15 of the Healthiest Alcoholic Drinks, Straight From Dietitians You don’t need alcohol to relax and unwind, but the practice is ritualized in our culture as one that helps you “let your hair down.” However, as we all know, “too much of a good thing can be, well, too much,” Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., CNS, notes.
- The most healthy way to drink is and alongside plenty of water to counterbalance the diuretic effects,” explains nutritionist,
- Hardly groundbreaking news, but what exactly does drinking in moderation look like? “This is a tricky question because the line between healthy drinking and unhealthy drinking is really more about total consumption than individual drinks,” explains Poon.
Gittleman advises, “one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men as moderate alcohol consumption.” Drinking in moderation can also help you avoid some of alcohol’s, “If you want to avoid other negative effects like, weight gain, and sleep disruption, stick to beverages that are lower in sugar, contain clear alcohol, and are lower in calories.
- Drinking sugary beverages can disrupt your blood sugar and cause problems with,
- Just the alcohol can send your blood sugar levels for a spin on its own, and the combination can create hypoglycemia,” which can contribute to that shaky feeling you might experience after a night of drinking.
- You also want to regulate when you drink.
Poon emphasizes, “The digestion of alcohol can really affect your sleep, and quality sleep is one of the most important factors in overall health. Researchers have found that it’s best to drink at least four hours before bedtime to avoid disrupting sleep.” Finally, some people should avoid drinking altogether.
- Poon makes the following recommendation.
- Communities who would want to abstain completely would include pregnant women, people who struggle with alcohol abuse, people with certain conditions such as liver disease, and people who are on,” Gittleman adds that because alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, it’s important to check if any medications you’re taking are contraindicated.
“This includes over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen,” she says, “which can interact with alcohol to cause when taken in large amounts. Other populations might want to to stay committed to a healthy lifestyle. “In my opinion,” says Poon, “abstaining from alcohol is helpful for people who are trying to and people who are training for an endurance event or preparing for a big presentation at work.
Also, if you are having troubles with your digestion or with anxiety, you may want to consider abstaining from alcohol to see if it helps.” If, however, you fall outside these populations and choose to imbibe, some alcohol is healthier than others. As a rule of thumb, Poon suggests, “the simpler, the better.
When choosing alcoholic beverages, avoid syrups, sweet mixers, sodas, and tonic water. Instead, stick to one or two ingredient drinks, high-quality clear alcohols, and hydrating mixers such as water and soda water.” In addition, Gittleman suggests adding herbal garnishes to drinks, like mint, basil, ginger, or rosemary, for flavor.
- Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., CNS, is the author of,
- is a chef, nutritionist, reiki master, and the founder of Just Add Water and Culinary Alchemy.
01 of 15 Red wine is widely recognized as one of the healthiest alcoholic drinks out there. Poon notes that it’s “relatively low in calories and also offers some health benefits.” She adds that red wine is rich in antioxidants such as resveratrol and proanthocyanidins and can promote cardiovascular health.
Gittleman concurs, adding that “studies have shown that drinking a moderate amount with an alcohol content of 12% to 15% daily can help prevent heart disease.” She advises looking for red wines made from high-fiber Tempranillo grapes, such as Rioja, as these “have been shown to lower bad cholesterol levels.” Additionally, she says the ” in red wines also help to keep blood vessels flexible and may even lower the risk of cancer.” 02 of 15 While tequila is still technically classified as a depressant, it’s well-known as an “upper.” This concept is heavily debated, but there is some evidence that suggests tequila may not have as severe of depressive qualities compared to other alcohols.
“Oftentimes, people report feeling better after drinking tequila,” says Poon. She points out that some ” indicate that it is possible that the sugars in tequila do not shift like other alcohols.” 03 of 15 Low in calories and sugar, a vodka soda is widely recognized as one of the healthier cocktail options in the bar.
- Plus, Poon notes that “soda water is hydrating, so it’s nice to mix a small amount of clear alcohol with a hydrating beverage.
