Are Fizzy Drinks Good When You're Hungover? The Surprising Truth

January 11, 2026 •

3 min read

A 2013 Chinese study examining 57 beverages suggested Sprite could speed up alcohol metabolism, yet many experts disagree on the overall benefit of sugary sodas for a hangover. It turns out the science behind that bubbly relief is more complex than it seems.

Quick Summary

This article examines the pros and cons of drinking fizzy beverages during a hangover, contrasting short-term relief with long-term recovery effects related to dehydration and sugar.

Key Points

Acetaldehyde is the culprit: Hangovers are largely caused by acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism, which causes many of your symptoms.
Dehydration is a major factor: Alcohol is a diuretic that makes you urinate more, leading to dehydration, headaches, and fatigue.
Sugary sodas are counterproductive: High sugar and caffeine in many fizzy drinks can worsen dehydration, irritate your stomach, and lead to a crash.
Electrolytes are a better choice: Drinks like coconut water or sports drinks can effectively rehydrate and replace lost minerals without high sugar content.
Water is the best foundation: The most crucial step is consistently sipping plain water to combat the dehydration caused by alcohol.
Science is divided on some aspects: While some studies point to specific fizzy drinks like Sprite speeding up acetaldehyde metabolism, the overall evidence for fizzy drinks as a reliable cure is weak.
Time is the ultimate cure: There is no magical potion; the only true cure for a hangover is time, which allows your body to recover naturally.

The Science Behind Your Hangover

To understand whether fizzy drinks can help, you first need to grasp what causes a hangover. Hangovers result from several factors after excessive alcohol consumption, not just dehydration.

Key physiological causes of a hangover include:

Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, leading to fluid and electrolyte loss, causing thirst, fatigue, and headaches.
Acetaldehyde Accumulation: The liver metabolizes alcohol into toxic acetaldehyde. Buildup of this substance contributes to nausea and a rapid heart rate.
Stomach Irritation: Alcohol irritates the stomach lining, increasing acid production and causing pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Low Blood Sugar: Heavy drinking can lower blood sugar, leading to weakness and fatigue.

The Fizzy Debate: Potential Upsides

Some believe fizzy drinks help with hangovers, and some aspects might offer temporary relief. A 2013 study out of China tested 57 beverages and found Sprite was effective at speeding up acetaldehyde metabolism, potentially shortening hangover symptoms. Reported positive effects include:

Soothes an Upset Stomach: Carbonation in some drinks might temporarily settle an upset stomach.
Energy Boost: Caffeine and sugar in some sodas can provide a rapid energy spike.
Palatability: Sometimes a cold sparkling drink is more appealing to a sensitive stomach than plain water.

The Sweet Pitfalls: Why Fizzy Drinks Can Hurt

Most health experts advise against fizzy drinks for hangovers, especially those high in sugar and caffeine, as they can worsen symptoms.

Exacerbates Dehydration: High sugar content can worsen dehydration, working against recovery.
Prolongs Stomach Irritation: Carbonation can irritate an already sensitive stomach lining.
The Caffeine Trap: Caffeine is a diuretic, causing further dehydration and potentially worsening headaches and fatigue.
The Sugar Crash: The initial energy boost is followed by a crash, increasing fatigue and irritability.

The Optimal Approach: What to Drink Instead

The most effective approach is rehydration and nourishment with beverages that replenish fluids and electrolytes without negative side effects.

Better Beverage Alternatives

Plain Water: Essential for combating dehydration.
Electrolyte Drinks: Help replenish lost minerals, especially after vomiting.
Ginger Tea: Can help settle an upset stomach.
Broth: Provides fluids and replaces lost sodium and potassium.
Fruit Juice: Can help restore blood sugar and provide vitamins, ideally diluted.

Fizz Foe vs. Fizz Friend: A Comparison Table


Feature	Sugary Fizzy Drinks (e.g., Cola)	Flavored Sparkling Water	Electrolyte Drinks (e.g., Coconut Water, Sports Drink)
Hydration	Low, due to diuretic caffeine and dehydrating sugar.	High; helps with rehydration.	High; rehydrates and replenishes lost minerals.
Stomach Impact	Can irritate stomach lining and increase acid production.	Gentle on the stomach; can be soothing for nausea.	Typically gentle; some sports drinks can be acidic.
Energy Source	Rapid, temporary spike from high sugar and caffeine, followed by a crash.	Minimal to none; relies on natural energy.	Sustainable energy from balanced electrolytes and some carbs.
Effect on Acetaldehyde	Mixed, with some anecdotal evidence of short-term relief, but not scientifically backed for all sodas.	No direct effect on acetaldehyde metabolism.	No direct effect on acetaldehyde metabolism.
Nutrient Repletion	Minimal nutrients; can deplete vitamins further.	Minimal nutrients beyond water.	Replaces key minerals lost through fluid depletion.

Conclusion: The Verdict on Fizzy Drinks for Hangovers

Fizzy drinks are generally not a magical cure for a hangover. While some studies suggest a specific drink like Sprite might offer a short-term benefit and the sugar/caffeine combination can provide a brief boost, the overall effect is often detrimental. High sugar and caffeine in most standard fizzy drinks worsen dehydration and stomach irritation. The best approach for a hangover is simple: rehydrate with water or electrolyte drinks, eat bland food, and rest. Skip the soda for true relief. For more on hangover symptoms, visit the Cleveland Clinic guide. Hangover Symptoms, Remedies & Prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, drinking Coke or soda water is not a cure. While soda can provide a temporary sugar and caffeine boost, its high sugar content and carbonation can irritate your stomach and worsen dehydration. A Chinese study suggested Sprite might help with acetaldehyde metabolism, but this is not a guaranteed cure.

The craving might stem from a combination of low blood sugar, which triggers a desire for something sweet, and a sensitive stomach that finds the carbonation temporarily soothing. However, this is more about addressing immediate cravings than promoting actual recovery.

Carbonation can be problematic for a sensitive or inflamed stomach. The fizz can cause bloating and further irritation, potentially making nausea and stomach discomfort worse.

Flavored sparkling water without added sugars can be a better choice, as it helps with hydration and provides a pleasant taste without the dehydrating effects of sugary sodas. A low-sugar ginger ale with real ginger might also help with nausea.

Sugar-free fizzy drinks eliminate the problem of excessive sugar, but they still contain carbonation that can irritate the stomach. Also, diet sodas may contain caffeine, which acts as a diuretic and is not ideal for rehydration.

Water is overwhelmingly the better choice. It directly addresses the core issue of dehydration without introducing problematic sugars, caffeine, or stomach-irritating carbonation. Electrolyte drinks are even better for replenishing lost minerals.

Mixing fizzy drinks with alcohol does not prevent a hangover and may, in fact, speed up the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream due to the carbonation.