Why Some Drinks Give You Worse Hangovers Than Others
Tequila. Red wine. Gin. Everyone has that one drink they swear ruins their mornings — but is it all in your head?
There’s real science behind why some types of alcohol hit harder than others, and it all comes down to tiny troublemakers called congeners.
Meet the Culprit: Congeners 🧪
During fermentation, alcohol produces compounds called congeners. These naturally occurring byproducts influence flavor, color, and—unfortunately—how your body feels the next day.
Some congeners add rich amber or ruby tones to your favorite spirits and wines.
From smooth and complex to sharp and funky — congeners help decide the flavor story.
They’re harder to break down, which can leave you feeling extra rough the next morning.
Distillers carefully balance congeners to craft the perfect flavor profile. That’s why congener-heavy whiskey can taste rich and complex, while congener-free vodka stays crisp and neutral — it’s all about how many congeners remain in the final product.
So… What Does This Mean for Hangovers? 🤕
Congeners don’t just make your drink look and taste interesting — they also give your liver more work to do. The more congeners in your system, the more effort your body spends processing them, and the more likely you are to wake up feeling less than amazing.
General Rule: Darker = More Congeners
While every bottle is different, here’s a handy cheat sheet:
| Low Congeners 😇 | Vodka, Gin, White Rum |
| Moderate Congeners 😐 | Whiskey, Scotch, Bourbon, Rum (varies by brand) |
| High Congeners 😈 | Brandy, Tequila, Red Wine |
As a rough guide: clear and neutral usually means fewer congeners, while dark, aged, and bold often means more of them.
The Bottom Line ✨
Any alcohol can cause a hangover — but some are more likely to leave you clutching a coffee and sunglasses the next morning. Congeners are a big reason why certain drinks have a reputation for “ruining you.”
If you’ve got an early meeting, brunch, or gym session, leaning toward clear spirits or white wine is usually the safer play. But you don’t have to rely on drink choice alone to protect your tomorrow.
Celebrate And Still Feel Great 🌅
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