5 Drinks to Skip If You Want to Avoid Hangxiety
Introduction
Some drinks just don’t play fair.
You go out for a good time, but the morning after, you’re hit with racing thoughts, regret, and a side of nerves—hello, hangxiety.
While any alcohol can contribute to those anxious feels, certain drinks are worse offenders than others.
From dark liquors packed with congeners to sugary cocktails that leave you crashing, what you choose to sip can make all the difference.
Want to avoid the worst morning-after vibes? Here are the top five drinks to skip if you’re trying to keep hangxiety in check.
What Is Hangxiety?
Hangxiety is the unpleasant mix of hangover and anxiety that hits the morning after drinking. It’s not just your typical headache and nausea; it’s that spiraling unease, racing thoughts, and second-guessing everything from last night’s conversations to your karaoke performance.
Sound familiar?
This happens because alcohol disrupts the balance of your brain’s neurotransmitters. The temporary buzz you feel while drinking is often followed by a rebound effect, where anxiety levels spike as your body works overtime to process the alcohol.
Combined with poor sleep, dehydration, and sugary mixers, hangxiety can turn a fun night into a morning full of regret.
The good news? You can dodge some of these effects by knowing which drinks are most likely to bring on the dreaded hangxiety.
Let’s break down the five worst offenders.
5 Drinks That Make Hangxiety Worse
Not all drinks are created equal when it comes to the dreaded hangxiety. Some are practically designed to amplify those morning-after scaries.
From high-sugar concoctions to caffeinated cocktails, here are the biggest culprits to avoid if you want to wake up feeling calm, not chaotic.
1) Dark Liquors: The Congener Culprits
If you’re reaching for whiskey, bourbon, or dark rum, you might want to think twice. Dark liquors are loaded with congeners—byproducts of the fermentation process that can make hangxiety worse.
These chemical compounds not only add to the intensity of your hangover but also mess with your body’s ability to recover, leaving you physically drained and mentally uneasy.
Looking for a better option? Swap the whiskey for a clear spirit like vodka or gin. These lighter liquors contain fewer congeners, making them a smarter choice for your next night out.
2) Sugary Cocktails: The Sweet and Sour Trap
Piña coladas, margaritas, daiquiris—delicious? Absolutely. Hangxiety-inducing? Unfortunately, yes. These sugary cocktails are a double whammy for your body: the sugar spikes your blood sugar, and the alcohol sends it crashing back down.
The result? You’re left feeling shaky, irritable, and way more anxious than you need to be.
Instead, opt for low-sugar alternatives like a vodka soda with fresh lime or a mocktail that satisfies your sweet tooth without the crash.
Your morning-after self will thank you.
3) Caffeinated Alcoholic Drinks: The Stimulant Sabotage
Espresso martinis and vodka Red Bulls might seem like the perfect pick-me-up, but they’re also a recipe for hangxiety.
Caffeine is a stimulant that revs up your nervous system, while alcohol is a depressant that can wreak havoc on your mood. Together, they create a rollercoaster effect that leaves you feeling jittery, anxious, and far from rested.
A better bet?
Skip the caffeine and stick to non-stimulant options. If you’re craving something bold, try a mocktail with a splash of cranberry and soda water—it’s festive, refreshing, and anxiety-free.
4) Red Wine: A Tannin Trouble
Red wine might feel like the sophisticated choice, but it’s not always kind to your nerves.
Packed with histamines and tannins, it can trigger headaches, disrupt sleep, and leave you feeling foggy and anxious. If you’re already prone to hangxiety, that cozy glass of cabernet might not be worth the aftermath.
Love wine but hate the worry?
Try switching to white or sparkling wine. These lighter options are often easier on your system and can keep the morning-after blues at bay.
5) Cheap Spirits: The Low-Quality Lurkers
That bargain bottle of vodka might save you some cash, but it could cost you your peace of mind. Cheap spirits often contain more impurities and congeners—those pesky byproducts of fermentation that can intensify hangovers and amplify hangxiety.
The lower quality means your body has to work harder to process it, leaving you feeling physically and mentally drained.
If you’re looking to drink smarter, invest in higher-quality spirits or opt for lower-alcohol alternatives.
Your head—and your nerves—will thank you in the morning.
Conclusion
Hangxiety might be the unwelcome guest at your morning-after party, but knowing which drinks to avoid can help you keep it at bay.
Dark liquors, sugary cocktails, caffeinated concoctions, red wine, and cheap spirits are the biggest culprits when it comes to amplifying those post-drinking jitters.
By making smarter choices—like opting for lighter spirits, low-sugar options, or even a festive mocktail—you can enjoy your night out without dreading the morning after.
Remember, it’s not just about what you drink but how you drink.
Sip mindfully, and let the good vibes roll.