Tips for Enjoying Champagne Without the Hangover Headache
Popping bottles and toasting with champagne is synonymous with celebrations and special occasions. But nothing puts a damper on the fun faster than waking up with a dreaded champagne headache the next morning. If you love bubbly but don't love the pain, here's what you need to know about the science behind those unpleasant post-drinking headaches and most importantly - how to prevent them!
What Causes Champagne Headaches?
Contrary to popular belief, champagne headaches have little to do with the type of wine itself. Rather, they are caused by drinking sparkling wines too quickly. The carbonation in bubbly wines like champagne, prosecco, and cava speeds up alcohol absorption. Drinking fast overwhelms your system, leading to rapid intoxication and the dreaded hangover.
The Role of Congeners
All alcoholic drinks contain chemical byproducts called congeners, with darker spirits like bourbon, whiskey and red wine containing the highest levels. Congeners are toxic compounds that can amplify hangovers. Clearer drinks like vodka, gin and champagne have fewer congeners, but are not free of blame.
Other Contributing Factors
Dehydration and low blood sugar also exacerbate next-day misery. Alcohol suppresses the production of an anti-diuretic hormone so we urinate more frequently. This dehydration causes headache and fatigue. Alcohol also stops the liver from releasing glucose, further plummeting blood sugar levels.
Tips to Drink Champagne Headache-Free
Luckily, armed with science-backed knowledge, you can fully indulge in champagne without the unpleasant after effects:
1. Sip Slowly and Steadily
This simple solution is effective if less fun. Take small 5-10ml sips and pace yourself. Rapid guzzling overwhelms your system. Keep it to 1-2 glasses per hour and you’ll handle the alcohol better.
2. Alternate with Water
Hydrating with water all night is clutch. Not only does water refresh your palate, but it prevents the dehydration that worsens hangovers. Alternate each glass of bubbly with a glass of still water.
3. Choose Wisely
Save super sec or extra dry styles for slower sipping. Opt instead for demi-sec or semi-sec, which contain more sugar that may alleviate pain. Make brut or extra brut your exception glasses.
4. Eat Before and During
Lining your stomach with protein, fat and complex carbs keeps blood sugar stable so there’s less alcohol spike and crash. Continue munching hors d’oeuvres while imbibing.
5. Stay Clear of Tylenol
It’s tempting to pop pain pills before passing out, but experts strongly advise against mixing alcohol and acetaminophen. Heavy drinking plus Tylenol damages the liver.
6. Limit Dark Spirits Before Bubbly
If enjoying a craft cocktail or glass of red wine, stop before switching to champagne or limit yourself to one glass. Following bourbon with prosecco is an easy cure for headaches.
7. Take Pre-Emptive Supplements
Popping vitamins and supplements before painting the town can help ward off pain. Vitamin B6, magnesium, milk thistle, ginger and prickly pear extract are great options.
8. Drink Electrolyte Beverages
Post-celebrating, chug electrolyte-infused drinks like sports beverages, broths or coconut water. Electrolytes speed hydration and can reduce headache intensity.
The Best Champagnes for Headaches
Peruse your local wine shop armed with knowledge on the least headachy bottles. Here are the best styles and brands to buy:
Chardonnay-Dominant Blends
Avoid blanc de noirs (white wine from red grapes) as they have more congential compounds. Instead choose blends with chardonnay grapes or made via champenois second fermentation.
Brut or Extra Brut
The driest champagnes have the least residue sugar. Aim for brut or extra brut rather than sweeter demi-sec options if headaches are a concern.
Smaller Producers
Boutique brands use more gentle hand-riddling vs. intensive mechanized riddling so their wines tend to be lower in congeners.
Top Low-Congener Brands
Consistently clean champagnes include Billecart-Salmon, Bollinger Special Cuvée, Pol Roger, Louis Roederer, and Lanson. While not headache-proof, these tend to be gentler options.
When to Be Concerned
Most champagne headaches subside within 8-24 hours and rarely indicate serious health issues. However, seek medical attention if pain is sudden and severe or accompanied by:
- Changes in vision
- Fever and stiff neck
- Nausea/vomiting over 12 hours
- Extreme sensitivity to light and sound
These can signal more serious problems like meningitis, alcohol poisoning or migraine.
The Takeaway
With knowledge of what causes bubbly headaches, smart champagne drinking habits can help you indulge without regret. Pace yourself, alternate with water, line your stomach, avoid darker drinks and acetaminophen, take preventative supplements, and hydrate post-celebrating. Choosing drier, small producer champagnes made with chardonnay grapes can also lessen your chance of pain. Follow these tips so you can ring in your next celebration with clear eyes and no throbbing head!
FAQs
Why do I get headaches after drinking champagne?
Champagne headaches are caused by drinking bubbly too quickly. The carbonation speeds up alcohol absorption, overwhelming your system and leading to headaches and rapid intoxication.
What is the best way to prevent headaches when drinking champagne?
The best ways to avoid champagne headaches are: sip slowly rather than gulping, alternate each glass with water, choose brut or extra brut styles, eat protein and carbs while drinking, avoid taking acetaminophen, and consider preventative supplements.
Do more expensive champagnes cause less headaches?
Price doesn't necessarily correlate with lower congener levels that lead to headaches. However, smaller champagne producers often use gentler hand-riddling methods resulting in fewer headache triggers than mass-produced commercial brands.
What should I do if I still get headaches from champagne?
If you still experience headaches despite preventative measures, consider avoiding champagne altogether. Opt instead for low-congener sparkling wines like proseccos or Spanish cavas which may be easier to consume without painful after-effects.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment