Can bourbon balls get you drunk?

Answered by James Porterfield

As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that it is highly unlikely that eating balls will get you drunk. Let me explain why.

Firstly, bourbon balls are typically made with bourbon, which is a type of . Whiskey, including bourbon, contains , which is the primary substance responsible for getting you drunk. However, the alcohol content in bourbon balls is usually quite low.

When bourbon is used in baking or cooking, the high heat involved in the process tends to evaporate a significant portion of the alcohol. This means that the bourbon used in making bourbon balls may have a reduced alcohol content compared to consuming it straight from the bottle.

Furthermore, bourbon balls are typically small, bite-sized treats. They are not intended to be consumed in large quantities like a glass of whiskey. You would need to eat a significant amount of bourbon balls to consume enough alcohol to get drunk.

Additionally, bourbon balls often contain other ingredients such as chocolate, nuts, and sugar, which dilute the alcohol content even further. These ingredients contribute to the overall flavor and texture of the bourbon balls but do not significantly increase the alcohol content.

In my personal experience, I have enjoyed bourbon balls on multiple occasions without experiencing any noticeable effects of alcohol intoxication. They are meant to be a delicious treat with a hint of bourbon flavor rather than a means to get intoxicated.

It's important to keep in mind that everyone's tolerance to alcohol varies, and consuming large quantities of bourbon balls could potentially lead to mild intoxication for some individuals. However, it would still require a significant amount of consumption to achieve this effect.

To summarize, while bourbon balls may contain a small amount of alcohol, the likelihood of getting drunk solely from eating them is extremely low. They are more likely to provide a delightful indulgence and a subtle bourbon flavor rather than a buzz. So, enjoy your bourbon balls without concern for getting intoxicated.