Does Champagne Gets You Drunk Faster?

Ever wonder why champagne has consistently been the drink of celebration and important life events? Are you curious as to why it makes you forget your troubles and enjoy good times so quickly? Have you ever wondered what it is about the magic of those bubbles that makes every occasion a party when the cork is popped? Well, it might have something to do with rapid ethanol absorption.

A 2003 study out of the UK– and published in the journal Alcohol and Alcoholism, Volume 38, Issue 4, 1 July 2003— found that the carbon dioxide in champagne affected psychometric performance and blood-alcohol concentration.

Twelve subjects were part of the study and they consumed ethanol (0.6 g/kg body weight) both as bubbly champagne (champagne with it’s wonderful, tingly CO2) or flat champagne (champagne with the CO2 removed).

What they found is that champagne with it’s bubbles produced significantly greater blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) and significantly increased reaction times in a divided attention task, when compared with degassed champagne.

The theory is that the CO2 in champagne may accelerate absorption of alcohol, leading to more rapid or severe intoxication.

So, yes, champagne gets you drunk faster

Champagne DUI

If you’ve been arrested or cited for DUI after leaving a wedding or party, we may be able to help. Contact our office for a DUI consultation.