- Then, add a splash of for a bit of vitamin C.” There are additional health benefits to the spirit, according to Gittleman.
- Vodka, for example, can improve blood circulation and helps to develop collateral vessels which connect the heart to the lungs,” adds Gittleman.
In addition, she advises you to opt for a gluten-free variety, like Tito’s, Blue Ice, Chopin, or Crystal Head.04 of 15 Fresh veggies make this cocktail a win-win. “I like Bloody Mary cocktails because they are full of vegetables!” says Poon. “You would want to keep consumption to a minimum, though, as each drink packs in quite a few calories.” Also, keep an eye out for garnishes and add-ins packed with sodium.05 of 15 A smoky flavor makes mezcal memorable on the palate.
Sip it slowly to enjoy. Poon notes, “like tequila, mezcal doesn’t seem to as much as other alcohols,” which makes it a,06 of 15 Spritzers are ideal when the temperatures rise. “Though not particularly popular in the United States,” says Poon, “I do like the practice of mixing wine with sparkling water.
Not only does this cut back on the alcohol and calorie content of each drink, but it also adds a hydrating element.” 07 of 15 Sparkling wines and Champagne can be a relatively healthy way to enjoy an indulgent cocktail. The key is to choose a dry variety.
“,” says Poon. “If you are worried about sugar consumption, dry champagne is the way to go!” 08 of 15 Mulled wines are popular around the holidays, but you can enjoy them year-round. “Mulled wine pairs the antioxidants of red wine with a blend of healthful spices and herbs that can give your drink a therapeutic boost,” explains Poon.
When selecting a wine, Gittleman advises you to opt for an organic variety. “Certified organic wines have less sugar, additives, and preservatives and may prevent headaches the next day,” she says.09 of 15 “Skinny” margaritas are hot (especially if you infuse yours with jalapeño) and delicious; plus, you can enjoy the fun of a “mixed drink” without the added sugars.
“The key here,” explains Poon, “is to ditch the bottled syrup and lime juice and stick with fresh lime, high-quality tequila, ice, and maybe a splash of soda water.” Your bartender will most likely know how to fashion one of these popular drinks.10 of 15 If a slight buzz is what you’re after, a hard kombucha might be a refreshing choice.
“I like hard kombucha because they are naturally fermented and offer the probiotic benefits,” says Poon.11 of 15 Do you know low-calorie beer? Think again. Poon points out the latest trend: craft beers that are “sub-100 calories.” Plus, beer packs a pretty healthy punch.
An American Journal of the Medical Sciences study states that “beer contains more protein and B vitamins than wine,” notes Gittleman. “The antioxidants and flavonoids in beer are different than those in wine, but they still boast some hefty nutritional benefits along with other ingredients such as and even high levels of,” 12 of 15 A refreshing option, cider may, notes Poon, contain almost as many antioxidants as a glass of red wine.13 of 15 Palomas are on-trend—even better, when made with fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice, soda water, and tequila, they can be refreshingly healthy, or as Poon notes, ” healthier, ” than other mixed drink options.14 of 15 Poon says, “Depending on where you are, it might be possible to get a cocktail made with fresh-pressed green juices.” It’s super important that you avoid bottled green juices (often packed with sugar) and stick with a fresh-pressed variety.15 of 15 Opt for high-quality whiskey in your hot-toddy.
Poon suggests mixing in “fresh lemon, fresh ginger, and honey” to add a healthful boost to your cocktail. Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
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: 15 of the Healthiest Alcoholic Drinks, Straight From Dietitians
Contents
Which alcohol is not bad?
– Some alcoholic drinks may be better than others. Red wine appears to be particularly beneficial because it is very high in healthy antioxidants, In fact, red wine may be linked to more health benefits than any other alcoholic beverage ( 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 ).
Is vodka good for health?
Vodka was made for so much more than mules and martinis, It may surprise you to learn that the spirit was actually invented as a source of medicine (something Princess Margaret was perhaps privy to, given her decadent morning routine ) and to this day, the colorless, odorless drink has a number of health benefits. Getty Vodka is a natural disinfectant and antiseptic. It can be used to treat toothaches, clean wounds, and clean your house. In fact, you’ll be surprised by how many of your household cleaning and hygiene products include alcohol in their ingredients.
- 2. It can relieve stress.
- You may have heard that red wine is a natural relaxer, but it’s nothing compared to vodka, which studies have shown to relieve tension better than vino.3.
- It’s heart-healthy.
- Vodka can increase blood-flow and circulation in your body which can prevent clots, strokes, and other heart diseases.
Vodka can also help lower your cholesterol, And, for those watching their weight, it’s also generally considered a lower-calorie alcohol, (Check out these recipes for “healthy” vodka cocktails,) Everything in moderation of course.4. It can be used as a skincare product.
- Out of your go-to facial cleanser? Vodka acts as a natural astringent or toner, and due to its disinfectant properties, can deep-clean your pores,
- Just be sure to dilute it with equal parts water first.) It’ll also tighten the skin on your face and can treat acne breakouts with it’s drying and detoxifying properties.
But it can have a dehydrating effect, which you should be mindful of if you have particularly dry or sensitive skin.5. It contributes to oral hygiene. We already mentioned how vodka can soothe toothaches, but swishing a shot of it can help combat bad breath as well.6. Getty Unlike beer or wine, a shot of vodka can actually reduce blood sugar levels, This is most effective when taken straight, so order it neat or on the rocks.
Is it good if you never drink alcohol?
There are several health benefits of not drinking alcohol. And we’re not just talking about no more hangovers on the next day — though that’s definitely an added bonus. Some of these health benefits apply to those struggling with alcohol use disorder and alcohol withdrawal, but let’s focus on the positive changes you can experience by reducing the amount of alcohol you drink or cutting it out completely.
- Is it healthier not to drink alcohol? Yes, not drinking alcohol is healthier than drinking, even in moderation.
- In fact, a massive global 2018 study suggests that no amount of alcohol actually improves your health.
- Here’s the good news: While there may be some positive health effects of certain compounds in wine, you don’t actually need to drink alcohol to get those benefits! Even if you live more sober curious, rather than practicing total sobriety, you’ll enjoy many of the health benefits of not drinking alcohol,
What are some benefits of quitting for even just a month? When you don’t drink alcohol for a month, you might lose weight, reverse liver damage, improve the look of your skin, get better sleep, and so much more! Dry January is looking like a great choice now, huh? Not ready to say goodbye to wine? Surely’s non-alcoholic wine selection offers genuine taste and benefits of wine without the drawbacks of alcohol.1.
- Improved Liver Function You can expect improved liver function almost immediately after you stop drinking alcohol.
- Experts predict that most drinkers’ livers can return to completely normal function after 4-8 weeks of no alcohol.
- Your liver will breathe a sigh of relief when it no longer has to process all that alcohol and can focus on its other functions, like regulating chemical levels in your blood and efficiently excreting bile.
Heavy drinkers often have an overworked liver. Cirrhosis of the liver and fatty liver disease are more common in people with very heavy drinking habits. Sobriety will let your liver rest after all that work of constantly processing alcohol out of your blood.
But alcoholic beverages also trigger oxidative stress in the liver since alcohol diminishes the liver’s antioxidants. Beyond that, once damage is done to the liver, a prolonged immune response increases inflammation in your liver. Not drinking alcohol fixes these problems in the liver, too.2. Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Disease When you stop excessive drinking, your risk of heart disease goes down.
Since heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, it would be a wise idea to lower your risk if possible. Heavy drinking seems to increase cholesterol levels, a predictor of heart disease. Examples of cardiovascular diseases:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Coronary artery disease
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Vascular disease
- Marfan syndrome
- Cardiomyopathy
- Atrial fibrillation
Important: When you drink wine moderately (one drink a day for women, 2 drinks a day for men), this actually decreases your risk of heart disease – likely because of the resveratrol in wine. Anything beyond that moderate amount significantly increases your risk of heart disease, including deadly events.
