Does Beer And Wine Mix? (Or Will It Make You Sick)

We all love a nice cold glass of beer or a tall glass of wine from time to time, but have you ever wondered if the two drinks mix?

You may have heard someone tell you that drinking wine and beer together or one after the other can make you really sick (and certainly really drunk!) — and you want to know the truth.

Well, the short answer is that drinking wine and beer together has no real different effect from mixing other drinks – but there is a lot more to it than that.

We’ve created a helpful guide for you to read through and know much more about the relationship between beer and wine, and whether there are any dangers!

So, read on for more!

Is It Okay To Drink Wine And Beer Together?

The short answer is yes! Drinking wine and beer together doesn’t cause any problems as long as you stick to sensible serving sizes and don’t drink too many at once.

It’s important to remember that alcohol isn’t just water when mixed with another alcoholic beverage, so you should never mix them in equal amounts.

This could lead to an unpleasant result such as getting drunk quicker, feeling hungrier, having headaches or even vomiting.

It’s also worth noting that some people find they get very drunk quickly when they mix wine and beer together.

This is despite the amount of alcohol in each drink being lower than if you were drinking them separately.

This does not make it a good idea to mix them though – always enjoy alcohol responsibly.

How Much Alcohol Is In A Glass Of Wine Or Beer?

When you buy a bottle of wine or a pint of beer, how much alcohol does it contain? Well, this depends on what type of alcohol it contains.

Wine is made up of three main types: red wine, white wine and rosé. Each of these has its own strengths and weaknesses.

Red wines tend to be stronger and darker, while whites tend to be lighter and sweeter. Rosés are somewhere in-between the two, often being slightly sweet and light in color.

Beer is made up of four main types: lager, ale, stout and porter.

Lagers tend to be lighter and less bitter than ales, stouts are heavier and usually stronger, and porters are somewhere in the middle.

All of these types of alcohol will have their own recommended serving size depending on your personal preferences.

For example, a standard serving of red wine is around 5oz (150ml), while a pint of beer is around 3.5oz (100ml) and a half pint of cider is around 4oz (120ml).

What Is The Old Saying About Mixing Drinks?

You may have heard the old wives’ tale of “beer before wine, you’ll be fine. Wine before beer, you’ll feel weird”.

This is similar to the saying of “liquor before beer, you’re in the clear. Beer before liquor, you’ll get sicker”.

Luckily, there’s no scientific evidence for either of these claims. However, it’s important to note that both statements do apply to mixing certain types of alcohol.

For instance, mixing vodka with rum makes you feel a bit tipsy, but not nearly as drunk as if you had been drinking straight vodka.

Mixing spirits with wine can also have a negative impact on your health, so we recommend sticking to one spirit per glass.

Beer Before Wine, Or Wine Before Beer – Is There A Better Choice?

While it’s true that mixing different types of alcohol can affect your mood, it’s also possible to drink wine and beer together without experiencing any side effects.

If you want to try out this combination, then you need to know which type of alcohol goes best with which other type.

The most common pairing is between red wine and beer. Red wine tends to go well with beers that are a little stronger, while lighter beers work better with lighter red wines.

However, it’s important to remember that even though these combinations are popular, they don’t necessarily mean that they’re the best choice.

It’s perfectly acceptable to try new things, especially if you like experimenting! Having said this though, drinking beer before wine might be possibly a little better.

This is because beer has a lower ABV normally than wine and means it’s less likely that you’ll misjudge the amount of alcohol you’re drinking (due to being drunk!).

Will I Get Sick If I Mix Beer And Wine?

The risk of getting sick from beer and wine is no different from mixing other drinks or drinking too much alcohol in general.

Drinking alcohol can lead someone to feel dizzy which can lead to vomiting, or overeating, etc. The risk of diarrhea is high when drinking alcohol because of the effects of alcohol on your colon.

So, when you mix alcohols, make sure to keep an eye on how many units of alcohol you’ve consumed.

Will I Get A Terrible Hangover By Mixing Beer And Wine?

A hangover is caused by dehydration, lack of sleep, and over-consumption of alcohol.

When you combine two different types of alcohol, you increase the chances of having a bad hangover.

When you mix alcohols, you increase the chance of having a hangover because:

• Alcohol dehydrates your body, meaning you lose water through sweating and urination. This causes your blood volume to drop, making you more susceptible to dehydration.
• Your body will metabolize the alcohol faster, causing you to become dehydrated quicker.
• You’ll probably consume more alcohol because you’re drinking mixed drinks instead of just one type of alcohol.

How To Avoid A Beer And Wine Hangover

To avoid a hangover after mixing alcohols, follow these tips:

• Start off slowly. Try starting with one unit of alcohol at a time.
• Don’t drink more than 2 units of alcohol in one sitting.
• Avoid drinking alcohol during meals as this increases the likelihood of feeling bloated.
• Avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach.
• Try not to drink for long periods of time.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Eat small amounts of food regularly.

Are There Beer And Wine Cocktails?

Yes. One example is the Black Velvet cocktail. It contains bourbon, brandy, and champagne.

Another example is the Whiskey Sour cocktail. It contains whiskey, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and club soda.

What Is The Name Of A Drink With Beer And Wine?

There is no specific name for this type of drink (unlike beer and cider mixture known as a Snakebite).

However, some bars or breweries may create their own name for their wine and beer creation, such as Midas Touch from Dogfish Head Brewery.

Can I Drink Beer And Wine On An Empty Stomach?

Yes, but there are risks involved. Drinking alcohol without eating anything first could cause you to get very hungry later.

Also, drinking alcohol while still digesting food can cause indigestion. So, if you want to have a beer and wine cocktail, eat something before you start drinking.

What Food Goes Well With A Beer And Wine Mixture?

Some food goes well with any alcoholic beverage, including beer and wine mixtures.

Some foods that go well with beer include cheese, nuts, pretzels, popcorn, and pizza. For wines, try cheeses, olives, nuts, crackers, and bread.

Should I Have A Beer And Wine If I’m Driving?

If you’re driving, it’s best to stick to beer only. It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol, but you can have a very small amount.

Therefore, you’ll want to stick to a drink with a very low ABV to ensure you are not unfit to drive.

However, if you want our advice – avoid any alcohol if you’re driving, or better yet – leave the car at home and call a cab.

The Bottom Line

Mixing beer and wine has no difference when compared with mixing other drinks. However, it’s better for you to just stick to one or the other.

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Andrew Carr

Hi, I’m Andrew Carr and I find beer fascinating. Not just drinking it (although that is a plus!) but everything about it. There is so much to learn - the fermenting process, the best glasses for each type, recipes to make at home… The list goes on!

I have been making my own beer for almost a decade now and I pride myself on my home setup. I’ve made sours, pale IPAs, stouts - you name it, I’ve probably made it in the comfort of my own home.

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