The short answer: dark, high-congener drinks like brandy, whiskey, and red wine tend to cause the worst hangovers, while clear spirits like vodka and gin are usually gentler — but how much and how fast you drink matters more than what's in the glass.
The congener factor
Congeners are compounds produced during fermentation and aging. They add flavor and color, but they also worsen hangovers. As a rough ranking from most to least congeners: brandy, red wine, dark rum and whiskey, then lighter spirits, with vodka near the very bottom.
The worst offenders
- Brandy and cognac
- Red wine
- Whiskey and bourbon
- Dark, aged rum and tequila
The gentler choices
- Vodka
- Gin
- White rum and blanco tequila
It's not just the type of drink
ABV, sugary mixers, how fast you drink, whether you've eaten, and how hydrated you are all shape the next morning — often more than the specific liquor. See the full list of what causes hangovers.
How to drink smarter regardless
Whatever you pour, you can cut the damage: eat, hydrate, pace yourself, and sip a Gush about 30 minutes before you start. Here's the prevention guide.
Always drink responsibly. This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.