- A mountain of evidence shows that heavy drinking, binge drinking, or alcohol use disorder can lead to cardiovascular disease.
- Quitting the sauce is a great way to lengthen your life.3.
- Reduced Risk of Cancer Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States.
- So it’s good news that not drinking alcohol is a great way to reduce your risk of cancer.
Thanks to a powerful alcohol industry — and our society’s love of drinking — few people realize that drinking alcohol increases your risk of cancer. In a survey of 2100 English adults, only 13% were aware of the link between alcohol and cancer without being prompted.
- Liver cancer
- Oral cancer
- Breast cancer
- Pharynx cancer
- Larynx cancer
- Esophagus cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Ovarian cancer
Even light drinking (having one drink or fewer per day) has been associated with a slightly higher risk of breast cancer in women and colorectal cancer in men. The health benefits of not drinking include reducing your risk for cancer. Awareness of this alcohol-cancer link is low, so feel free to bring it up at your next social gathering (just don’t forget to add how great your alcohol-free wine options are!).4.
- Weight Loss Losing weight is a fun benefit of not drinking alcohol.
- Having more than one drink of beer or booze a day is linked to being overweight or obese,
- Giving up alcohol lowers that risk, and may even help you lose that belly fat.
- Cutting the empty calories found in alcohol is the most obvious way that not drinking helps you lose weight.
A can of beer contains 154 calories. Mixed drinks are worse, once you add in all those sugars and other carbs. A single mojito can contain 250 calories. That alcohol intake adds a lot of extra calories in addition to your normal daily diet. Also, when you drink alcohol, your ability to make smart dietary choices gets weaker and weaker.
After downing a beer, you’re more likely to eat a high-calorie plate of nachos. Not drinking helps you avoid these extra calories. When you stop drinking, you also get better sleep, leading to normalized appetite and metabolism. If your sleep quality is poor, hormonal changes can lead to increased appetite, slower metabolism, and more stress.
Stress hormones make it harder to burn those pesky fat cells. If you think about it, drinking alcohol makes it less likely that you will exercise. Whether you’re spending the time enjoying those glasses of wine instead of exercising, or you’re reeling from a hangover headache, alcohol is more likely to prevent exercise than encourage it.
Fitness and an active life are so important to weight loss and overall health. Can you lose belly fat by not drinking alcohol? If you’re a heavy drinker or binge drinker, not drinking alcohol can help you lose belly fat. Not only can not drinking decrease your stress hormones that make fat harder to burn, not drinking cuts carbohydrates and calories and makes you more likely to exercise.5.
Healthier Skin Not drinking alcohol may lead to healthier, better-looking skin — probably because of the havoc drinking wreaks on your hydration. Since alcohol consumption is associated with many skin problems, not drinking may improve your skin health quite a bit.
- Some experts claim you will see improvements in your skin in as little as one week after your last drink, and that your skin may completely renew itself within a month,
- How long before you feel the benefits of not drinking? It may take one week to one month before you feel the benefits of not drinking.
Some experts claim your skin will look better after a week. Your liver will start to heal almost immediately. But most health benefits of not drinking take about a month to fully set in. Even a self-proclaimed Botox guru, Dr. Michael Prager says, “Even the very best Botox will never give you a glow as vibrant as a couple of months off the bottle.” Heavy alcohol use (more than one drink a day) was associated with “upper facial lines, under-eye puffiness, oral commissures, midface volume loss”.
