Do Certain Alcohols Make You More Hungover?

December 18, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, factors like congeners—chemical byproducts of fermentation—can influence hangover severity. But do certain alcohols make you more hungover than others in practice? The short answer is yes, though total consumption is still the primary factor.

Quick Summary

This guide explores the scientific reasons why some alcoholic beverages may lead to worse hangovers. It covers the role of congeners, the impact of drink color, and other factors that contribute to post-drinking malaise.

Key Points

Congeners are the key: Darker alcohols, like whiskey and red wine, contain more congeners, which are chemical byproducts that contribute to more severe hangover symptoms.
Clear is often better: Clear spirits such as vodka, gin, and light rum contain far fewer congeners due to a more extensive distillation and filtration process, typically resulting in milder hangovers.
Total intake matters most: While drink choice plays a role, the total quantity of alcohol consumed is the most powerful determinant of hangover severity.
Hydration and pacing are crucial: Drinking water between alcoholic beverages and slowing your consumption rate are effective strategies for minimizing dehydration and hangover symptoms.
Individual sensitivity varies: Some people may be more sensitive to specific ingredients like sulfites in wine, which can cause or worsen symptoms regardless of the drink's congener level.
Mixing doesn't necessarily worsen it: The belief that mixing different types of alcohol worsens a hangover is largely a myth; the total volume of alcohol is what matters.

The Science of Congeners and Your Hangover

The widely held belief that some types of alcohol cause worse hangovers is rooted in scientific evidence, primarily linked to compounds known as congeners. Congeners are chemical byproducts of the fermentation and distillation processes that give alcoholic beverages their distinct flavor, aroma, and color. These compounds, such as methanol, tannins, and fusel oils, are not found in pure ethanol and are believed to contribute to the severity of hangover symptoms, including headaches, nausea, and inflammation.

Research has consistently shown that darker, more aged alcoholic beverages contain significantly higher concentrations of these congeners than lighter, more purified spirits. This is because the purification process used to create clear liquors removes more of these impurities. For instance, a study comparing bourbon (high in congeners) to vodka (low in congeners) found that those who drank bourbon reported more severe hangovers, even when the amount of ethanol consumed was the same.

The Role of Distillation and Color

The degree of distillation plays a crucial role in congener content. The more a spirit is distilled and refined, the lower its congener concentration will be. This explains why vodka, a highly distilled and filtered spirit, is often associated with less severe hangovers. Conversely, beverages like whiskey and brandy, which undergo less rigorous distillation and are aged in wooden barrels, retain more of these compounds. The color of the drink, while not the direct cause, serves as a reliable visual indicator of congener levels. A dark drink is more likely to contain a higher concentration of congeners and other impurities.

Other Factors Influencing Hangover Severity

While congeners are a key contributor, other factors can also influence the intensity of a hangover, regardless of the drink type. The total amount of alcohol consumed is the most significant predictor of how bad you will feel the next day. The rate of consumption also plays a role, as drinking quickly leads to a higher peak blood alcohol concentration, which strains the body's ability to metabolize acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol breakdown. Dehydration, a well-known effect of alcohol's diuretic properties, also exacerbates common hangover symptoms like headaches and fatigue. Other considerations include mixing different types of alcohol, individual metabolism, genetics, and even sensitivities to specific additives like sulfites found in wine.

Comparison Table: Congeners in Common Alcohols

To better understand which drinks might leave you feeling worse, here is a comparison of common alcoholic beverages based on their typical congener content and color. This table serves as a general guide, but remember that specific brands and production methods can vary.


Beverage Type	Congener Content	Color	Potential for Severe Hangover
Vodka	Very Low	Clear	Low
Gin	Low	Clear	Low
White Wine	Low to Moderate	Clear/Pale	Low to Moderate
Light Rum	Low to Moderate	Clear	Low to Moderate
Red Wine	High	Dark Red	High
Whiskey (e.g., Bourbon)	High	Amber/Dark	High
Brandy	High	Amber	High
Dark Rum	High	Dark	High
Tequila (Reposado/Añejo)	Moderate to High	Amber/Golden	Moderate to High

Practical Strategies to Reduce Hangover Risk

For those who choose to drink, understanding the link between congeners and hangovers allows for more mindful consumption. Opting for lighter-colored spirits with lower congener levels can be a strategic choice for minimizing next-day misery. However, moderation is still the most effective strategy. Staying well-hydrated by drinking water alongside alcoholic beverages, eating a meal before drinking, and pacing yourself can all significantly mitigate hangover symptoms regardless of your drink choice.

Individual Differences and Sensitivity

It is also important to recognize that individual responses can differ. Some people may be more sensitive to specific congeners or other ingredients. For example, some individuals experience headaches after drinking red wine, which is often attributed to tannins or sulfites, not just the alcohol itself. Your body’s unique genetic makeup and ability to process alcohol and its byproducts also play a significant role. This is why some individuals report little difference in hangover severity between drink types, while others swear by a specific liquor that causes them less trouble.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the strongest predictor of a hangover is the amount of alcohol consumed. However, scientific evidence confirms that certain alcohols, particularly darker spirits with higher congener concentrations, can indeed make you more hungover than purer, lighter spirits. The color of your drink is a helpful general indicator, with clear liquors like vodka and gin typically being lower in congeners than darker options like bourbon or red wine. By understanding the science behind congeners and prioritizing moderation and hydration, you can make more informed choices to minimize the dreaded next-day effects. The only guaranteed way to avoid a hangover is to not drink at all, but for those who do, choosing lighter options and being mindful of your intake can make a noticeable difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

A congener is a minor chemical byproduct created during the fermentation and aging of alcohol. Higher concentrations of these compounds in darker spirits can slow down the body's metabolism and produce toxins that cause or worsen hangover symptoms like headache, nausea, and fatigue.

Generally, yes. Studies have shown that vodka, which is highly distilled and contains very low levels of congeners, causes less severe hangovers compared to whiskey and bourbon, which have high congener content.

No, the belief that mixing different types of alcohol is inherently worse is a myth. Scientific research indicates that the total amount of alcohol consumed is what primarily dictates hangover severity, not the combination of drinks.

Yes, as a general rule, lighter beers tend to have lower congener levels than darker beers. Choosing a light-colored beer or a quality, pure spirit is often associated with a less intense hangover compared to darker options.

Yes, you can get a hangover from any type of alcohol if you consume enough of it. The key factor is the dose of ethanol, which can cause dehydration and inflammation regardless of the beverage's color or congener content.

Sugary mixers can worsen hangovers for a couple of reasons. The sugar can speed up the absorption of alcohol, leading to a faster and more intense blood alcohol concentration peak. Additionally, some people might experience a sugar crash contributing to their overall malaise.

A headache from red wine is often attributed to compounds other than alcohol, such as tannins or sulfites. While not everyone is sensitive to them, these ingredients can trigger headaches in susceptible individuals.