Liquor Laboratory

ll logo white
ll logo white

Does Carbonation Slow the Rate of Alcohol Absorption? (2024)

Does Carbonation Slow the Rate of Alcohol Absorption

Do you get drunk faster when you consume alcoholic drinks with carbonated drinks? Many believe carbonation dilutes alcohol concentration, but is it a fact or a myth? Does carbonation slow the rate of alcohol absorption or not? (2024) Read on to find out. 

Does Carbonation Slow the Rate of Alcohol Absorption? 

man drinking alcohol

No. Carbonation does not slow down but speeds up the alcohol absorption, making you get drunk faster.  

Carbonated alcohol gets you drunk faster than non-carbonated alcoholic drinks. As you drink carbonated alcohol, you will feel bloated because your stomach is distended from the bubbles. 

As you consume carbonated alcoholic drinks, the pressure in the stomach and small intestine forces the alcohol to be absorbed by the bloodstream quickly. 

Why Carbonation Speeds Up Alcohol Absorption 

Carbonation speeds up alcohol absorption because when we consume a carbonated alcoholic drink, the pressure inside the stomach increases. 

The pressure will force more alcohol into the bloodstream by the stomach and small intestine linings and speeds up the alcohol absorption. 

Without carbonation, alcoholic drinks with a low alcohol content will not get you drunk faster, especially if not consumed at a faster rate. 

What Happens When Alcohol Is Mixed With Carbonated Drinks 

3 glasses of alcohol

When the alcohol is mixed with carbonated drinks, it speeds up the rate of alcohol absorption. 

The carbonation increases the pressure inside the stomach, so when it is mixed with alcohol, the alcohol is forced into the bloodstream by the stomach lining, making you drunk quicker. 

Also, when alcohol is mixed with carbonated drinks, it improves the drink’s taste.

The taste profile makes you drink at a faster and higher rate, making you intoxicated quicker. 

How Does Carbonation Affect Alcohol Absorption? 

The carbonation will distend the stomach, and it will cause the alcohol to move quicker from your stomach to the small intestine. 

The stomach only absorbs about 20% of alcohol then the rest is absorbed through the small intestine. 

From your small intestine, the alcohol will enter the bloodstream and dissolve in your blood’s water. 

The blood will carry the alcohol throughout your body and will induce blood alcohol content to rise. 

Carbonation’s Effect On Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) 

Before you feel the effect of alcohol on your system, it is already in your bloodstream and causes your blood alcohol content to rise. 

As you consume carbonated alcoholic drinks, the alcohol is absorbed through the stomach and reaches the bloodstream. 

The alcohol does not have to go to the colon because the pressure pushes the alcohol into the bloodstream. 

Why Does Carbonated Alcohol Get You Drunk Faster? 

man holding alcohol

Carbonated alcohol gets you drunk faster for two reasons.

First, the carbonation creates pressure that forces the alcohol into the bloodstream by the stomach and small intestine. 

Second, carbonated alcohol is tastier and easier to drink, so you tend to consume it faster.

Combining the pressure, fast and high consumption, you will get drunk faster than you think. 

10 Facts of Does Carbonation Slow the Rate of Alcohol Absorption

Here are 10 facts about whether carbonation slows the rate of alcohol absorption:

  1. Mechanism: Carbonation in beverages can potentially slow down alcohol absorption by increasing pressure in the stomach, which may partially close the pyloric valve, delaying the passage of alcohol into the small intestine.
  2. Stomach Retention: The increased pressure from carbonation can cause the stomach to retain alcohol for a longer duration before it enters the small intestine, where absorption primarily occurs.
  3. Limited Impact: While carbonation may slow the rate of alcohol absorption, it doesn’t significantly reduce the total amount of alcohol absorbed into the bloodstream over time.
  4. Alcohol Content: The rate and extent of alcohol absorption are primarily influenced by factors such as the alcohol content of the beverage, individual metabolism, and stomach contents.
  5. Intoxication: Despite potential delays in absorption, consuming carbonated alcoholic beverages doesn’t diminish the overall intoxicating effects compared to non-carbonated drinks with the same alcohol content.
  6. Variability: The impact of carbonation on alcohol absorption can vary among individuals and may depend on factors such as stomach acidity, drinking habits, and tolerance levels.
  7. Mixing Effects: Carbonation in mixed drinks, such as cocktails containing carbonated mixers, may interact differently with alcohol absorption compared to straight carbonated alcoholic beverages.
  8. Moderation: Responsible alcohol consumption remains paramount regardless of the type of beverage consumed, including carbonated alcoholic drinks. Moderation helps mitigate the risks associated with alcohol consumption.

