Mixing different types of alcohol is common practice, especially among college students and young adults who are looking to get the most “bang for their buck” when they go out drinking. However, some alcohol combinations can be dangerous. Two of the most popular liquors – tequila and beer – seem like obvious choices to combine into cocktails or just casual mixed drinks. But is this a safe combination? Let’s take a closer look at what happens when you mix tequila and beer.
Can you physically mix tequila and beer?
The simple answer is yes, you can physically pour tequila and beer into the same glass and drink the resulting concoction. There is no chemical reaction that occurs when tequila and beer are mixed together that would physically prevent you from combining them. So in theory, you can create tequila and beer cocktails like the Mexican Bulldog (tequila, beer, and lime) or the Mexico City Iced Tea (tequila, rum, gin, triple sec, sweet & sour mix, and beer).
Techniques for mixing tequila and beer
If you plan to mix tequila and beer, here are some techniques to try:
- Pour tequila into a pint glass and top with beer
- Mix tequila with juices or other liquors first, then top with beer
- Float tequila on top of beer by pouring it slowly over an upside-down spoon
- Mix tequila with tomato juice or clamato juice for beer cocktails like the Mexico City Michelada
The possibilities are endless when it comes to physically mixing these two popular liquors into creative cocktails.
Is it safe to mix tequila and beer?
Just because you can physically mix tequila and beer doesn’t necessarily mean you should. Mixing alcohol types can lead to increased side effects and health risks. Here are some safety considerations when combining tequila and beer:
Increased alcohol content
One of the biggest risks of mixing alcohol types is spiking your blood alcohol level too high, too fast. Beer ranges from 4-6% alcohol by volume (ABV) while tequila is usually 40-50% ABV. Combining the high alcohol content of tequila with beer can lead to faster intoxication.
Differences in taste and carbonation
The distinct tastes and mouthfeels of tequila versus beer may make the combination unpalatable for some drinkers. Tequila has a strong, sharp taste that may clash with the bitterness of beer. And the carbonation in beer can create an unpleasant sensation when mixed with smooth liquors.
Increased drowsiness and nausea
According to Healthline, mixing alcohol types like beer and liquor can increase feelings of drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea compared to drinking one type alone. This is due to the different effects various alcohols have on the body.
Higher risk of hangover
Hangovers occur when you drink more alcohol than your body can efficiently metabolize. Mixing tequila and beer could lead to severe hangovers because it may be harder for your body to process the different alcohols.
Possibility of alcohol poisoning
At high enough levels, combining alcoholic beverages can increase the risk of alcohol poisoning, which occurs when binge drinking leads to dangerously high blood alcohol content. Mixing tequila and beer makes it harder to monitor your alcohol intake, raising poisoning risks.
Tips for safely mixing tequila and beer
While there are definite safety concerns, it is possible to smartly mix tequila and beer if you follow moderation and take precautions. Here are some tips:
Pace yourself
Sip your mixed drinks slowly. Don’t chug tequila shots then quickly follow them with glasses of beer. Drinking gradually gives your body time to process the alcohol.
Eat before and while drinking
Having food in your stomach helps slow alcohol absorption into your bloodstream. Eat a full meal before going out and snack on bar food while you drink.
Alternate with non-alcoholic drinks
Drink water, juice, soda, or another non-alcoholic beverage between tequila-beer drinks. This helps you sober up and stay hydrated.
Watch alcohol content
Stick to beer no higher than 5% ABV and tequila at 40% or less when mixing. Avoid high-proof tequila or malt liquor beers.
Don’t drive or operate machinery
Never drive or use heavy equipment when drinking tequila-beer cocktails. The combination can severely impair coordination and judgement.
Know your limits
Pay attention to how the alcohol makes you feel. Stop drinking if you experience extreme drowsiness, blurred vision, slurred speech, or nausea.
Signs of alcohol poisoning from tequila and beer
If you or someone you’re with experiences the following symptoms after mixing tequila and beer, it may be alcohol poisoning. Seek emergency medical attention immediately:
- Extreme confusion, stupor, or inability to wake up
- Vomiting repeatedly or uncontrollably
- Seizures
- Slow or irregular breathing (less than 8 breaths per minute)
- Hypothermia (low body temperature)
- Bluish skin color or paleness
Alternative alcohol combinations
If enjoy both the flavors of tequila and beer but want to avoid the risks of mixing them, consider these safer alcohol combinations:
Tequila cocktails
- Paloma – tequila, grapefruit soda, lime
- Margarita – tequila, triple sec, lime
- Tequila Sunrise – tequila, orange juice, grenadine
Beer cocktails
- Michelada – beer, tomato or clamato juice, lime
- Shandy – beer, lemonade or ginger beer
- Black and Tan – stout beer, pale ale
Low alcohol options
- Virgin margarita or paloma
- Non-alcoholic beer
- Soda, juice, sparkling water
The bottom line
It’s technically possible to combine tequila and beer into cocktails, shots, or other mixed drinks. But doing so can be risky if you aren’t careful. Pay attention to alcohol amounts, pace yourself, alternate with non-alcoholic beverages, and know your personal limits. Moderating your tequila-beer intake minimizes health risks like increased intoxication, nausea, hangovers, and alcohol poisoning. If in doubt, avoid mixing tequila and beer altogether and choose safer alcohol combinations instead.