Here’s Why Mixing Diet or Sugar-Free Soft Drink with Alcohol Gets You Drunk Faster!

If you don’t mind partaking in an alcoholic beverage now and then, listen up, because the mixer that you choose to pair with your preferred spirit may be more important than you think! In fact, a study conducted at the University of Kentucky has proven that diet and sugar-free soft drink get you up to 25% drunker than their full fat version.

The study lead by Cecile A. Marczinski, an assistant professor of psychology, involved giving 16 volunteers vodka with regular lemonade, diet lemonade or a placebo over 3 seperate drinking sessions. A breathalyser showed that the breath alcohol of the participants that drank the sugar free mixer was up to an average of 18% higher than those who drank the regular soft drink, and was even as high as 25% in some participants. This could be of particular concern for someone who thinks they are staying under the alcohol limit and are intending to drive home. Whilst these people didn’t think they were more drunk, their reaction times were also slower.

So, the question that we’re all thinking is why does it make such a difference?

“Your stomach empties more slowly with sugar in your system,” explains Marczinski, ‘but when there is no sugar, the alcohol goes directly into your blood system. Drinking alcohol without any mixer probably would have the same effect as no sugar.”

That’s right! If you’re mixing Coke Zero or something similar in with your favourite tipple, the effect is similar to what would happen if you drank a straight shot! Eeek!

@drkarl DRINKING ALCOHOL WITH DIET SOFT DRINK MAKES YOU DRUNKER. Ever wondered why? Here’s the answer #getonthebeers #drkarlkruszelnicki #drkarl #shoey ♬ original sound – Dr Karl

So, what should we do?

“We know that higher alcohol levels are dangerous to your brain and liver, so keeping your alcohol levels in the moderate range should be more imp[ortant than trying to save 100 or so calories.,” explains Marczinski.

“Young women may be more vulnerable as they frequently use diet mixers with alcohol and they also restrict food intake when drinking to control calorie consumption and ultimately, body weight.”

So, there we have it! When it comes to alcohol, opting for the diet soda may not be the best idea after all! 

Drink responsibly.