Which alcohols cause the worst hangovers and how to prevent them: A simple rule of thumb

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” as Abraham Lincoln so wisely said.

So today, we’ll discuss which alcohols give the worst hangovers after a night of boozin’.

 

Generally, ‘Darker Drinks Do Da Damage’ (write it on your friends forehead so you don’t forget!). 

 

 

Darker drinks have higher quantities of ‘congeners’; a chemical responsible for the taste and aroma of drinks but also linked with more severe hangovers.

 

Spirits

Darker spirits (whiskey, bourbon) will give a worse hangover than clear ones (gin, vodka).

 

Pints

Similarly to spirits, darker beers (red beers, stouts) result in a worse morning after than lighter beers.

 

The same goes for ciders, stronger ones typically have a darker colour.

 

IPAs and craft beers are all over the shop in terms of ingredients, assess individual ones to see which have darker colours.

 

Wine

Red wine has far more congeners than white wine (which has almost none) so swap red for a rosé, white, or champagne (if you’re feeling boujée) for a better morning after.

 

Disclaimer; you’ll still be hungover due to inflammation, dehydration, and lacking antioxidants, but lighter drinks will make it less awful. The quantity you drink will be the main factor, but drink for drink, lighter = less hungover.

There you have it folks, if avoiding hangovers is on your mind, see if you can swap darker drinks for lighter ones, and make that morning after more enjoyable!

Be sure to share this with your friends (and hide it from your enemies) so you can avoid the worst hangovers together!