These facts highlight the complex relationship between carbonation and alcohol absorption, emphasizing the importance of informed and responsible drinking habits.

What Actually Slows Down The Rate Of Alcohol Absorption 

Based on the University of Notre Dame, food slows down the process of alcohol absorption [1]. 

People get drunk faster when consuming alcohol on an empty stomach because food prevents alcohol from passing faster into your small intestine [2]. 

Also, slower alcohol consumption and low alcohol content slow down the rate of alcohol absorption.

If you don’t want to get drunk fast, create a drinking pattern that will not get your BAC to rise quickly. 

FAQs Related to Does Carbonation Slow the Rate of Alcohol Absorption

Does carbonation increase alcohol levels?

No, carbonation does not increase the alcohol levels of a drink. However, it can increase the rate of your alcohol absorption.   

Why are alcoholic drinks carbonated?

Alcoholic drinks are carbonated for added tangy taste and sparkle and to prevent spoilage. 
The amount of gas the water absorbs increases as the temperature decreases and pressure increases.
Some will agree that carbonated drinks are tastier than non-carbonated drinks. 

Does drinking carbonated alcoholic beverages affect how quickly I get drunk?

Carbonation in beverages like sparkling wine, beer, or mixed drinks can potentially influence the rate of alcohol absorption in the body.

How does carbonation affect alcohol absorption?

Some studies suggest that carbonation may increase the rate at which alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to a faster onset of intoxication compared to non-carbonated drinks.

Does carbonation affect the overall alcohol content of a beverage?

Carbonation itself does not change the alcohol content of a beverage. However, it may affect how quickly the alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream, potentially leading to differences in perceived intoxication.

Is there scientific evidence to support the idea that carbonation slows alcohol absorption?

While some research suggests that carbonation may increase the rate of alcohol absorption, there is limited evidence to support the idea that it slows absorption.

Should I be concerned about drinking carbonated alcoholic beverages?

Moderation is key when consuming any alcoholic beverage, whether carbonated or not. It’s important to watch how much alcohol you drink and how it might affect how you feel and act.

Are there any health risks associated with drinking carbonated alcoholic beverages?

Drinking too much alcohol, even fizzy drinks with alcohol, can cause serious health problems like poor decision-making, liver damage, and higher chances of accidents or alcohol-related diseases.

Does mixing carbonated drinks with alcohol change how my body processes the alcohol?

Combining alcohol with fizzy drinks can affect how fast the alcohol gets into your system, but it can differ based on things like the kind and how much alcohol you drink, as well as how your body processes it.

Final Thoughts About Does Carbonation Slow the Rate of Alcohol Absorption

Carbonation does not slow the rate of alcohol absorption; instead, it speeds up the process. The carbonation will not dilute the alcohol concentration but makes the drink tastier.  

As you consume alcohol with carbonation, the pressure will force the alcohol into your bloodstream by the stomach and the small intestine. 

When pressure forces the alcohol to get into the small intestine, the alcohol will be quickly absorbed by the bloodstream, speeding up the rate of alcohol absorption. 

Also, since carbonated alcoholic drinks are tastier, you may not notice the rapid rate of consumption that may lead to faster intoxication. 

References:

  1. https://mcwell.nd.edu/your-well-being/physical-well-being/alcohol/absorption-rate-factors/ 
  2. https://www.healthline.com/health/drinking-on-an-empty-stomach 
Lumint ad Side Bar
Flex Ad Side Bar