Why Does My Chest Burn When I Drink Alcohol?

5. Hodgkin’s disease – Sometimes, a person who has undiagnosed cancer of the lymph nodes (Hodgkin’s disease) can experience chest pain when drinking alcohol. While Hodgkin’s disease does not affect the heart, the irritation of the lymph nodes can cause one to feel pain in the chest.

• One should always talk to their doctor about their health problems, including chest pain.
• Most likely, one’s chest pain is nothing serious, but it can be a sign of a disease that may kill unless a doctor diagnoses it in its early stages.
• While drinking alcohol, one might frequently smoke cigarettes or use other drugs.

Alcohol-related chest pain may be caused by other substances that one uses while drinking and not by the alcohol itself. Since alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine all raise blood pressure, a combination of two or all three can be enough to cause chest pains.

• One should talk to their doctor about whether or not any medications (including over the counter medications) they use are unsafe to take with alcohol.
• One’s drinking may be unproblematic in terms of the amount consumed but causing problems due to adverse interactions with one’s medications.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen can cause alcohol-related chest pain to go away.

Drinking water can help the dehydration that may be contributing to one’s chest pain. One should never ignore chest pain. Only if one is aware that a severe health issue does not cause their alcohol-related chest pain is it ok for one to continue to drink.

If chest pain is severe, one may be experiencing a heart attack. If great pain is combined with a feeling of heavy pressing on the chest, get to the hospital. For forty years, doctors have known that heart attacks occur significantly more frequently around the time of Christmas and the new year celebrations.

Hospitalisations for heart problems in late December and the first days of January were higher than average forty years ago. Today, the end of the year is still associated with heart attacks. These hospitalisations are quite likely due to the amount of alcohol consumed during the last ten days of each year.

1. As well as an increased incidence of heart attacks, relatively harmless incidents of chest pain are more common.
2. Sometimes, a fluctuating heart rate experienced during the holidays is nothing to worry about.
3. If one knows that they have a healthy heart, healthy arteries, and nothing wrong with their lymph nodes, a bit of alcohol-related heart fluctuation may be harmless.

It is likely to go away after one stops drinking and sobers up on new year’s day. Alcohol can affect the nervous system in unpredictable ways. If alcohol causes one’s nervous system to behave erratically, one may briefly experience arrhythmia. A person with a healthy heart can sometimes experience these symptoms when drinking alcohol.

• A person who does not have anything close to an alcohol problem can still experience adverse effects when drinking.
• Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is a potentially fatal heart disease caused by long term heavy drinking.
• Like many other potentially deadly diseases, it often causes only minor symptoms until it suddenly becomes life-threatening.

Alcoholism causes the heart muscle to increase in size but thin and weaken. A weak heart will lead to all sorts of health problems as it cannot pump enough blood to the rest of the body. As the heart weakens further, it can lead to heart failure and death.

Although alcoholic cardiomyopathy is most common in early middle-aged men, it can affect men and women of all ages. The disease is most common in heavy drinkers. While anything more than three or four drinks per day or seven or fourteen drinks per week can be unhealthy, those who end up with cardiomyopathy are usually much heavier drinkers.

The disease is dangerous because many people are not aware that they have it until it has progressed dangerously far. If a doctor manages to diagnose a patient with alcohol-related damage to the heart at an early stage of the disease, the patient will often quit drinking and avoid further damage to the body.

1. Anyone who drinks more than a little, even if they do not consider themselves an alcoholic, should get tested for cardiomyopathy.
2. Symptoms of the disease are sometimes minor until a heart attack occurs, but there will often be early signs.
3. Due to a weakening heart and reduced blood flow, a person may experience fainting or at least dizziness.

Reduced blood flow to the brain will cause periodic dizziness. Brain fog can also result from poor blood flow. One may frequently cough up light coloured mucus, or have swelling around the ankles and elsewhere. More than anything else, the disease will cause a rapid and irregular heartbeat.

