Vodka Or Beer: Which Should You Drink First?

There is a common saying that goes, Beer before liquor, never been sicker; liquor before beer, you're in the clear. This adage suggests that the order in which you consume alcoholic beverages can impact how you feel during and after drinking. However, the saying is just a myth, and there is little scientific evidence to support it. The truth is that the amount of alcohol consumed has a more significant effect on how you feel than the type or order of consumption.

Carbonated drinks irritate the stomach lining

Carbonated drinks can irritate the stomach lining, and this is mainly due to the carbonation in the drinks. The carbonation in beverages like beer and Prosecco can irritate the stomach lining, causing you to absorb alcohol more quickly. This may also increase your sensitivity to spirits consumed later. Research published in 2007 showed that most of the study subjects absorbed vodka faster when it was mixed with carbonated water.

Carbonated drinks introduce air into the stomach, similar to eating too fast or drinking too fast. This can cause stomach pain, bloating, nausea, or a feeling of fullness. The carbonation in the drink can cause gas and bloating, and move more air into your digestive tract, which can lead to bloating, burping, or gas. The bubbles in sparkling water can make your stomach feel worse if you already have gas and bloating.

Carbonated beverages can also contain additives that irritate the stomach lining. Some carbonated drinks contain added sugars, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners, which can have negative health effects. Caffeine can irritate the stomach, and artificial sweeteners can cause a laxative effect by pulling water into the colon and helping to mobilise stool, which can lead to diarrhoea.

While carbonated drinks can irritate the stomach lining, it's important to note that individual sensitivity to carbonation varies. Some people may experience no side effects from drinking carbonated beverages, while others may feel bloated, distended, or experience a feeling of fullness.

Amount of alcohol matters more than type

The order in which you drink beer and vodka does not matter as much as the amount you consume. While the saying "beer before liquor, never been sicker" is a well-known adage, modern research has disproven this myth. A 2019 study found that drinking order and type of alcohol did not influence hangover severity.

The amount of alcohol consumed has a more significant effect on hangover severity than the type of alcohol. To reduce the risk or severity of a hangover, it is crucial to drink in moderation and ensure proper hydration. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism also notes that certain compounds in alcoholic beverages may affect hangover symptoms. For example, dark spirits may contain higher levels of congeners, a compound produced during fermentation, which can worsen hangover symptoms.

Carbonated beverages like beer can irritate the stomach lining, increasing alcohol absorption. Additionally, beer is often consumed more slowly and takes longer to affect the drinker. However, this does not mean that drinking vodka before beer will necessarily prevent a hangover. The key factor is the total amount of alcohol consumed, regardless of the order or type of drink.

It is worth noting that alcohol affects everyone differently, and factors such as alcohol tolerance, hydration levels, and personal physiology play a role in hangover severity. To minimize the risk of health complications and severe hangovers, it is essential to drink in moderation and ensure proper hydration.

Drinking order doesn't affect hangover severity

There is a popular belief that drinking beer before liquor can make you "never been sicker", and that "liquor before beer [means] you're in the clear". However, this is just a myth.

The idea that drinking order affects hangover severity is not supported by scientific evidence. A 2019 study found no link between the sequence of drinking beer and wine and the severity of hangovers. The study also showed that sticking to one type of drink did not lessen the severity of hangovers.

The severity of a hangover is influenced by the amount of alcohol consumed, rather than the type of drink or the order of consumption. Other factors that can contribute to a hangover include acetaldehyde, a toxic alcohol byproduct, disrupted sleep patterns, and combining alcohol with other substances.

To prevent a hangover, it is important to drink in moderation, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep.

Alcohol absorption rate

The absorption rate of alcohol depends on several factors, including the presence of food in the stomach, the concentration of alcohol, and the type of beverage. Here are some insights into the alcohol absorption rate, particularly comparing beer and vodka:

Effect of Food in the Stomach

Food in the stomach can slow down the absorption of alcohol. This is because the pyloric valve, which separates the stomach from the small intestine, closes when food is present, preventing alcohol from entering the small intestine, where absorption occurs more quickly. Greasy, high-protein, and fatty foods are particularly effective in slowing down intoxication as they take longer to digest and stay in the stomach for a longer period.