- Hives
- Flushing
- Jaundice
- Psoriasis
- Itchy skin
- Eczema (especially on the scalp)
- Rosacea
- Porphyria cutanea tarda
Healthier skin is a proven health benefit of not drinking. If you deal with any of the skin conditions mentioned above, sobriety can be your beauty secret.6. Better Sleep Although alcohol is a sedative that slows brain function, triggering feelings of sleepiness and relaxation, drinking alcohol is actually pretty bad for your beauty sleep,
- Alcohol may make you drowsy at first.
- But once you fall asleep, the alcohol can wake you up throughout the night.
- Drinking right before bed often disrupts REM sleep, the all-important stage of slumber that may be linked to dreaming, restfulness, and memory.
- It may even interfere with your breathing.
- According to the Sleep Foundation, “the consumption of alcohol – especially in excess – has been linked to poor sleep quality and duration.” Alcohol disrupts sleep and lowers sleep quality,
Drinking alcohol greatly increases a patient’s risk of developing sleep bruxism (nighttime teeth grinding), which can cause morning headaches, tooth damage, and TMJ disorder. To further complicate things, getting bad sleep tanks your energy levels during the day.7.
- Less Frequent Sickness You’ll get sick less often if you don’t drink because excessive alcohol affects your immune system.
- Your immune system is what fights off infections and diseases.
- Therefore, abstaining from alcohol makes it easier for your body to naturally fight off infection and diseases.
- Like heart disease, one drink a day may improve immune system health — namely reduced inflammation and improved responses to vaccinations.
Anything more than one drink per day is very bad for your immune function. Heavy drinking is associated with increased bacterial and viral infections. It is proven that alcohol disrupts your immune system’s ability to fight/recover from bacterial and viral infections, but also liver disease, lung disease, cancer, or simple injuries and wounds.
When you don’t drink, your immune system is stronger, meaning you’ll experience less frequent sickness. However, it’s important to know that immune dysfunction is prevalent in our society, for a variety of reasons. Alcohol is just one element that screws up your immune system. We can probably all agree after a pandemic that improving our immune systems is a good idea.8.
Better Concentration Alcohol messes with your concentration. It has been known for decades that mental functions like concentration and vigilance are impaired when someone is well below the blood alcohol level legal limit. This 2017 study shows a huge portion of undergraduate students drink at a hazardous and harmful rate — which literally everyone in the country could have guessed.
- You could probably also guess that it affects their ability to concentrate and perform well academically.
- It’s a no-brainer that “high levels of alcohol consumption are associated with poor academic performance and mental health outcomes among students.” Alcohol makes it hard to concentrate at work, even the morning after,
Drinking can worsen your job performance. Cut out alcohol from your life, and your concentration will get better, as well as your school and/or job performance.9. Improved Mental Health Not drinking can improve your brain health. Not only can poor mental health lead to drinking, but drinking can also lead to poor mental health.
In the short-term, alcohol can reduce anxiety and release your inhibitions. But anything beyond a drink a day increases the risk of new or worsening mental health problems. Alcohol can make depression and anxiety worse, 2 major mental health issues. Heavy drinking can lead to mood changes, increased aggression, and paranoia.
When it comes to mental health, it’s a chicken-egg question. Which came first? The alcohol, or the mental health issues? In most cases, it’s a mix of both. If your loved one is struggling with mental health concerns and frequent alcohol consumption, encouraging them to seek help for their addiction and mental health may significantly improve their life.
Health Risks of Drinking Too Much Alcohol Alcohol is more destructive than you know, particularly when you binge. There are innumerable health risks of drinking too much alcohol, Yes, drinking one glass of wine a day may improve heart health. But any more than that, and you’re looking at an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, obesity, and so much more.
