When you’re out with friends, trying to choose the perfect drink can be exciting, but sometimes, our choices can backfire.
Whether it’s a drink that leaves you feeling queasy, one that wrecks your stomach, or something that just doesn’t hit the mark, there are certain beverages that, in hindsight, we often wish we hadn’t ordered. While no drink is truly “bad,” there are a few that might not agree with your body or your mood the way you thought they would.
Here are 8 drinks that, for various reasons, you might regret ordering next time.
Sugary Cocktails
We’ve all been there: sipping on a brightly colored cocktail that looks refreshing and delicious. But that sugar-packed drink can hit your system hard. From sugary margaritas to neon-blue concoctions, cocktails with heavy mixers (like soda, syrups, or juices) can quickly spike your blood sugar, leading to an energy crash later.
That sugar overload can upset your stomach and leave you feeling bloated. Next time, try opting for a drink with fewer sugary mixers, or stick with something more classic like a vodka soda with a lime to keep things lighter.
Energy Drink Cocktails
Mixing alcohol with an energy drink is a trend you might have seen at parties or bars. While the caffeine from the energy drink might help you feel more awake, it masks the depressant effects of alcohol, making you feel less drunk than you actually are.
This can lead to you drinking more than your body can handle and cause you to feel sick or hungover afterward. Plus, the combination of high caffeine and alcohol is known to be a risky mix that can leave you jittery and dehydrated.
Blended Frozen Drinks
A frozen margarita or piña colada may seem like the ultimate tropical treat, but don’t let the ice disguise the reality of what you’re drinking. These frozen drinks are typically loaded with sugar, artificial flavorings, and a hefty dose of alcohol.
The sugar can lead to a sugar crash later, and the alcohol might sneak up on you faster than you’d like since you’re sipping it through a straw, making it easier to lose track of how much you’ve had. While they’re delicious in the moment, they’re not always the best choice if you want to avoid feeling sluggish later.
Caffeinated Alcoholic Drinks
Some drinks combine your favorite coffee with alcohol, like an espresso martini or a coffee-flavored liqueur with a shot of liquor. These drinks might give you that initial buzz of caffeine, but be warned, the caffeine in these drinks can mask the sedative effects of alcohol, leading to overconsumption and that dreaded feeling the next day.
Drinking too many of these caffeinated cocktails might have you feeling wide awake and buzzed, but they can also leave you more dehydrated and hungover than you anticipated.
Milkshakes with Alcohol
Milkshakes are a sweet, creamy indulgence, but throw in a splash of alcohol, and you might find yourself regretting the decision later. The combination of rich dairy and alcohol can sit heavily on your stomach, especially if you’re sensitive to dairy or lactose intolerant.
The sweetness might taste great at first, but all that sugar, dairy, and booze can cause bloating and an upset stomach. While it’s tempting to try a boozy milkshake as a novelty, it’s not the best choice for a long-lasting feel-good experience.
Too Much Beer
While beer is one of the most popular drinks, especially for casual hangouts or sporting events, it can quickly lead to regret if you go overboard. Beer is often heavier than other alcohols, and it’s easy to drink more than you planned when you’re having fun.
This can lead to bloating and discomfort, but it also tends to leave you feeling sluggish the next day. If you’re going to enjoy a few beers, pace yourself, and consider choosing lighter options to avoid feeling overly full or sluggish.
Exotic Shots
Exotic shots can sound tempting, who doesn’t want to try something colorful and fun, like a layered shot with rainbow hues or a mystery-flavor concoction? However, many of these shots are packed with artificial sweeteners, syrups, and high-proof alcohol, which can be hard on your stomach and lead to a quick, unpleasant buzz.
Not only can you end up feeling too tipsy too fast, but the heavy sweetness might give you a headache or make you feel sluggish afterward. Stick to the classic shots, like tequila, whiskey, or vodka, if you’re craving a quick sip.
Syrupy Mixed Drinks
Mixed drinks like sugary daiquiris or a classic rum punch are fun on vacation, but they often come with more sugar than your body needs. Too much sugar, especially when combined with alcohol, can cause a rapid spike in your blood sugar followed by a crash that leaves you feeling groggy.
These drinks might be sweet and easy to sip, but they can quickly lead to a sugar overload and unwanted side effects, especially if you’re consuming them throughout the night.
Conclusion
It’s important to enjoy yourself when you’re out with friends or relaxing at home, but it’s also essential to make mindful choices about what you’re drinking. Some drinks might seem fun or trendy in the moment, but they can quickly lead to discomfort, dehydration, or a nasty hangover.
Whether you’re trying to avoid a stomach-ache, manage your energy levels, or just keep your body feeling good, it’s smart to opt for drinks that you know will treat you right. So, next time you’re out, consider making a more thoughtful drink choice to avoid regret later.
