As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can tell you that any alcoholic beverage has the potential to get you drunk, including vodka soda. Vodka is a distilled spirit with a high alcohol content, typically around 40% or higher. When mixed with soda, the alcohol is diluted, but it still has the potential to intoxicate you.
The study mentioned in the question found that college students who consumed vodka mixed with diet soda actually got more intoxicated and faster than those who mixed it with regular soda. This finding was quite surprising, as one might expect the sugar in regular soda to enhance the effects of alcohol. However, the researchers hypothesized that the artificial sweeteners in diet soda may have altered the way alcohol is metabolized in the body, leading to a more rapid and intense intoxication.
In my personal experience, I have seen individuals become quite intoxicated from consuming vodka soda. The effects can vary depending on factors such as body weight, tolerance, and the amount consumed. It is important to remember that alcohol affects everyone differently, and what may intoxicate one person may have a milder effect on another.
To better understand why vodka soda can get you drunk, let's break it down. Vodka itself is a highly concentrated alcoholic beverage. When mixed with soda, the alcohol is diluted, but it still retains its potency. The carbonation in soda can actually accelerate the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, leading to a faster onset of intoxication.
Additionally, the effects of alcohol can be influenced by the rate at which it is consumed. If someone is consuming vodka soda quickly and in large quantities, they are likely to become intoxicated more rapidly than if they were sipping on it slowly. It's important to pace yourself and drink responsibly to avoid overconsumption and its associated risks.
It's worth noting that the effects of alcohol can vary depending on the individual and their tolerance. Some people may be more sensitive to the effects of alcohol and become intoxicated more easily, while others may have a higher tolerance and require more alcohol to reach the same level of intoxication.
Vodka soda has the potential to get you drunk. The alcohol content in vodka, even when mixed with soda, can intoxicate you. However, the effects can vary depending on factors such as body weight, tolerance, and the rate of consumption. It is always important to drink responsibly and be aware of your own limits.