Lena Savoie
Hangovers are caused by congeners, which are compounds produced during the fermentation process of alcohol. Methanol, acetone, esters, tannins, and aldehydes are common congeners that can worsen hangover symptoms. The amount and type of congeners present depend on the carbohydrate used for fermentation. For example, grains are used for beer, grapes for wine, and potatoes for vodka. The darker the alcohol, the more congeners it contains, and the more severe the hangover will be. Lighter-coloured alcohols, such as vodka, gin, light rum, and white wine, are better choices for avoiding a hangover. However, individual tolerance, hydration, sleep, and nutrition also play a role in hangover severity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol with fewer congeners | Vodka, gin, light rum, white wine, lager, witbier, low-alcohol wines, Franciacorta sparkling wine |
| Alcohol with more congeners | Red wine, whiskey, brandy, dark rum, dark beer, stout, porter |
| Other factors | Amount of alcohol consumed, hydration, sleep, individual tolerance, allergies and intolerances, food consumed |
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What You'll Learn
Lighter-coloured drinks may be better
The amount and type of congeners present in an alcoholic drink can influence hangover severity. Congeners are compounds produced during the fermentation and distillation of alcohol, and they contribute to the drink's flavour, aroma, appearance, and other characteristics. Lighter-coloured drinks tend to have fewer congeners, which are positively correlated with hangover symptoms.
Wine, for example, varies in congener concentration based on its richness and colour. The darker the wine, the more congeners it contains, and the worse you are likely to feel the next day. This is why some people avoid red wine, opting for a Pinot Grigio over a Pinot Noir. White wine is generally a safer choice than red or rosé if you want to avoid a hangover.
The same principle applies to beer. Lighter-coloured beers like lager or witbier will typically result in a milder hangover than darker stouts or porters. Lighter beers also tend to have fewer calories, which can be beneficial for both your hangover and your waistline.
When it comes to spirits, vodka is often considered the best option for avoiding a hangover. Vodka is very pure, containing minimal congeners, as it is made from potatoes rather than grains or grapes. However, the quality of vodka can vary, so checking the number of times it has been distilled can be a good indicator of its purity.
In addition to congeners, other factors such as hydration, sleep, and the amount of alcohol consumed also play a role in hangover severity. Ultimately, the best way to prevent a hangover is to drink in moderation.
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Vodka is highly distilled and pure
While there are varying opinions on which type of alcohol causes the least severe hangover, vodka is often regarded as a good option. Vodka is a distilled spirit, and the distillation process can influence the number of congeners in the final beverage. Congeners are compounds created during the fermentation and distillation of alcohol, and they can impact the flavour, aroma, appearance and other characteristics of the drink. These compounds are difficult for the body to break down and are known to contribute to hangovers. Vodka is highly distilled and pure, with no congeners, which may explain why it is less likely to cause a hangover.
Vodka is distilled from starch- or sugar-rich plant matter, most commonly grains such as sorghum, corn, rye, or wheat. It can also be made from potatoes, molasses, soybeans, grapes, rice, sugar beets, and even byproducts of oil refining or wood pulp processing. The distillation process removes impurities, resulting in a pure and clear liquid.
The purity of vodka is further emphasised by its lack of distinguishing characteristics, such as a strong taste or colour. This neutrality makes vodka an ideal base for cocktails, as it can be easily mixed with other ingredients without overwhelming their flavours. Vodka is often favoured by mixologists and bartenders due to its versatility and mixability.
The distillation process not only contributes to vodka's purity but also to its high alcohol content. Vodka is typically around 40% alcohol, which is higher than many other spirits. However, it is important to note that the high alcohol content can lead to negative health consequences if consumed in excess. As with any alcoholic beverage, drinking in moderation is key to preventing hangovers and ensuring safe consumption.
While vodka's purity and low congener content may contribute to reduced hangover symptoms, individual factors also play a role. Everyone's tolerance to alcohol is different, and various factors such as hydration, sleep, and the amount consumed can influence the severity of a hangover. Therefore, while vodka may be a good choice for those looking to avoid a hangover, it is important to drink responsibly and in moderation.
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Wine varies based on colour and type
The type and colour of wine can indeed affect the severity of a hangover. While the amount of alcohol consumed is the main determinant of a hangover, congeners, toxic impurities found in some alcoholic beverages, also play a role. Congeners are by-products of the fermentation process and contribute to the flavour, aroma, appearance, and other characteristics of alcoholic drinks.