1. Anyone who drinks more than a little and has an irregular heart rate should be concerned and ask a doctor to check for signs of the disease.
2. Alcohol is a somewhat toxic substance.
3. It may be possible to enjoy in moderation for a long time, and may even have health benefits for some people, but it is toxic nonetheless.

One can, of course, die from an alcohol drug overdose. Repeatedly exposing the heart to more than a small amount of a poisonous substance will gradually change and weaken it. A weak heart cannot quickly pump blood out of itself. This causes the heart to swell up with blood, which causes the heart to grow over the years.

An enlarged heart is an unhealthy heart that is on its way to failure. Thankfully, it is easy to determine whether or not a person has any alcohol-related damage to the heart. A physical exam and x-rays are enough to either confirm or rule out the disease. Your doctor may ask you medical questions about alcohol use; one must answer these questions honestly and never understate one’s drinking.

After checking your pulse and blood pressure, a doctor will listen to your heart. Abnormal heart sounds can prove that the heart is either enlarged or has a dysfunctional valve. A doctor may also check for swelling of the hands and feet. Enlargement of the veins, especially in the neck, is another sign of the disease.

1. After the physical exam, more technologically advanced tests will determine the degree of damage to the heart muscle.
2. These tests will include a few different blood tests.
3. A basic metabolic panel will measure the amount of salt, chloride, potassium, and other substances in the blood.
4. Abnormal levels of these substances can indicate damage to organs and arteries.

A second blood test will detect damage to the liver, as alcoholism often causes liver damage as well. Abnormally low levels of enzymes released by the liver indicate liver damage. A third test is a cholesterol test, as anyone with a damaged heart may have clogged arteries as well.

• High cholesterol is thankfully reversible and may disappear without any changes other than avoiding alcohol.
• After the physical exam and blood tests are complete, the doctor will move on to X-Rays, which determine the amount of damage done to the heart in more detail.
• X-Rays can also diagnose the presence of abnormal fluid in the lungs, which is common if one has a damaged heart.

The doctor will then know in detail how much damage alcohol has done to the heart and other vulnerable parts of the body. If anyone has damaged their heart by excessive drinking, they must quit rather than cut down on alcohol. If one is addicted, as a heavy drinker often is, this may be a difficult task, but it must be done.

As well as avoiding alcohol from then on, one might have to avoid salt for the most part. If the heart is already damaged, a low salt diet will lower one’s blood pressure and reduce strain on the heart. Much of the damage to the heart may be permanent, but one can still partly recover heart function and prevent further damage.

If a doctor diagnoses the disease at an early stage and treatment begins quickly, one’s odds are better. A doctor may recommend blood pressure-lowering drugs or diuretics to reduce strain on the heart. If the damage is more serious, one may have to undergo surgery to install a pacemaker.

Relying purely on will power might but probably will not work. One has to have an actual plan, simply choosing to quit drinking will not work for long. Alcoholism is a real addiction, and even those who are already suffering from severe alcohol-related health problems may find it challenging to quit. Significant life changes may be needed to break an alcohol addiction.

If one’s social life depends heavily on drinking, one may have to find new friends or at least new activities. Social situations in which drinking occurs will have to be avoided. Will power on its own is not going to be enough. One cannot be around drinking as a recovering alcoholic.

1. One may have to quit many habits they associate with drinking.
2. One can benefit greatly from the support of others.
3. If one is seriously addicted to alcohol, one can experience painful and even dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
4. The first 72 hours of withdrawal are the most difficult and can result in seizures for the most addicted.

For this reason, one might want to check themselves into alcohol rehab for a short time to attempt to break their addiction in a different environment. Only two weeks after quitting, one is likely to see some health improvements. One’s heart function may mostly recover if they quit alcohol, and one’s overall health is sure to improve as well. Boris is our editor-in-chief at Rehab 4 Addiction. Boris is an addiction expert with more than 20 years in the field. His expertise covers a broad of topics relating to addiction, rehab and recovery. Boris is an addiction therapist and assists in the alcohol detox and rehab process, Boris has been featured on a variety of websites, including the BBC, Verywell Mind and Healthline.

