Your Drink Choice Could Make or Break Your Morning: The Best and Worst Hangovers Ranked

An expert reveals how your drink selection can significantly impact on your morning hangover, with tips on what to avoid and how to recover faster.

Key Points:

Alcohol expert reveals how darker spirits like whiskey and red wine are notorious for causing severe hangovers

Cheaper spirits and tequila often lead to pounding headaches and nausea, with recovery taking longer than expected

Tips and guidelines to follow to prevent the hangover of all hangovers

Almost all of us have experienced the morning-after effects of a night out or an evening of at home partying, but what many don’t realise is that the choice of beverage plays an important role in how severe those effects are.

According to expert Daniel Ufland, of online whisky retailer The Whisky Masters, the drink you choose can make all the difference when it comes to the intensity of your hangover the next day,

“Darker spirits, like whiskies or red wines are notorious for causing worse hangovers because they contain these chemical compounds called congeners, which make symptoms more intense,” Daniel explains. 

“On the flip side, clearer spirits, like vodkas or white wines have fewer congeners, which leads to a milder, more manageable hangover. It’s not just about how much you drink but what you drink.”

Backed by scientific studies, the presence of congeners in certain alcohols is key in determining how you’ll feel the next morning. They are present in higher quantities in darker alcohols, contributing to symptoms like horrendous headaches, heavy heaves, and general malaise.

So, what should you avoid if you want to dodge a brutal hangover? Check out Daniel’s top 5 drinks to avoid, as well as the ones to look out for:

The Worst Drinks for Hangovers

1. Red Wine: Severe Headaches and Sensitivity to Light

Loaded with tannins and histamines, red wine will leave your head, lips and hips in a bit of a stir if you over-do it.

Daniel’s Tip: “If you can’t resist a good glass of red, make sure you drink water between glasses to stay hydrated. Hydration is key in preventing disastrous hangovers.”

2. Cheap Spirits: Pounding Headaches

Budget-friendly but body-punishing, cheap spirits often contain more impurities than premium products. These impurities make recovery slower, and the symptoms last longer.

Daniel’s Tip: “Opt for higher-quality spirits with fewer additives and, of course, stay hydrated to lessen the morning blow.”

3. Dark Spirits (Whisky): Severe Headaches

Whisky is one of the more congener-rich alcohols. The deep, smoky, woodgrain flavors may be appealing during the night, but the next day can bring a lingering malaise, making it one of the worst choices for avoiding a hangover.

Daniel’s Tip: “If you choose whisky, follow it up with at least a pint of water before bed to minimize the impact the morning after. A big meal beforehand is also a big help.”

4. Tequila: Headaches and Loss of Appetite

While 20 shots of tequila might seem like a good idea at the time, they often lead to a rough morning. It also causes a loss of appetite, a common post-tequila symptom.

Daniel’s Tip: “If tequila is on the menu, limit yourself to one or two shots and eat something beforehand to slow alcohol absorption. And don’t forget the salt and lime!”

5. Rum: Dizziness and Dehydration

Rum, especially the darker varieties, can lead to dizziness and severe dehydration. Its sugar content may also contribute to headaches, leaving you feeling worse for wear the next morning.

Daniel’s Tip: “Drink rum cocktails with lighter mixers like sugar-free sodas or soda waters to avoid adding more sugar to the mix. There’s enough in it already.”

The Best Drinks for Hangovers

1. Clear Spirits (Vodka): Mild Headaches and Quicker Recovery

Vodka is one of the better options if you’re hoping to avoid a hangover altogether. It contains fewer congeners, resulting in milder symptoms such as slight headaches and a quicker recovery.

Daniel’s Tip: “Pair vodka with hydrating mixers like sugar-free sodas or a light tonic, and don’t forget to drink a glass of water before bed for a smoother morning.”

2. White Wine: Mild to Moderate Headaches and Dehydration

Lighter and less likely to leave you suffering from a severe headache, white wine still causes a bit of dehydration. However, it tends to be kinder than its red counterpart when it comes to hangover severity.

Daniel’s Tip: “Stick to one or two glasses to reduce the chance of dehydration-related headaches.” 

3. Champagne: Headaches

The carbonation in champagne accelerates alcohol absorption, which can result in quicker intoxication and, unfortunately, faster hangover onset. However, its lower alcohol content means hangovers from champagne tend to be less severe than darker spirits.

Daniel’s Tip: “Sip champagne slowly and avoid drinking on an empty stomach to mitigate the effects.”

4. Beer: Bloating and Sluggishness

Beer often causes bloating and sluggishness due to its high carb content, but its lower alcohol content makes it a more forgiving option than spirits. You may experience dull headaches, but they’re usually manageable compared to the symptoms caused by stronger drinks.

Daniel’s Tip: “Nothing wrong with a few light beers if you’re aiming for a more manageable morning and pace yourself throughout the night. But if you go for the heavier stuff make sure you line your stomach beforehand.”

5. Craft Cocktails: Variable

Craft cocktails, depending on the ingredients, can be a wildcard. Some may leave you feeling perfectly fine, while others - especially those with sugar-heavy mixers - can lead to projectile vomiting. The complexity of the ingredients can also affect how your body processes the alcohol, making it harder to predict the after-effects.

Daniel’s Tip: “If you’re going for cocktails, stick to simpler recipes with clear spirits and low-sugar/sugar-free mixers.”

Daniel Ufland of The Whisky Masters Commented:

“Your drink choice plays a huge role in how you feel the next morning. Darker spirits like whiskey and red wine are loaded with congeners—substances that increase the severity of hangovers. On the other hand, clearer spirits like vodka contain fewer congeners, making for a milder recovery. 

“We’ve all heard the saying ‘drink in moderation,’ but it’s also important to know that drinking water between alcoholic beverages and before bed can make a massive difference. What’s more, avoiding sugary mixers and sticking to higher-quality alcohol can help reduce those dreaded morning-after symptoms. By being mindful of what you drink and how you stay hydrated, you can enjoy your night without paying the price the next day.”

That's Christmas would like to thank Daniel Uffland and the Whisky Masters website. https://thewhiskymasters.com 

Incidentally here's a tip from That's Christmas: If you are drinking alcoholic drinks avoid having carbonated drink in between, as the bubbles can help the alcohol get into your bloodstream quicker. Drink non-carbonated drinks instead.