Cheaper wines, regardless of colour, may also contain added tannins or synthetic tannins, which can interfere with serotonin levels and worsen hangovers. Additionally, less expensive wines might use oak alternatives treated with chemicals to accelerate the absorption of oak flavours, potentially aggravating headaches. Therefore, opting for more expensive wines may reduce the likelihood of a severe hangover.
Other factors that can influence the severity of a hangover include how quickly alcohol is consumed, individual differences in metabolism, hydration levels, sleep quality, and whether alcohol is consumed on an empty stomach. While dehydration may play a minor role in hangover symptoms, researchers have found no direct association between dehydration and hangover severity.
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Beer may be better than spirits
While there is no magic drink that guarantees a hangover-free morning, some types of alcohol may reduce your chances of having one. The popular saying "beer before liquor, never sicker" suggests that drinking beer before liquor can help prevent a hangover. However, research, including a 2019 study, indicates that the order in which alcoholic beverages are consumed does not significantly affect hangover severity. Instead, the amount of alcohol consumed is a more critical factor in determining the risk and severity of a hangover.
Beer may be a better choice than spirits when it comes to reducing the likelihood and intensity of a hangover. Firstly, beer typically has a lower alcohol content than spirits. Opting for drinks with lower alcohol content can help reduce the risk of a hangover. Additionally, beer contains fewer congeners, which are compounds produced during fermentation that can contribute to hangover symptoms. Dark spirits like brandy, whiskey, and rum have higher levels of congeners, so choosing beer over these spirits may result in a milder hangover or no hangover at all.
Another factor to consider is hydration. Alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration, which is a contributing factor to hangover symptoms. Beer is mostly water, and the carbonation can help with hydration. However, drinking too much beer can have a diuretic effect, causing increased urination and the loss of minerals, electrolytes, and salts, which can worsen dehydration and hangover symptoms. Therefore, it is essential to maintain hydration by drinking water along with beer or any other alcoholic beverage.
Individual differences also play a role in how people experience hangovers. Some people find that they can drink a fair amount of beer without experiencing a severe hangover, while others may find that beer leads to worse hangovers compared to spirits. Additionally, the presence of snacks during drinking can also influence how alcohol affects an individual. Therefore, it is essential to understand your body's response to different types of alcohol and make informed choices to reduce the risk and severity of hangovers.
While beer may be a better choice than spirits for reducing the likelihood and intensity of a hangover, the best way to prevent a hangover is to drink in moderation or avoid alcohol altogether. Additionally, staying hydrated by drinking water before, during, and after alcohol consumption can help minimize hangover symptoms.
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Other factors influence hangovers
While the type of alcohol consumed does play a role in the severity of a hangover, other factors also come into play. Firstly, individual tolerance varies, and different people may respond differently to the same type of alcohol. For example, while some individuals find that spirits like gin, whiskey, and rum result in terrible hangovers, others may experience milder symptoms with these drinks. Similarly, while red wine is often associated with intense hangovers, this may not be the case for all individuals.
Secondly, the presence of congeners, or toxic impurities, in alcoholic beverages can significantly influence hangovers. Congeners are by-products of the fermentation process and include compounds such as methanol, acetone, esters, tannins, and aldehydes. They give alcohol its distinctive flavor, color, and texture, with darker-colored drinks like red wine and brandy tending to have higher congener levels. As a result, drinks with lower congener concentrations, such as vodka, sake, and lighter beers, are often associated with milder hangovers.
Additionally, the amount of alcohol consumed is a critical factor. Drinking more than the recommended limits (one drink or fewer per day for women and two drinks or fewer per day for men) can lead to more severe hangovers, regardless of the type of alcohol. This is because the net amount of ethanol ingested directly impacts the intensity of a hangover.
Hydration levels and sleep also play a role in hangover severity. Drinking water before passing out and staying hydrated throughout the drinking session may help reduce the negative effects of alcohol. Furthermore, the consumption of sugary drinks or mixers alongside alcohol can worsen hangovers, as sugar can lower blood sugar levels, resulting in symptoms such as low energy, weakness, and irritability.
Lastly, the carbon dioxide in sparkling wines and champagne can contribute to hangovers by reducing the oxygen available to the brain and causing faster alcohol absorption into the bloodstream. Therefore, opting for still wines or other drinks may result in milder hangovers.
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