Why does my chest burn when I take a drink?

Frequently asked questions – Is it normal to have chest pain after drinking alcohol? While not uncommon and often not serious, no amount of chest pain after drinking alcohol should be considered normal. If you are experiencing drinking-related chest pain, try to reduce your alcohol intake and speak to your doctor about any underlying health issues.

Why does alcohol make you feel like it’s burning?

Alcohol and the stomach – Your stomach is one part of the gastrointestinal tract system that digests food, taking the nutrition your body needs and getting rid of the waste. By adding acid and enzymes to food and drink you consume, your stomach breaks them down before they carry on their journey through your gut.

Drinking alcohol is associated with acid rising up from your stomach into your throat (known as acid reflux), or causing heartburn.1 Some evidence suggests alcoholic drinks can make your stomach produce more acid than usual, which can gradually wear away your stomach lining and make it inflamed and painful (gastritis).2 Over weeks or months, this could mean you develop painful ulcers in your stomach lining.

Want to drink less? Find out how

Why does my chest feel hot after drinking alcohol?

What are symptoms of alcohol intolerance? – Alcohol flushing syndrome is a major sign of alcohol intolerance. Your face, neck and chest become warm and pink or red right after you drink alcohol. Other symptoms include:

• Nausea and vomiting,
• Rapid heartbeat ( tachycardia ) or heart palpitations,
• Hypotension (low blood pressure).
• Throbbing headache, fatigue and other hangover-like symptoms.
• Stuffy nose.
• Diarrhea,
• Worsening asthma,

Why does my chest hurt after drinking anything?

Drinking alcohol may cause high blood pressure and arrhythmia, leading to chest pain. People may also feel chest pain after drinking due to anxiety, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and other conditions. Chronic alcohol consumption may affect blood pressure and heart rhythm, which may cause chest pain.

Alcohol can also increase anxiety, which may result in panic attacks and chest pain. Over time, heavy alcohol intake can damage the heart, increasing the risk of heart failure and stroke. This article looks at the link between alcohol and chest pain, the effects of alcohol on heart health, and tips to prevent chest pain due to alcohol consumption.

Drinking alcohol may cause chest pain for a number of reasons. Heavy alcohol consumption can affect heart health and may lead to a range of cardiovascular problems, including:

high blood pressure heart failurecardiomyopathy, a condition affecting the heart musclestroke

Drinking alcohol can be a trigger for angina, Angina is chest pain due to a temporary reduction of blood flow to the heart. This prevents the heart from getting enough oxygen, causing pain or discomfort in the chest. Angina usually signals underlying heart disease and blocked arteries.

Heavy alcohol consumption consists of four or more drinks for females in a single session and five or more drinks for males. This concentration of alcohol can increase blood pressure. High blood pressure can reduce the elasticity of the arteries, decreasing blood flow and oxygen to the heart. In turn, this can result in chest pain.

High blood pressure is also a risk factor for developing an arrhythmia, or irregular heart rhythm. It can also cause atrial fibrillation, Arrhythmias can cause pain or pressure in the chest. Other symptoms include:

palpitationsdizziness or lightheadednessshortness of breathsweat fatigue

Alcohol consumption may increase anxiety. Alcohol is a depressant, which means it suppresses the nervous system. It can initially make people feel more relaxed and less inhibited. However, once these effects wear off, regular heavy drinking may alter how the brain responds to alcohol.

chest painshortness of breathheart palpitationsnauseadizziness or lightheadedness

According to a 2018 review, alcohol may be a significant risk factor for developing GERD, also known as acid reflux. This risk increases with greater frequency and intake of alcohol. Symptoms of GERD include:

chest pain heartburn, which can cause a burning sensation in the chestvomiting food or stomach acidnausea

Chronic, heavy alcohol consumption is one of the most common causes of pancreatitis. Pancreatitis may cause severe abdominal pain that can spread to the chest. Other symptoms include:

increased heart ratenauseavomiting fever swelling or tenderness in the abdomenjaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes

Frequent alcohol consumption may increase the risk of high blood pressure. Regardless of sex, drinking more than 1–2 drinks per day correlates to an increased risk of high blood pressure. High blood pressure can damage the arteries and reduce blood and oxygen flow to the heart.

an increase in potential heart injurypotential stretching of the heart wallhigher markers of inflammation

Heavy drinking can cause an irregular heart rate. This may occur after just one session of heavy drinking over a 24-hour period. Chronic drinking can weaken the heart muscle and lead to alcohol-related cardiomyopathy. This can result from heavy drinking, such as consuming 4–5 drinks per day for several years.

pain or discomfort in the left or center of the chest that may come and go, or last for several minuteschest pain that may feel like a tightness, squeezing, uncomfortable pressure, or fullnesspain or discomfort in the back, neck, jaw, arms, or shouldersshortness of breathlightheadednessweakness or fatiguesweatnausea or vomiting

The sooner a person receives medical help, the more effective treatment is to reduce heart damage. Certain steps may help prevent chest pain from alcohol and protect heart health, including:

Reduce alcohol intake or avoid drinking alcohol.Keep within the recommended guidelines of alcohol intake, which is a maximum of 2 drinks for males and 1 drink for females per day.Have several alcohol-free days per week.Avoid or quit smoking.Maintain a moderate weight.Exercise regularly.Eat a healthy, balanced diet.Manage stress by taking time to relax and rest.Treat high blood pressure, diabetes, or any other underlying conditions.

Resources are available for people who desire help to stop drinking alcohol or reduce their intake. If alcohol intake affects a person’s health or well-being, they can talk with a healthcare professional or organization for support and advice, Alcohol can increase blood pressure, cause an irregular heart rhythm, and affect blood flow to the heart.

1. Any of these can result in chest pain.
2. Alcohol may also trigger angina, anxiety and panic attacks, or increase the risk of GERD.
3. Chest pain can result from these conditions.
4. Chronic alcohol intake can damage the blood vessels and heart, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke.

If a person has chest pain after drinking alcohol, it is important to talk with a doctor to determine the underlying cause. Immediate medical attention is necessary for people with symptoms of a heart attack.

How do you stop your chest from burning from alcohol?

How to Avoid Heartburn When Drinking – Heartburn doesn’t have to make an appearance every time you have a drink at an outing. Use these tips to help reduce the chances of getting heartburn after drinking: 1,2,6

• Stay hydrated. Drinking water can help with digestion and prevent dehydration.
• Drink in moderation. Drinking too much can make acid reflux worse. Keep the drinks to a minimum to avoid the risk of acid reflux.
• Be mindful of how you eat and when you eat. Try not to overeat or eat too quickly after drinking and avoid foods that cause heartburn, It may also be helpful to not eat before going to sleep, as this can help prevent getting heartburn at night,
• Ditch the cigarettes. Smoking can also make your heartburn worse. Avoid taking smoke breaks at the bar to reduce your risk of heartburn.
• Avoid wearing tight clothing. If your belt or clothes are too tight, they may also cause heartburn. Try to avoid wearing tight clothing to your next happy hour or outing with alcohol.
• Take antacids. Antacids can be taken while drinking alcohol. Look for over-the-counter products like TUMS Chewy Bites to quickly relieve heartburn symptoms and acid indigestion. Use as directed.

Don’t let heartburn take over your night. Find helpful tips for reducing heartburn and more on the TUMS website, Source Citations:

1. Heartburn. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9617-heartburn-overview Accessed 9/14/2022.
2. 6 Ways Alcohol Can Damage Your Gut. UNC Health. https://healthtalk.unchealthcare.org/6-ways-alcohol-can-damage-your-gut/ Accessed 9/14/2022.
3. Alcohol Consumption and Obesity: An Update. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4338356/ Accessed 9/14/2022.
4. Stress. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11874-stress Accessed 9/14/2022.
5. Alcohol and gastric acid secretion in humans. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1374273/ Accessed 9/14/2022.
6. Antacids. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/antacids/ Accessed 9/14/2022.

