Mixing Beers: Is It A Sin Or A Win?

There are many opinions on whether or not it is acceptable to mix different beers. Some people believe that mixing beers can be a fun way to experiment with different flavours and create new, unique combinations. Others argue that mixing beers can be a bit risky, as it can be easy to end up with a drink that doesn't taste very good. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide if they want to mix their beers, but it is important to remember that drinking too much alcohol, regardless of the type, can lead to negative consequences. Additionally, while there is no conclusive evidence that mixing different types of alcohol will make you sick, it is important to monitor your intake, as excessive drinking can lead to negative side effects such as dehydration, poor decision-making, and a weakened immune system.

Is it ok to mix different beers?

Beer before liquor, never been sicker

Mixing different types of alcohol, such as beer and liquor, has been a subject of debate, with many people wondering if doing so will increase the likelihood of getting sick or experiencing a hangover. The popular saying, "Beer before liquor, never been sicker; liquor before beer, you're in the clear," suggests that drinking beer before liquor will lead to negative consequences. However, there is little scientific evidence to support this claim.

The origin of this saying can be attributed to various theories. One common belief is that people typically start their evenings with drinks containing lower alcohol content, such as beer, and progress to liquor as the night goes on. If they become sick or experience a hangover, they may attribute it to the order in which they consumed their drinks. Another theory suggests that liquor's high alcohol content can rapidly spike blood alcohol levels compared to beer. Therefore, drinking beer after liquor might push an individual's already elevated blood alcohol content even higher, potentially resulting in a worse hangover.

Despite these theories, the order in which you consume different types of alcohol is unlikely to be the sole determining factor of whether you get sick or experience a hangover. Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream as soon as it reaches the stomach, and all the alcohol consumed will have been absorbed long before any hangover symptoms appear. Therefore, as long as the total amount of alcohol consumed remains the same, drinking beer before liquor should not increase the likelihood of getting sick.

However, it is worth considering that different types of alcohol can be consumed at different rates. For example, it takes longer to drink a bottle of beer than a cocktail or a shot due to the volume difference. As a result, drinking cocktails or shots first might lead to faster intoxication since the alcohol will be absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream. Additionally, carbonated drinks like beer and sparkling wine can irritate the stomach lining, increasing the rate of alcohol absorption.

In conclusion, while the saying "beer before liquor, never been sicker" has persisted, it is largely based on anecdotal evidence and personal experiences rather than scientific research. The key factor in determining the likelihood of getting sick or experiencing a hangover is the total amount of alcohol consumed, regardless of the order or type of alcohol. Nonetheless, it is always important to drink responsibly and in moderation to minimize potential negative consequences.

Beer and liquor can be mixed

Mixing beer and liquor is a common practice, and there are several cocktails that use beer as a key ingredient. Beer adds body, bubbles, and a frothy kick to cocktails. For example, a classic margarita can be topped with a Mexican lager, and a typical Greyhound can be made with beer instead of grapefruit juice.

Some bars and breweries also mix different beers together. For instance, Poor Phil's in Oak Park serves a blend of their Pumpkin Lager and Coffee Stout, and Dogfish Head floats WWS over 120 Min to make a Heaven & Hell.

While there is no conclusive evidence that mixing different types of alcohol will make you sick, it can be harder to keep track of how much you've been drinking, which can lead to negative consequences. Additionally, excessive drinking, even in one night, can lead to negative side effects such as excess empty calories, dehydration, poor decision-making, and a weakened immune system.

To minimize the side effects of drinking alcohol, it is important to drink in moderation and stay hydrated by alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Eating a meal before drinking can also help to slow the absorption of alcohol and reduce its effects.

Beer-on-beer action

Mixing beers is a controversial topic. While some people swear by it, others believe it is a big no-no. However, there is no conclusive evidence that mixing different types of alcohol is harmful. In fact, a small February 2019 study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that neither the type nor the order of alcoholic beverages had a significant effect on hangover severity.

