Alcoholic drinks that cause severe hangovers

Bendery mistakes

When yesterday’s “why not” turns into today’s “why, oh why,” you have no choice but to ride it out. However, according to alcohol expert Daniel Ufland of the online whiskey retailer, Whiskey Mastersyour choice of drink can make all the difference in how rough the ride is.

Here’s a list of seven drinks that are most likely to ruin your morning.

1. Red wine

Red wine is considered a somewhat classy drink – you know, you snort it and swirl it to look classy – but overdo it or you’ll feel less than sophisticated the next morning. It contains tannins, which can cause headaches, and histamines, which often lead to nasal congestion or worsen allergy-like symptoms. Then there are congeners—chemical byproducts of fermentation that are more concentrated in red wine than in lighter drinks—which only worsen your hangover. According to Ufland, white wine the next day will be more merciful and can save you from the same cruel consequences.

2. Whiskey

Whiskey is a strong drink and makes a great addition to a steak dinner or evening cap. But overusing it will cause you to curse every grain known to man. Whiskey’s dark hue and deep flavor come from its congeners, pesky compounds formed during fermentation and aging. They taste great, but are bad for the head.

Pairing whiskey with plenty of water and a good meal beforehand can take the edge off, Ufland says. “A big lunch can really help soften the blow the next morning,” he adds.

3. Tequila

Tequilasponsor of bad decisions and tomorrow ah, my Dios, not particularly known for his mercy in the hangover department. It has a high alcohol content, which causes the body to dehydrate faster, leading to headaches and nausea the next day.

According to Ufland, drinking just one or two drinks (and pairing them with a snack) can help slow the absorption of alcohol and save you from the wrath of tequila. “If you’re going to drink tequila, don’t forget to add salt and lime!” he’s joking.

4. Champagne

Bubbles in bubbles are here to trick you. Carbonation speeds up the absorption of alcohol, so you’ll get drunk faster—and be on crash course with a hangover before you know it. Luckily, champagne has less alcohol than most dark spirits, making hangovers easier. “Drink champagne slowly and don’t drink on an empty stomach to mitigate the effects.” Ufland advises.

5. Rum

Rum feels like vacation in a bottle until the next morning. Dark rum in particular is high in sugar and related compounds, making it your worst enemy. Lighter mixers can help reduce sugar levels, Ufland said, since “the rum itself already has enough sugar in it.”

6. Cheap liquor

Alcohol can’t be bought on the cheap; frugal drinkers often end up paying for it with a brutal hangover. Cheap liquor contains a delicious mixture of impurities that your liver has to fight against. These contaminants can slow down the body’s processing of alcohol, prolonging the duration of the post-breakfast headache and nausea combination. “Choosing higher-quality alcoholic beverages with fewer additives and, of course, drinking enough fluids can reduce morning shock,” advises Ufland.

7. Beer

Beer may seem like a safe bet due to its lower alcohol content, but these carbohydrates cause bloating and lethargy. You may avoid brain-shattering headaches, but that doesn’t mean you won’t feel gross. Ufland recommends a lighter beer if you want to maintain the smooth effect the next day. “There’s nothing wrong with drinking a few light beers if you’re aiming for a calmer morning,” he notes, but cautions that heavier beers require some stomach preparation.

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This article was originally published on Cheapness

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