The myth about wine before liquor is a common belief that consuming wine before drinking liquor will result in a worse hangover the next day. This saying, often accompanied by the beer variation “Beer before liquor, never sicker,” suggests that the order in which different types of alcohol are consumed can affect the severity of hangovers. However, as an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that this belief is largely unfounded.
First and foremost, it is important to understand that the primary factors contributing to a hangover are the amount of alcohol consumed and the rate at which it is consumed. Regardless of the order in which different alcoholic beverages are consumed, excessive drinking will likely lead to a hangover. It is essential to consume alcohol in moderation and pace oneself throughout the night to minimize the negative effects the next day.
The myth of wine before liquor is likely rooted in the idea that wine is a lower alcohol content beverage compared to liquor. Wine typically contains around 12-15% alcohol by volume, while liquors can range from 40-50% ABV or even higher. Therefore, some people may assume that starting with wine and then switching to higher proof liquors will result in a worse hangover. However, the alcohol content alone is not the sole determinant of hangover severity.
Another factor that may contribute to this myth is the potential for different alcoholic beverages to have varying levels of congeners. Congeners are byproducts of the fermentation and distillation process that can contribute to the taste, aroma, and color of alcoholic beverages. Some studies have suggested that darker alcoholic beverages, such as red wine or dark liquors, may contain higher levels of congeners, which could potentially exacerbate hangover symptoms. However, the impact of congeners on hangovers has not been definitively proven, and the difference in congener levels between different types of alcohol is relatively small.
From personal experience, I have consumed wine before switching to liquor on many occasions, and I have not noticed a significant difference in the severity of my hangovers compared to when I have consumed alcohol in a different order. The key factor in preventing hangovers is responsible drinking, not the specific order or types of alcohol consumed.
It is worth noting that individual tolerance to alcohol can vary greatly, and some people may be more susceptible to hangovers regardless of the order in which they consume different alcoholic beverages. Factors such as genetics, hydration levels, and overall health can all play a role in how one's body reacts to alcohol.
The myth of wine before liquor leading to a worse hangover is not supported by scientific evidence or personal experience. The key to avoiding hangovers is moderation, pacing oneself throughout the night, and staying hydrated. Regardless of the order in which different types of alcohol are consumed, excessive drinking will likely result in a hangover the next day.