You can’t afford heavy drinking or even just temporary binge drinking. Your health is too important. In general, drinking alcohol significantly impacts your well-being — the more you drink, the worse you feel. Years of research show that alcohol increases your risk of:
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Obesity
- Liver disease
- Automobile accidents
- Immune dysfunction
- Depression
- Addiction
- Stomach bleeding
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Rosacea
- Jaundice
- Hives
- Worsening diabetes symptoms
- Erectile dysfunction
- Vaginal dryness
- Birth defects or other risks to a fetus or infant (if drinking while pregnant or breastfeeding )
And that’s not all. Alcohol plays a role in 1 out of every 3 violent crimes. Alcohol misuse costs about $250 billion a year. Plus, alcohol is a buzzkill (forgive the terrible pun) for many medications. Alcohol reacts poorly with various prescription and over-the-counter drugs, including antidepressants, painkillers, and acetaminophen.
- What happens to your body when you don’t drink alcohol? If you’re a heavy drinker, you’ll probably experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking alcohol.
- These symptoms may include anxiety, cold sweats, shakiness, nausea, and vomiting.
- If you experience these symptoms after quitting alcohol, you may be struggling with alcohol addiction.
Should you quit drinking? We think there are a lot of reasons to quit drinking, Although one glass of wine a day can improve your heart health, there are a lot of health risks when it comes to alcohol. Benefits of a permanent alcohol detox will impact your health in so many ways — your weight, your sleep, your risk of major diseases, your immune system, your skin health, etc.
For many people, life is just better without alcohol. Living a sober lifestyle can be difficult but for those of us who still want to answer cravings for boozy beverages, there are plenty of alcohol alternatives to choose from that make it easier. Try Surely’s unique alcohol-removed sauvignon blanc or one of the fun mocktails you can make.
🍹 Going sober is right for you if you are a heavy drinker, a binge drinker, or if you suffer from any of the many diseases that alcohol has been linked to. Plus, even without a disorder, your health can still benefit from living sober. If you struggle with alcohol use disorder, please contact one of these support groups:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 800-662-4357
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- Various local wellness centers that may work with your insurance
There are people out there eager to support those who need it. The current National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) guidelines for alcoholism treatment include therapy, medication, and management of related diseases There is no shame in seeking help.
Is alcohol bad for the brain?
Image Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of fiber tracks in the brain of a 58-year-old man with alcohol use disorder. DTI maps white-matter pathways in a living brain. Image courtesy of Drs. Adolf Pfefferbaum and Edith V. Sullivan. Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication pathways and can affect the way the brain looks and works.
What are the worst alcohols to drink?
Top 10 Strongest Alcohol in the World – While the dangers of alcohol abuse are well-known, statistics show that alcohol consumption continues to rise. As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10,000 people die every year due to drunk driving accidents in the U.S.
- As we mentioned, no alcoholic beverage is considered to be safe, but drinks like beer, hard ciders, and wine tend to be lower in alcohol content, and intoxication is therefore considered to be easier to avoid.
- In contrast, there are plenty of strong alcoholic beverages that contain high levels of alcohol and can cause severe impairment in small amounts.
The world’s most dangerous alcoholic drinks include Absinthe, Bacardi 151, Changaa, Everclear, Death in the Afternoon, Four Lokos, Jungle Juice, Knockeen Hills, Moonshine, and Spirytus Rektyfikowany. Absinthe Commonly referred to as the “green fairy,” absinthe was banned in the U.S.
- From 1915 to 2007.
- Absinthe got its nickname from the hallucinations and other perception-impairing side effects it produces.
- Trace amounts of the chemical thujone were thought to be responsible for absinthe hallucinations, during which users reported seeing a small green fairy, hence the nickname.
- However, with further research, the appearance of the green fairy was discovered to be exaggerated, although the disruption in users’ perception was very real.
Absinthe is typically produced as a 90 to 146-proof liquor, while 12 ounces of beer contains about 10 proof or 5 percent of alcohol, and 5 ounces of wine contains 24 proof or 12 percent of alcohol. As you can see, absinthe contains significantly higher concentrations of alcohol than the average drink.
- Bacardi 151 Bacardi 151 was a highly alcoholic rum that was discontinued in 2016.
- It was named after its alcohol content – a level of 151 proof, or 75.5 percent of alcohol by volume.
