The familiar saying, “Beer before liquor, never sicker; liquor before beer, you’re in the clear,” suggests that the order of alcoholic beverages determines hangover severity. This folk wisdom implies a physiological consequence to mixing drinks in a certain sequence. However, the human body processes alcohol based on chemical principles, not rhyming proverbs. Investigating this claim requires examining alcohol absorption, concentration, and the true causes of post-drinking sickness.
Does the Order of Drinks Matter
Current biological understanding indicates that the sequence of alcohol consumption does not physiologically determine intoxication or subsequent sickness. Metabolism is primarily concerned with the total amount of ethanol introduced, regardless of whether it came from beer, wine, or spirits. Studies specifically designed to test this adage found no significant difference in hangover severity among participants who consumed alcohol in different orders.
The idea that the body reacts negatively to a specific order is not supported by the pharmacokinetics of alcohol absorption. Ethanol is absorbed into the bloodstream almost immediately, with peak concentrations typically reached within 30 to 90 minutes. By the time hangover symptoms appear hours later, all the alcohol has already been absorbed and distributed. The lingering effects are due to metabolic byproducts and other factors, not the initial mixing order.
The Role of Alcohol Concentration and Volume
The true physiological factor dictating intoxication is the rate alcohol enters the bloodstream, governed by concentration and total volume consumed. Higher alcohol concentration generally leads to faster absorption, resulting in a quicker spike in Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). Typical beer is around 5% ABV, wine 12%, and liquor often 40%.
Concentrated beverages, such as spirits, deliver a large amount of ethanol in a small volume, allowing for rapid absorption. Less concentrated beverages, like beer, are absorbed more slowly, delaying the peak BAC. The rate of consumption is also important; a person can reach the same high BAC by drinking many low-ABV drinks quickly or a few high-ABV drinks quickly. Studies show that higher concentration solutions result in a significantly higher peak BAC and a faster time to reach that peak compared to lower concentration solutions.
Why the Adage Persists
The persistence of the “beer before liquor” adage is rooted in human behavior and impaired self-control, not chemistry. When a person starts drinking beer, they establish a certain consumption pace for a low-concentration liquid. Switching to liquor later means introducing a much higher concentration of alcohol while often maintaining that faster pace.
This rapid introduction of concentrated alcohol onto an already intoxicated system leads to a sudden, steep spike in BAC. Since alcohol impairs judgment, the person is less capable of accurately monitoring their intake when switching to spirits. The resulting rapid and severe intoxication is then mistakenly attributed to the “mixing” or “order” of the drinks, rather than the quick consumption of high-concentration ethanol.
What Really Causes Hangovers
The unpleasant symptoms of a hangover are caused by several physiological consequences of excessive alcohol intake. Primary among these is dehydration, as alcohol acts as a diuretic, increasing urine production and leading to fluid and electrolyte imbalances. This results in classic hangover symptoms like thirst, headache, and fatigue.
Acetaldehyde Buildup
A significant contributor is acetaldehyde, a toxic compound produced when the liver metabolizes alcohol. The body converts ethanol into acetaldehyde, which is then broken down into less harmful substances. The temporary buildup of this toxin contributes to nausea and vomiting.
Congeners
Many alcoholic beverages contain congeners, which are chemical byproducts of fermentation and distillation. These compounds are found in higher amounts in darker drinks like whiskey or red wine. Congeners are thought to worsen hangover severity.