Does drinking two different types of alcohol raise your BAC level?

Mixing different types of alcohol does not significantly affect your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) levels. The BAC is mainly determined by the total amount of alcohol consumed, regardless of the type of alcoholic beverage.

When you consume different alcoholic drinks, the body processes each type of alcohol in a similar manner. The liver metabolizes alcohol by breaking it down into simpler substances, and the rate at which this occurs remains relatively constant. Mixing drinks won't change the overall rate of alcohol metabolism or significantly alter your BAC level.

However, it's important to note that mixing different types of alcohol can have other effects on your body:

1. Increased Intoxication: Mixing drinks with different alcohol contents can lead to more rapid intoxication. For instance, if you switch from a lower-proof drink to a higher-proof one, you may feel the effects more intensely and quickly.

2. Impaired Judgment: Consuming different types of alcohol can affect your judgment and decision-making abilities. Mixing drinks may make it harder to recognize how intoxicated you are, increasing the risk of overconsumption and potential accidents.

3. Congeners: Different alcoholic beverages contain varying amounts of congeners, which are substances produced during fermentation and aging. Some congeners can contribute to feelings of nausea, headaches, and other symptoms after drinking, known as a "hangover." Mixing drinks with different congeners may increase the severity of these effects.

Overall, while mixing different types of alcohol doesn't directly raise your BAC level, it can still impact your body and lead to other negative consequences. It's important to drink responsibly, pace yourself, and be mindful of the amount and types of alcohol you consume, regardless of whether they are the same or different.