That being said, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to mixing beers. Firstly, the order in which you drink them may matter. According to Kevin Strang, PhD, if you start with a drink that has a lower alcohol content, your body will adjust to that pace of intoxication. Switching to a drink with a higher alcohol content may cause you to drink faster and subsequently get sicker. Therefore, it might be better to start with a stronger drink and move on to weaker ones.

Another thing to consider is the type of beers you are mixing. A classic black and tan is made with equal parts pale ale or lager and a dark beer, like a stout or porter. The smooth and creamy texture of darker beers go well with the effervescence of lighter beers. However, you don't want to combine two very dark or heavy beers as it may be too strong a flavour. Lighter beers, on the other hand, can be mixed freely. Hard cider, for example, can be combined with a fruity, light saison for a drink that is both fruity and effervescent without being too sweet.

Infused beers are also great for mixing. A ginger pale ale, for example, can be mixed with a black IPA to temper the spiciness of the ginger. Beers infused with chillies or jalapeños should be used sparingly, and matched with a darker stout or porter to create a smooth, dessert-like drink.

Finally, while IPAs are not the best for mixing, they can be used as an accent beer. Just be sure to keep them away from hefeweizens, as the two do not pair well together. Instead, try mixing an IPA with a black IPA, which has similar roasty, caramel-forward notes to stouts and porters.

Black and Tan

Mixing beers is a common practice, and it can be very successful. One of the most famous layered beer cocktails is the Black and Tan, which consists of equal parts stout and pale ale, with the stout floated on top. The original "tan" on the bottom is Bass Ale, and Guinness Draught Stout is the most commonly used stout. Harp Lager is a popular alternative to Bass Ale, as it is much lighter in colour, enhancing the contrast with the dark stout.

To make a Black and Tan, you need to start with the lighter-coloured ale. Fill a shaker pint, English tulip pint, or nonic pint glass halfway with the ale. Then, using the back of a large tablespoon, gently pour the stout over the ale to create a layered effect. Aim for a continuous, measured, and steady flow of stout. The centre of the spoon should be tilted towards the centre of the glass to avoid spilling.

The name "Black and Tan" comes from the colours of the uniforms of the British paramilitary force formed to suppress the Irish independence movement in 1920 and 1921. They were known for their violent tactics, including the burning of towns and civilian slaughter. For this reason, ordering a Black and Tan, especially in Ireland, is considered offensive. Instead, it is recommended to ask for a "half and half".

Beer and spirits

Mixing beer and spirits is generally not recommended, as it can lead to negative side effects such as worse hangovers, nausea, and dizziness. However, it is important to note that the order of consumption also plays a significant role in the intensity of these side effects. Starting with a weaker drink like beer and then switching to stronger spirits can be particularly detrimental as your body becomes accustomed to the lower alcohol percentage of the beer. When you switch to liquor, your body will still process it at the rate of beer, making it easier to underestimate your alcohol consumption and leading to more severe consequences.

The common saying, "beer before liquor, never been sicker. Liquor before beer, you're in the clear," captures this notion. However, drinking liquor before beer can also be risky. Alcohol impairs your thinking, and consuming liquor first may give you a false sense of security. When you switch to beer, you might drink more and faster, leading to similar negative consequences.

The main reason why mixing beer and spirits can lead to unpleasant experiences is not necessarily the chemical reaction between the two types of alcohol but rather the difference in alcohol content and the rate of consumption. Carbonated drinks like beer can irritate the stomach lining, increasing the rate of alcohol absorption. Additionally, the presence of congeners, which are chemicals added during fermentation, can also influence the intensity of hangovers. Mixing beer and spirits might lead to a higher intake of congeners, resulting in a worse hangover.

While there is no definitive scientific evidence that mixing beer and spirits is inherently dangerous, it is crucial to be mindful of your total alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol intake, regardless of the combination, can lead to poor decision-making, decreased coordination, and a severe hangover. Staying hydrated and aware of your drinking pace can help mitigate these negative consequences.

In conclusion, when it comes to mixing beer and spirits, it's not so much the mixing itself that is the issue, but rather the order of consumption, the difference in alcohol content, and the overall quantity consumed. Being mindful of these factors can help you avoid unpleasant experiences and severe hangovers.

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