol breath. The strong aroma of coffee beans can effectively disguise the smell of alcohol. If you are sensitive to caffeine, opt for decaf coffee. However, be aware that coffee breath may also be offensive to some.

Drinking green tea is another way to go about it. Green tea is known for its antioxidant properties and can aid in detoxifying your body. The natural aroma of green tea can also help cover up the smell of alcohol.

Drinking water is a good way to prevent alcohol breath. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it causes dehydration, exacerbating the smell of alcohol on your breath. By drinking water, you can keep your mouth hydrated and wash away any odorous bacteria. It is recommended to maintain a 1:1 ratio of alcohol to water intake. Alternating between alcoholic drinks and water can also help prevent overconsumption and aid your body in processing alcohol.

While drinking coffee, green tea, or water can help mask the smell of alcohol, it is important to remember that these are temporary fixes. The only surefire way to avoid alcohol breath is to refrain from consuming alcohol. Responsible drinking is always advised.

Eat peanut butter or raw garlic/onion

While there is no scientific evidence that eating peanut butter, raw garlic, or raw onion can get rid of alcohol breath, these foods may help mask the smell.

Peanut butter has a strong aroma and thick texture, which can leave a peanut-y film in your mouth and throat, helping to cover the smell of alcohol. Raw garlic and onion also have strong smells, which may overpower the odour of alcohol. These foods contain sulfur-containing compounds that give them their distinctive smell. However, it's important to note that these compounds can also cause bad breath, so consuming large amounts may not be effective in masking alcohol breath.

To use peanut butter, raw garlic, or raw onion to mask alcohol breath, try eating a small amount of one of these foods after drinking alcohol. Chewing slowly and thoroughly can help distribute the strong-smelling compounds throughout your mouth, potentially increasing their masking effect. Additionally, drinking water or other fluids after consuming these foods can help rinse your mouth and remove any lingering alcohol or food particles, further reducing the odour.

While these methods may help to mask the smell of alcohol on your breath, it's important to remember that they are not a replacement for time. Your body needs time to process and eliminate alcohol, and the only surefire way to avoid alcohol breath is to refrain from consuming alcohol. These masking methods can be useful if you're in a time crunch and need a quick fix, but they are not long-term solutions.

In addition to the methods mentioned above, there are other temporary fixes you can try to mask alcohol breath, such as using mouthwash, chewing gum, or drinking coffee. However, these methods will only mask the odour, and the smell of alcohol will return once the masking agent fades. Ultimately, the most effective way to address alcohol breath is to allow your body to process and eliminate the alcohol through time and metabolism.

Exercise, shower, and use scented products

If you want to avoid smelling of alcohol the next day, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, exercising for 20-30 minutes can help you sweat out the alcohol and get rid of the smell. However, you should be aware that as you sweat throughout the day, the alcohol smell may reappear, so it's a good idea to combine exercise with other methods to hide the scent.

Taking a shower is a great way to freshen up and get rid of any initial alcohol smell. Wash your hair and use scented soap or shampoo to help cover up the alcohol scent. After your shower, apply deodorant to prevent body odour and help you smell fresh throughout the day. You could also use baby powder to absorb sweat and keep you smelling clean. If you plan to exercise, remember to shower afterwards rather than before, so you can wash off the post-workout sweat.

Using scented products can be an effective way to mask the smell of alcohol. You could spritz a little perfume or cologne on yourself, but be careful not to overdo it. Instead, consider reapplying a little later in the day if needed. You could also drink coffee, as the strong scent can help to cover up the smell of alcohol.

Chew gum, use mouthwash, and brush your teeth

While it is impossible to completely eliminate alcohol odour without allowing your body to metabolise the alcohol, there are some temporary solutions to mask the smell. One such solution is to chew gum, use mouthwash, and brush your teeth.

Chew gum

Chewing gum can help to mask the smell of alcohol on your breath. Gum can only override the smell of alcohol temporarily, until the gum loses its flavour. However, chewing gum also kills some bacteria and helps produce saliva, which cleans and wets the mouth.

Use mouthwash

Using mouthwash can help to mask the smell of alcohol on your breath. It is recommended to use a mouthwash that contains alcohol, as fighting fire with fire can be an effective strategy.

Brush your teeth

Brushing your teeth with toothpaste can help to reduce the smell of alcohol. It is important to brush your teeth before going to bed after drinking, to avoid waking up with an unpleasant taste on your tongue.

It is important to remember that these solutions will only mask the smell of alcohol, rather than eliminating it. Responsible drinking is the best way to avoid an alcohol odour, and it is also important to stay hydrated and practice good dental hygiene.

Drink in moderation and opt for lower-proof alcohol

Drinking in moderation is one of the most effective ways to avoid smelling of alcohol the next day. This means limiting yourself to one to two drinks per day, or up to three on special occasions. By drinking in moderation, you give your body time to metabolize the alcohol before consuming more. The general rule of thumb is that the body can process one standard drink per hour, although this may vary depending on individual factors such as sex, body fat percentage, and whether food was consumed with the alcohol.

To further reduce the risk of smelling of alcohol, it is advisable to opt for lower-proof alcoholic beverages. The lower the alcohol content, the less your body has to work to break down the toxins, thereby reducing the likelihood of alcohol odour. Lower-proof options include spirits, sangria, Aperol, Campari, and certain canned cocktails, which often have a lower ABV (alcohol by volume) percentage.

Additionally, drinking water alongside alcoholic beverages can help prevent the smell of alcohol. Aim for a 1:1 ratio of water to alcohol, as this will keep you hydrated and help wash away any odorous bacteria. Drinking water between alcoholic drinks will also help you pace yourself and prevent overconsumption.

While drinking in moderation and choosing lower-proof options are effective strategies, it is important to remember that the smell of alcohol comes from the alcohol itself being absorbed and metabolized by the body. Therefore, the only surefire way to avoid smelling of alcohol is to abstain from drinking altogether.

Frequently asked questions