Is it bad to mix wine and whiskey?

December 16, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, mixing different types of alcohol, such as wine and whiskey, does not inherently cause a worse hangover. The primary factor determining the severity of intoxication and next-day effects is the total quantity of alcohol consumed, not the specific combination of drinks.

Quick Summary

This article explores the myth surrounding mixing wine and whiskey. It addresses the science behind alcohol consumption, dispelling the notion that combining different types of beverages is uniquely dangerous. The text focuses on the true risks, such as total alcohol intake and the impact of congeners, offering guidance for safe and responsible drinking.

Key Points

Total Quantity is Key: The amount of alcohol consumed, not the specific mix of wine and whiskey, determines intoxication and hangover severity.
Congeners Affect Hangovers: Darker drinks like whiskey and red wine have higher congener levels, which can contribute to more intense hangover symptoms compared to clear spirits.
Order Doesn't Matter: The old adage 'beer before liquor' is a myth; your body processes ethanol regardless of the order of consumption.
Mixing Can Lead to Overconsumption: Switching from low to high-alcohol drinks can cause you to misjudge your intake and get drunker faster, leading to a worse outcome.
Mixing Flavors is an Art: In cocktails like the New York Sour, wine and whiskey can be combined successfully for complex and unique flavor profiles.
Moderation is Most Important: Practicing mindful and moderate drinking is the most effective way to prevent negative health effects, regardless of what you mix.

The Science of Alcohol: Is All Alcohol the Same?

At a fundamental level, all alcoholic beverages contain the same intoxicating compound: ethanol. This is the chemical that affects your brain and body, leading to intoxication. The body processes ethanol in the same way, whether it comes from a light beer, a glass of wine, or a shot of whiskey. The core chemical process remains constant. Therefore, the popular myths and old wives' tales that claim 'beer before liquor, never been sicker' have no scientific basis. The order in which alcoholic drinks are consumed does not alter how the liver metabolizes the ethanol. The primary reason people associate feeling sicker with mixing drinks is often linked to the speed and total amount of alcohol consumed. Switching from a low-alcohol beverage like beer to a high-alcohol spirit like whiskey can cause a more rapid increase in blood alcohol content (BAC), which can catch you off guard and lead to overconsumption.

The Role of Congeners

While the ethanol is the main actor, the side effects of drinking can be heavily influenced by other substances in your beverages called congeners. Congeners are byproducts of the fermentation and aging process that give alcoholic drinks their distinct flavor and aroma. Darker spirits and drinks typically have a higher concentration of congeners. For example, whiskey, and particularly darker whiskies like bourbon, have significantly more congeners than clear spirits such as vodka.

Here is a comparison of congener levels in common drinks:


Beverage	Congener Level (mg/L)	Example Impact on Hangovers
Vodka	Very low	Tends to produce milder hangover symptoms.
White Wine	Moderate	Lower congener content than red wine.
Wine (General)	High	Contains significant levels of congeners and tannins.
Whiskey	High	Can lead to more intense hangover symptoms.
Bourbon	Very High	Known for higher congener content, which may increase stomach irritation.

Mixing drinks with different levels of congeners can potentially increase overall congener intake, which can exacerbate hangover symptoms such as nausea, headaches, and fatigue. This is because the body has to process a wider range of these toxic compounds. However, once again, the quantity remains the most significant factor. An excessive amount of even low-congener alcohol will result in a worse hangover than moderate drinking involving high-congener spirits.

Potential Negative Outcomes

Mixing different types of alcohol doesn't create a unique, toxic chemical reaction in the body. The real danger comes from the increased likelihood of overconsumption. When transitioning from a 5 oz glass of wine to a 1.5 oz shot of whiskey, the amount of pure alcohol consumed per unit increases drastically. This can cause you to become intoxicated faster and potentially lose track of your total alcohol intake. The impaired judgment that comes with higher BAC can lead to poor decision-making and increased health risks. A few risks associated with excessive alcohol intake, whether mixed or not, include:

Higher risk of alcohol poisoning: Consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short time can overwhelm the system.
Increased dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, and drinking more of it accelerates fluid loss.
Gastrointestinal distress: Mixing different drinks, especially those with high congener content, can irritate the stomach lining.
Cardiovascular strain: Alcohol consumption increases heart rate and lowers blood pressure, putting a strain on the cardiovascular system.

The Art of Combining Flavors

For those interested in flavor exploration rather than intoxication, mixing wine and whiskey in small, controlled amounts can be done successfully, primarily in cocktails. The key is to carefully balance the distinct characteristics of each beverage. For instance, a smoky, peaty Scotch can be complemented by a full-bodied red wine like Syrah, while a sweeter, lighter whiskey might pair well with a semi-sweet white wine. Professional bartenders have created classics like the New York Sour, which expertly blends whiskey with a red wine float to create a complex flavor profile.

Responsible Drinking Is Key

Ultimately, whether you are having wine and whiskey on the same night or not, the most important aspect of drinking is moderation and awareness. The total amount of ethanol consumed, coupled with the cumulative effect of congeners, dictates your experience and the severity of your hangover. Pacing yourself, staying hydrated, and eating a meal before drinking are far more effective strategies for minimizing negative effects than worrying about the order or combination of your drinks.

Conclusion

Mixing wine and whiskey is not inherently bad or dangerous; it's a popular myth based on misinterpreted experiences of overconsumption. The amount of alcohol and the presence of congeners are the real factors that influence intoxication and hangovers. By focusing on responsible drinking habits, staying hydrated, and being mindful of your total intake, you can enjoy various alcoholic beverages, mixed or separate, without unnecessary risk. Learn more about responsible drinking practices and resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mixing different types of alcohol does not inherently make you get drunk faster. However, if you switch from a low-alcohol drink (like wine) to a high-alcohol drink (like whiskey) and maintain the same drinking pace, your blood alcohol content will rise more rapidly, making you feel more intoxicated sooner.

A hangover is not necessarily worse due to mixing drinks, but the type and quantity of alcohol are significant factors. Consuming different drinks, especially those with high congener levels like red wine and whiskey, can increase your overall exposure to these compounds, which may contribute to more severe hangover symptoms.

A congener is a minor chemical byproduct of the alcohol fermentation process. These compounds are responsible for much of the flavor and aroma of alcoholic beverages. Darker drinks, such as whiskey, red wine, and brandy, generally have more congeners than clearer ones like vodka.

The primary danger of mixing alcohol is the risk of overconsumption. It can be easy to lose track of your total alcohol intake when switching between different types of drinks, potentially leading to more severe intoxication, impaired judgment, and health risks.

Yes, it is generally safe to consume wine and whiskey on the same night, as long as it is done in moderation. The key is to monitor your total alcohol intake and stay hydrated. There is no specific toxic reaction that occurs from combining these two beverages.

To minimize hangover symptoms, focus on responsible drinking practices. This includes pacing yourself, staying hydrated by drinking water between alcoholic beverages, and eating food to slow alcohol absorption. Paying attention to your total alcohol quantity is far more effective than worrying about mixing drinks.

Yes, several cocktails successfully blend wine and whiskey. A popular example is the New York Sour, which features whiskey, lemon juice, and a float of red wine. These are typically crafted to balance the flavor profiles rather than for high alcohol content.