How do I stop my chest from burning?

Lung health issues – Problems with the lungs can also cause burning in the chest. For example, lung infections and pneumonia can cause burning pain in the chest or lungs, especially when breathing or during movement or exercise. People who experience burning pain that makes breathing difficult should see a doctor, as it can be difficult to tell these symptoms from those of a heart attack.

a complete medical historya physical exam to check heart rate and pulse, look for swelling, and assess muscle and organ healthblood work to check for infections or changes that may indicate a heart attack or other heart probleman electrocardiogram, which measures electrical activity in the heartchest X-rays CT scans

The treatment options for burning chest pain vary depending on the cause. For example, heartburn may require a person to take an antacid or make dietary changes, whereas more serious heart or lung conditions often demand comprehensive lifestyle changes.

A person having a heart attack may need blood thinners or surgery, such as bypass surgery. People should not try to treat chronic chest pain at home, especially if they do not know the underlying cause. Even chronic heartburn can cause long term health problems. Only a doctor can diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

Share on Pinterest Lying down and taking slow, deep breaths can help with minor chest burning. Some home management strategies can help soothe minor chest burning and determine whether a person needs emergency care. However, if the pain does not get better, is severe, or indicates a heart attack, they should seek immediate medical attention.

lying down and taking slow, deep breathstaking an antacidgently massaging the painful areadrinking a glass of waterchanging positionsapplying a hot or warm compress to painful or tender breasts

It is not always possible to prevent serious heart, lung, and vascular conditions, but people can reduce their risk by maintaining a healthy body weight and exercising as regularly as possible. Seeking care for any chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes or coronary artery disease, can also reduce the risk of developing complications.

1. Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet that is low in trans fats and sodium can also help.
2. People with chronic heartburn often find relief from eating fewer acidic foods.
3. Eating smaller, more frequent meals may also help relieve symptoms.
4. Some people avoid seeking medical care for burning chest pain because they fear a particular diagnosis or worry that they are overreacting.

However, burning in the chest can be serious, and prompt medical care can be life saving — especially for heart, vascular, and lung problems. People who are uncertain of the reason for their pain should seek immediate care. Go to the emergency room for:

sudden, intense burning pain in the chestchest pain that occurs with other symptoms, such as confusion, loss of consciousness, or difficulty breathingintense pressure or pain in the center of the chestangina that is different from the person’s usual angina patternchest burning that gets steadily worse or does not improve with home treatment

Burning chest pain can occur for many reasons. It is usually due to heartburn or other gastrointestinal issues, but injuries and panic attacks can also cause a burning chest. More serious conditions, such as a heart attack or aortic dissection, can also cause a burning chest.

Can you develop an alcohol intolerance?

Alcohol intolerance is a real condition that may occur suddenly or later in life. Here’s why your body may start to reject drinking alcohol. – If you have a pattern of suddenly feeling very sick after consuming alcohol, you may have developed sudden onset alcohol intolerance.

Do alcoholics get chest pain?

What are the symptoms? – Many of the symptoms connected to alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy happen because of how the condition changes the structure of your heart. Symptoms include:

Chest pain, especially when you’re active. Coughing. Fatigue or weakness. Feeling lightheaded or passing out. Heart palpitations (the unpleasant sensation of your heartbeat). Increased pressure and bulging of veins in your neck. Trouble breathing, especially when active or when you’ve been lying down for more than just a few minutes. Edema (fluid buildup and swelling), especially in your feet, ankles and lower legs. Noticeable decrease in your appetite. Loss of muscle mass. Swelling or hardening of the liver.

What alcohol doesn’t cause heartburn?

Best Drinks for GERD Patients – According to the pH level, gin, tequila, and non-grain vodkas are the lowest acidity options; choosing drinks made with these alcohols will be best on your stomach, You’ll be best served by a drink made with a light juice like apple, pear, or cranberry, but sometimes you just really want that kick of citrus.

How do you relax your heart after drinking?