- Typical rum usually contains around 35% to 40% of alcohol by volume, which, although high, is significantly lower than Bacardi 151’s alcohol percentage.
Not only did this high concentration make this drink stronger, but it also made it more flammable. As a result, Bacardi 151 was often used in drinking involving fire, such as “flaming shots.” The drink’s flammability was so high that Bacardi 151 bottles came with warning labels advising against using the drink for any fire-related drinks.
- Despite the warning label, Bacardi 151 was banned for its high alcohol content and flammability.
- Changaa Changaa, or Chang’aa, is an alcoholic drink that comes from Kenya and translates to “kill me quick.” This is a popular and traditional home-brewed spirit in Kenya.
- This drink is extremely potent and made by fermenting and distilling the grains millet, maize, and sorghum.
Changaa was illegal for many years in Kenya until the ban was lifted in 2010. The alcohol content of Changaa ranges from 28.3% to 56.7% of alcohol per volume. Also known as the “poison brew,” Changaa is known for producing adverse side effects like blindness, intoxication, and more.
It’s also been linked to numerous deaths in Kenya. This is due in part to the fact that Changaa is sometimes mixed with other toxic substances like jet fuel and battery acid. The water used to make Changaa is also often full of bacteria, dirt, and other harmful toxins, even in breweries. Everclear Everclean is a grain alcohol that’s usually sold in 190 proof, double the alcohol content of most liquors, which usually sit at 80 proof or contain 40% of alcohol.
Due to the adverse effects linked to Everclear’s high alcohol content, some U.S. states have prohibited the sale of 190-proof liquor, including California, Florida, Washington, North Carolina, Maine, New York, Nevada, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, New Hampshire, and Minnesota.
In response, Luxco, the manufacturer of Everclear, began to distribute 189 proof Everclear to bypass these laws. Additionally, because this drink is undiluted and contains 92.4% pure ethanol (alcohol), it’s also used as a household cleaner and disinfectant. To give you an even better idea of why Everclear made it to the list of hardest alcohols, a cocktail containing one or two shots of the drink would be enough for a person to reach extreme intoxication.
Death in the Afternoon The name speaks for itself. Also called “The Hemingway,” Death in the Afternoon was created by well-known writer Ernest Hemingway. While the book of the same name is celebrated for its description of bullfighting, the drink is a whole other subject.
- The drink, Death in the Afternoon, is a dangerous cocktail created by Hemingway that’s made of absinthe and champagne.
- This drink first appeared in So Red the Nose or – Breath in the Afternoon, a 1935 book of cocktail recipes from 30 famous authors.
- Considering that absinthe was especially popular in Europe, it’s understandable why it’s believed that Hemingway invented the drink after he tried absinthe in Paris.
It’s also important to know that Hemingway was a prolific drinker and, considering his written advice about drinking four to five Death in The Afternoon’s slowly in one day, we can safely say that this is a not-so-safe drinking habit. Four Lokos A Four Loko is a malt beverage and the most accessible among these strong alcoholic drinks.
Usually found at gas stations or convenience stores, Four Lokos were temporarily banned in several U.S. states when it was first released due to the combination of alcohol and caffeine it contained. At the time, many argued that marketing for this drink was deceitful in its appearance and made younger populations believe it was an energy drink.
In response, the company removed caffeine from Four Loko’s ingredients in 2010. One Four Loko contains the equivalent of six standard servings of alcohol. The University Health Services Director at Harvard University urged the public to be especially cautious about this particular drink.
- Jungle Juice Jungle Juice is more of an idea rather than a legitimate recipe.
- A common jungle juice recipe is to mix various liquors with fruit juice like Hawaiian Punch.
- Jungle Juice is generally a beverage that’s high in sugar as well as alcohol, which can have various harmful side effects.
- In addition to alcohol’s adverse effects, consuming high amounts of sugar can also cause problems like high blood pressure, inflammation, weight gain, fatty liver disease, diabetes, and more.
