Happy hour is a time-honored tradition, offering a chance to unwind, socialize, and score some great drink deals after a long day. But not all happy hour drinks are created equal. Some cocktails and concoctions, while tempting in the moment, are notorious for leaving you with a pounding headache, queasy stomach, or worse, the next morning. If you’ve ever woken up regretting your drink choices, you’re not alone. Understanding which happy hour drinks are most likely to ruin your morning can help you make smarter choices and avoid the dreaded hangover. Here’s a practical guide to the nine happy hour drinks that almost guarantee a terrible morning, so you can sip smarter and feel better.
1. Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea is infamous for its potent mix of vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, sour mix, and cola. While it tastes deceptively smooth, this drink packs a punch with multiple types of alcohol in one glass. The combination of so many spirits makes it hard for your body to process, often leading to severe hangovers. If you want to avoid a rough morning, avoid this happy hour classic.
2. Margarita Pitchers
Margaritas are a happy hour staple, but ordering them by the pitcher can spell trouble. Many bars use pre-made sour mixes loaded with sugar and artificial flavors, which can intensify hangover symptoms. The high sugar content, combined with tequila, can leave you dehydrated and sluggish. Opt for a single, freshly made margarita instead of a bottomless pitcher to keep your morning headache-free.
3. Cheap Well Drinks
Well drinks—those made with the bar’s cheapest liquors—are a budget-friendly choice, but they often come at a cost. Lower-quality spirits contain more congeners, which are byproducts of fermentation that can worsen hangovers. Choosing well drinks during happy hour might save you money upfront, but you’ll likely pay for it with a rough start the next day. If you want to avoid a terrible morning, consider upgrading to a call brand or sticking to beer or wine.
4. Frozen Daiquiris
Frozen daiquiris are sweet, colorful, fun, and loaded with sugar and artificial flavors. The combination of rum and sugary mixers can spike your blood sugar, only to crash later, leaving you feeling drained and nauseous. Plus, the brain freeze from drinking them too quickly is just a preview of the headache you might face the next day. If you’re craving something fruity, try a classic daiquiri made with fresh lime juice instead.
5. Jägerbombs
Jägerbombs—shots of Jägermeister dropped into energy drinks—are a popular party starter, but they’re a recipe for disaster. The mix of alcohol and caffeine can mask your level of intoxication, leading you to drink more than you realize. This combination can disrupt your sleep and leave you feeling jittery and exhausted the next morning.
6. Sweet White Wine
Sweet white wines like Moscato or Riesling may seem harmless, but their high sugar content can contribute to dehydration and headaches. Many people also find that the sulfites in white wine can trigger migraines. If you’re sensitive to sugar or sulfites, stick to dry wines or alternate with water to minimize your risk of a terrible morning.
7. Whiskey Sours
Whiskey sours are a classic cocktail, but many bars use bottled sour mix instead of fresh lemon juice. These mixes are packed with sugar and artificial ingredients, which can intensify hangover symptoms. The combination of whiskey and sugar is particularly harsh on your system, making it one of the happy hour drinks most likely to leave you feeling awful. If you love whiskey, ask for your drink with fresh citrus instead.
8. Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a vibrant, Instagram-worthy cocktail made with vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade. While it looks fun, the artificial coloring and sugary mixers can wreak havoc on your body. The combination of cheap vodka and neon-blue liqueur is a surefire way to wake up with a headache and an upset stomach. If you want to avoid a terrible morning, skip the novelty drinks and choose something simpler.
9. Rum and Cola
Rum and cola is a happy hour favorite, but the combination of dark rum and sugary soda is a double whammy for hangovers. The caffeine in cola can dehydrate you, while the sugar and alcohol put extra strain on your liver. Dark spirits like rum also contain more congeners, which are linked to worse hangovers. Try rum with soda water and a splash of lime for a lighter option.
How to Enjoy Happy Hour Without Regret
Happy hour should be fun, not a ticket to a miserable morning. The key to avoiding a terrible morning is to be mindful of what you’re drinking and how much. Stick to drinks with fewer ingredients, avoid sugary mixers, and alternate alcoholic beverages with water. Eating a meal before or during happy hour can also help slow alcohol absorption and reduce hangover risk. Remember, moderation is your best friend when it comes to happy hour drinks that guarantee a terrible morning.
What’s the worst happy hour drink you’ve ever had? Share your story in the comments below!
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