3. Try Stress-Relieving Activities – Another way to help slow down your heart rate is to practice stress-relieving activities. Take some deep breaths or go for a walk outside. You can also try meditation, which can cause your heart to slow dramatically, even going beyond the point of a resting heart rate to the pace typically only experienced while sleeping.

If you have experienced elevated heart rates while drinking and have concerns about the health of your heart and cardiovascular system, it is best to seek the guidance of a health professional. Cutting back on alcohol is one of the best things you can do to improve your heart health and reduce associated risks.

Monument offers evidence-based tools like alcohol therapy, medication to stop drinking, and free therapist-moderated support groups. With the right help and consistent support, you can find long-term health and happiness. You are not alone.

Is chest burn serious?

Heartburn is a burning pain in your chest, just behind your breastbone. The pain is often worse after eating, in the evening, or when lying down or bending over. Occasional heartburn is common and no cause for alarm. Most people can manage the discomfort of heartburn on their own with lifestyle changes and nonprescription medications.

A burning pain in the chest that usually occurs after eating and may occur at night Pain that worsens when lying down or bending over A bitter or acidic taste in the mouth

Chest pain may be a symptom of a heart attack. Seek help right away if you have severe chest pain or pressure, especially when combined with pain in the arm or jaw or difficulty breathing. Make an appointment with your health care provider if:

Heartburn occurs more than twice a week Symptoms persist despite use of nonprescription medications You have difficulty swallowing You have persistent nausea or vomiting You have weight loss because of poor appetite or difficulty eating

Is chest burn normal?

When should I seek medical care for heartburn? – See a healthcare provider if:

You have heartburn on a weekly basis. You have atypical symptoms. You have difficulty swallowing or getting enough calories. You’re over the age of 60. You have chest pain that feels like angina (tightening or squeezing). Your treatment plan isn’t working.

A note from Cleveland Clinic Occasional heartburn is common, and most people can manage it with small adjustments. But if you have it all the time, you may need medical care. Don’t leave chronic heartburn untreated. Pain in your esophagus usually means it’s being injured, and this can do real damage over time.

When should I be worried about burning my chest?

Summary – A burning sensation in your chest is usually caused by a non-life-threatening medical condition. This is often due to heartburn or GERD, with diet and lifestyle changes playing a key role in reducing your symptoms. Heartburn isn’t life-threatening, but it can signal the presence of larger health issues that should not be dismissed.

How do you get rid of the burning sensation after drinking?

Do antacids help? – Antacids work by neutralizing the stomach acid to relieve an upset stomach, Taking antacids can reduce nausea, heartburn, and indigestion that drinking causes. This is a good option for people who tend to feel sick when hungover.

How do you stop burning from drinking?

Download Article Download Article Love having a drink but hate the sting of alcohol? The truth is, whether you’re trying to turn up the party with some shots or sip on a drink to unwind, there may be a little bit of a burning sensation. Interestingly, it turns out that the reason alcohol burns your mouth and throat is because it affects certain heat receptors in your mouth, making your body think that you’re burning.

1. 1 Use freezing cold alcohol to reduce the sting of a shot. Stick your bottle of alcohol in your freezer 2-3 hours before you you start drinking. Wait until it’s nice and cold so the shots go down smoother.
   • Alcohol can’t freeze, so you can keep it in your freezer for as long as you want!
   • The coldness of the alcohol can help it feel like it’s burning less, while room temperature shots may feel much harsher in your mouth.
2. 2 Choose a fruit juice chaser for shots of vodka. Juice is a common and tasty chaser you can use for a variety of alcohols, but it can be really helpful for cutting down the taste of clear liquor like vodka. Have a glass of fruit juice handy for when you take your shot so you can reduce the burn and get rid of the taste.
   • Try using cranberry juice or orange juice as tasty chasers that are actually even a little healthy.
   • Many bars will have juices like pineapple and grapefruit that you can use as a chaser.
   • Some strong juices, like grape juice, may not taste well as a chaser for alcohol, so go with a lighter option instead.

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3. 3 Suck on a lime wedge to chase a shot of tequila. The citrus juice in lime can relieve the burn from a shot of tequila. Cut up some limes and have them ready to go. Once you take your shot, stick a wedge in your mouth and suck on the juices.
   • You can also use salt to help cut down the burn of tequila. Pour some salt in a dish, rub your lime around the rim of your shot glass to get some juice on it, then dip the rim into the salt so it sticks to it. Before you take your shot, lick the salt off of your glass.
4. 4 Grab a soft drink to sip after a shot of whiskey or rum. Sodas are easy to find and great to use as a chaser for many liquors, especially whiskey or rum. Crack open a can of soda to use as a chaser for your shots.
   • A caffeine-free soda can help minimize the symptoms of a hangover because caffeine can dehydrate you and make your symptoms worse.
   • Sprite and ginger ale work with nearly any type of alcohol.
   • You can also always just choose a soft drink that you enjoy to use as a chaser.
5. 5 Try pickle juice as another option chaser for whiskey. It might sound crazy, but taking a sip or a shot of pickle juice as a chaser for your whiskey, also known as a pickle back, can actually reduce the burn. If you’re feeling adventurous, have a small shot glass or cup of pickle juice nearby and give it a,, shot!
   • Take it up a notch by using spicy pickle juice.
6. 6 Go with club soda as a low-calorie chaser option. Club soda can help cut the taste of a shot and won’t add any sweetness like soda and juice. If you want a chaser that won’t add a ton of extra calories but will do the trick, go with club soda.
   • Using a club soda also means less sugar, which means you may have less of a hangover.
7. 7 Take a sip of your chaser before you take a shot. Avoid having just the overwhelming taste of alcohol in your mouth by taking a small sip of your chaser before you take your shot. Then, take your shot and follow it up with another sip of your chaser to get rid of the burn and wash away the taste.
8. 8 Savor a fine whiskey by taking small sips. Rather than shooting back a shot of a fine scotch, bourbon, or another type of whiskey, take a small sip. Hold it on your tongue and let it spread around your mouth to get a sense of its mouthfeel and flavors before you swallow it.
   • Since a sip is much smaller than a shot, the alcohol won’t burn as much.

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1. 1 Add a splash of water to cut strong whiskey. Adding a small amount of water to your whiskey not only dilutes and reduces its burn, it actually helps bring out some of the subtle notes and enhance the flavor profile. Pour your glass of whiskey and add a few drops of water into it to make it both taste better and burn less.
   • You could also use club soda to add some fizz to your whiskey as well.
   • If you want to add some extra flavor, add a splash of ginger ale to your whiskey.
2. 2 Drop an ice cube in whiskey to if you want to cool and cut it. Adding ice to whiskey, also known as “on the rocks,” allows the ice to slowly melt and cool down the liquor, which can make it smoother. The extra water from the melting ice will also help open up the whiskey and reduce its burn. Drop a cube or 2 into your glass before you enjoy it.
3. 3 Use mineral water to cut clear spirits. Clear spirits like vodka and gin are better served with mineral water. It helps bring out the natural botanicals in them and dilute them enough to reduce the burn. Add a splash or 2 into your drink to make it smoother and open up the subtle flavor notes.
   • Tonic water also works as a great cutting agent for gin.
4. 4 Make a cocktail to reduce the flavor of the alcohol. If you really want to mask both the taste of alcohol, a cocktail or mixed drink is a great way to have a drink without the burn. Combine the alcohol with tasty mixers to create a mixed drink that you can enjoy.
   • Mix together equal parts peach schnapps and OJ for a classic fuzzy navel. Or keep it simple with a screwdriver: add a shot or 2 of vodka to a glass and fill it up with OJ.
   • Combine 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) of rum with 3 fluid ounces (89 mL) of coke to make a simple rum and coke. Add a squeeze of lime to kick it up a notch and turn it into a Cuba Libre!
   • Try looking up cocktail recipes to find one that looks tasty to you (and that you have the ingredients to make).

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