The intense sweetness of Jungle Juice can also mask the high level of alcohol in the drink, which can enable consumers to drink more alcohol than is safe, which could result in alcohol poisoning, Knockeen Hills Knockeen Hills is next on our list of most dangerous alcohol drinks.
- This one is an Irish spirit that’s called poitín, which contains 40 to 90% ABV.
- Former common names for poitín were Irish Moonshine and Mountain Dew.
- Eventually, Knockeen Hills, a family-owned business, created a similar spirit in 1996.
- Interestingly, like moonshine in the U.S., poitín was made illegally for years.
The drink was even banned as early as the 1660s due to its high concentration level. Moonshine Speaking of moonshine, it’s one of the most well-known and dangerous alcoholic drinks on our list. The name of this drink is derived from the time of day it’s commonly produced to avoid legal detection: nighttime.
- Although states have lifted moonshine bans throughout the years, it’s still illegal to brew this liquor within a personal residence.
- Although strictly controlled and containing less alcohol than Prohibition-era moonshine (63 proof to 190 alcohol proof), moonshine today contains 60 to 120 proof, which is still a lot of alcohol.
Additionally, while it’s strictly controlled in the U.S., commercial moonshine still has a high alcohol concentration, and illicitly manufactured moonshine is still prevalent and remains very dangerous as the alcohol content, as well as production, are not strictly monitored.
Is tequila the healthiest alcohol?
Mexico’s pride and joy, and a tart and tangy margarita cocktail’s main ingredient, tequila is a distilled spirit made from the blue agave. This succulent plant grows primarily in the area around the town of Tequila in the western state of Jalisco, and in the Jalisco Highlands.
The tequila designation is protected, applied only to a spirit made from blue agave and produced in certain areas appointed by the Mexican government. Other spirits made from agave are known as mezcal. Many internet articles link tequila with agave’s health benefits, but the plant loses its healthful properties during the fermenting process.
Tequila offers no proven benefits related to:
Bone densityBlood sugarColon health
Enjoying tequila offers the same benefits and risks as the moderate consumption of any kind of alcohol. But it may serve as a lower-calorie alternative to other spirits. One fluid ounce of tequila (80 proof) contains:
Calories: 64Protein: 0 gramsFat: 0 gramsCarbohydrates: 0 grams
Tequila has less sugar and calories than similar liquors, which may make it a slightly healthier option if you drink. But when mixing it with other ingredients, be careful to account for the whole drink’s nutrition and not just the tequila measure. Cocktails can be very high in sugar and may contain other alcohols as well.
Heart Disease Ischemic Stroke Diabetes
However, more studies are needed to confirm the relationship between moderate drinking and these benefits. Even the moderate consumption of alcohol is not free from risks, such as when:
DrivingDrinking when under the legal drinking ageDepressedYou are unable to control the amount you drinkYou’re pregnant or trying to conceive
If you drink alcohol when pregnant, it passes through the umbilical cord to the baby, increasing the risk of stillbirth or miscarriage. In addition, drinking while pregnant may result in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Children with FASDs may show a range of physical, behavioral, and cognitive symptoms.
Medication Interactions Many medications react harmfully with alcohol. Alcohol may make certain medications ineffective or toxic. The combination may also make you nauseous, drowsy, or uncoordinated. It may even put you at risk of respiratory problems, internal bleeding, or heart problems. Pay attention to medication labels and to instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist.
If you’re concerned about potential interaction with alcohol, don’t be afraid to ask. Excessive Drinking Moderate drinking can easily lead to excessive drinking, which increases the likelihood of risky behavior and can even put you in danger of alcohol poisoning.
Alcohol dependence High blood pressure, heart disease, or stroke Depression and anxiety Digestive problems Certain cancers Dementia A weak immune system
Healthy Diet and Exercise While moderate drinking may reduce your risk for certain conditions, a healthy diet and regular exercise will do even more to prevent heart disease.