Gin and tonic is one of London’s most beloved drinks. From quiet nights at home to vibrant evenings at cocktail bars with friends, someone will always be spotted with a gin and tonic in hand. But the refreshing highball of goodness can pack a powerful punch.
Gin, one of the main components of gin and tonic, is a distilled alcoholic beverage. Botanicals like juniper berries, almonds, cinnamon, or coriander seeds are often used to make it. But do not be fooled by its clear appearance because gin often contains around 40 per cent alcohol.
Here are some peculiarities that gin hangovers have.
Gin Hangover
When you consume any alcoholic drink in excess, it can lead to hangovers. Gins, with its 40+ per cent alcohol content, can get you there a bit faster than the rest.
A set of unpleasant symptoms as a consequence of overdrinking is referred to as a hangover. Here are some of them:
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Feelings of excessive thirst
- Hypersensitivity to sound
- Inability to concentrate
- Irregular or rapid heartbeat
- Light sensitivity
- Mood disturbances
- Shakiness
- Stomach pain, vomiting, or nausea
- Throbbing headaches
- Weakness
Why Do Gin Hangover Symptoms Occur?
Excessive consumption is the primary cause of hangovers. However, there are instances when people experience hangovers when they don’t drink as much.
Here are some of the factors that can trigger or worsen hangovers:
Dehydration
Consumption of juniper-based spirits dehydrates the body because one produces urine at a higher-than-normal rate. This causes an electrolyte imbalance associated with the morning-after effects of a night of drinking, including dizziness, weakness, and lightheadedness.
Stomach Lining Irritation
Consuming alcohol leads to vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and a hangover. This is because alcohol is introduced into the stomach, increasing stomach acid production and delaying stomach emptying.
Low Blood Sugar Levels
Drinking too much alcohol can result in a drop in blood sugar levels. When a person’s blood sugar levels go down too low, they may feel weak, fatigued, moody, and shaky.
REM Sleep Disruption
Alcoholic drinks can make people fall asleep. However, alcohol decreases REM sleep. This leads to nocturnal awakenings, leaving people tired and groggy in the morning.
Triggers Inflammatory Response
Ethanol is an active ingredient in gin. It just so happens that it can also trigger the immune system to produce chemicals that cause memory issues, appetite loss, and concentration problems.
Gin Threshold
There is no way to know precisely how much alcohol causes a hangover. It would depend on the person and situation.
However, here are a few factors that can influence the amount of alcohol needed to trigger a hangover:
Personal Tolerance
Different people have various alcohol tolerances. People who drink often may have a higher alcohol tolerance, meaning they can drink more alcohol before getting a hangover.
Gin Mix
When mixing alcohol with hydrating liquids such as soda water, the chances of experiencing a hangover after drinking one shot of gin are minimal. However, mixing gin with other alcoholic beverages will have an opposite effect.
Gin Ratio
Drinking a couple of gin and tonics in a bar is less likely to give people hangovers than taking pure shots of gin. The tonic water will dilute the drink and bring the alcohol content down a few notches.
Gin Hangover Prevention and Treatment
The best way to avoid hangovers is to drink responsibly. Consuming alcohol within your limit will prevent hangovers and give you a more enjoyable time overall.
But there are a few tips and tricks you can do to prevent and better manage a gin hangover.
- Eat before or when you drink
- Have gin-based cocktails than straight gin shots
- Consider drinking “hangover-free” gin
- Drink a lot of water and electrolytes
- Take a vitamin C tablet or capsule
Conclusion
Gin is an incredible spirit that provides a great base for many delicious drinks in cocktail bars. But remember that no matter how wonderful it may be, it’s alcoholic. Drink responsibly to enjoy it fully.
Jim and Tonic is a gin distillery with cocktail bars in London that offers delectable gin creations that you can now enjoy at home. Browse our shop today!