Concentration of Alcohol

The concentration of alcohol also plays a role in absorption rate. Alcohol with a concentration of 20-30% is absorbed more quickly. For example, sherry, with an alcohol concentration of about 20%, increases blood alcohol levels faster than beer, which typically has a lower alcohol concentration.

Type of Beverage

The type of beverage can influence the absorption rate due to factors such as carbonation and alcohol content. Carbonated alcoholic drinks, such as vodka mixed with soda, can increase the rate of alcohol absorption. The carbonation creates pressure in the stomach and small intestine, forcing alcohol to be absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream. Additionally, the lower alcohol content in beer, compared to spirits like vodka, can result in a slower absorption rate.

Comparison of Beer and Vodka

When comparing beer and vodka, it is important to consider the volume and alcohol concentration. A standard drink of beer (12 ounces) and a standard drink of vodka (1.25 ounces of 80-proof vodka) contain approximately the same amount of pure alcohol (about 0.5 ounces). However, the alcohol concentration in vodka is typically higher than in beer. As a result, vodka may lead to a faster absorption rate and higher peak blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

Factors Influencing Absorption Rate

Other factors that can influence the absorption rate of alcohol include gender, mood, speed of consumption, tolerance to alcohol, physical condition, medication or drug interactions, and altitude. It is important to note that the liver metabolizes alcohol at a constant rate, and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication as the unmetabolized alcohol continues to circulate in the bloodstream.

Pacing alcohol consumption

• Eat before you drink: Eating a meal before drinking slows down alcohol absorption. This is because the pyloric valve, which separates the stomach and the small intestine, closes after a large meal to keep food in the stomach for digestion. A high-fat meal can keep this valve closed for up to six hours, while proteins pass through more quickly, and carbohydrates are the quickest.
• Stay hydrated: Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it will cause dehydration. Drinking water before and between alcoholic drinks will help you stay hydrated, feel less thirsty, and slow down your drinking.
• Plan and schedule your drinking: Don't drink impulsively. Plan your drinking sessions and stick to weekly limits. This can help you stay in control of your consumption and avoid drinking too much.
• Choose your drinks wisely: Opt for drinks with lower alcohol content. Drinking beer or wine instead of hard liquor can help you pace yourself, as they usually have a lower alcohol by volume (ABV).
• Pace your drinks: The average human body metabolizes one standard drink per hour. Limit yourself to one standard drink per hour to maintain a low buzz or two drinks per hour for a slightly higher level.
• Alternate your drinks: Slow down your drinking rate by alternating alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic ones. For example, order a glass of wine and a glass of water and sip both.
• Avoid pre-drinking: Pre-drinking, or drinking before a social event, can lead to losing control over your consumption. Cut out pre-drinking to stay within moderate drinking limits.
• Avoid drinking when you're feeling low: It's harder to control your drinking when you're feeling angry, depressed, anxious, or exhausted. Avoid drinking when you're in a negative emotional state to stay within moderate limits.
• Have a snack: Eating a snack can help curb cravings for alcohol. Opt for high-protein, high-fat foods, such as classic bar snacks like nachos, burgers, chicken wings, or pizza.
• Take breaks from drinking: If you're drinking daily, try having a day or two without alcohol. This can help you build a healthier relationship with alcohol and reduce your overall consumption.
• Get support: Making positive changes to your drinking habits can be challenging. Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist to help you stay on track.

While the order of consumption (beer before liquor or vice versa) has little impact on hangover severity, pacing your drinking and following the above tips can help you drink more responsibly and reduce the negative effects of alcohol. Remember, the key to reducing hangover risk is not the order in which you drink but rather the total amount of alcohol consumed.

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